Big auto and tech companies are confronting obstacles that hinder deployment of self-driving passenger vehicles, particularly how to handle liability when accidents happen.

Consider the conundrums that self-driving vehicles pose for insurance regarding who is at fault and how restitution is handled. Under the current system for dealing with accidents, investigators apportion blame by determining drivers’ negligence or determining whether they failed to exercise care. Drivers are generally required to have insurance, and their carriers pay damages accordingly.