&gt; I understand the intent but I don&#x27;t know how that works within our current legal system and wouldn&#x27;t that encourage cheap, shitty-built cars since companies won&#x27;t need to be liable?<p>It works if you allow self-driving vehicle algorithms to be patented. You could then open them for public examination by  a government agency.<p>If the algorithm performed to regulation agency expectations, accident victims would still be compensated for losses without punitive damages exacted.