There’s a lot to unpack in the quoted passage, but it is not an ad hominem attack. That you think it is, and then turn around to make an ad hominem argument of your own explains your misinterpretation.
If anything this will turn out to be the opposite of the truth: People hit by autonomous cars will have more to go after in court than those hit by individuals, many of whom don't have adequate coverage or savings to compensate victims. The minimum "bodily harm" insurance coverage in California is only $15,000.