Autonomous delivery robots from companies like Starship, Amazon, and Uber now roam California sidewalks, sometimes colliding with pedestrians, blocking accessibility paths, and causing injuries. If you've been injured by a delivery robot, you have legal options against the operating company.
Autonomous delivery robots are increasingly common on California sidewalks, with companies like Starship Technologies, Amazon (Scout), Uber, and local startups deploying fleets of sidewalk bots to deliver food, groceries, and packages.
While convenient for some, these robots present hazards to pedestrians, particularly vulnerable populations like the elderly, disabled individuals, and children. Reports of delivery robot accidents are increasing as deployment expands.
Delivery robots cause injuries in several ways:
California Vehicle Code sections 21750-21757 regulate personal delivery devices (PDDs). Under these laws, delivery robots must:
Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times, not unreasonably interfere with traffic or pedestrians, display identification including operator contact information, be equipped with a braking system, and operate only on sidewalks, crosswalks, and shoulders (not roadways).
Violations of these requirements strengthen your legal claim against the robot operator.
Multiple legal theories support delivery robot injury claims:
If you've been injured by a delivery robot, take these steps:
Document the robot with photos, noting the company name and any visible serial numbers. Report the incident to local police. Seek medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries. Do not contact the robot company directly—let your attorney handle communications.
Our attorneys have experience with emerging technology injury cases and understand how to hold robot operators accountable. Contact us for a free consultation.
Yes. Delivery robot companies are responsible for the safe operation of their autonomous devices. If a robot collided with you, blocked your path causing a fall, or otherwise injured you, you can pursue claims against the operating company.
The delivery robot company is typically liable under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability. Some robots also have remote human operators who may share responsibility. Your attorney will identify all potentially liable parties.
Common injuries include trip and fall injuries when robots block sidewalks, collision injuries to pedestrians (especially children and elderly), injuries to people using wheelchairs or mobility aids who cannot avoid robots, and dog bites when pets react to robots.
Yes. Under California law, personal delivery devices must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, operate at speeds no greater than the average human walking pace, and not unreasonably interfere with pedestrian traffic.
Document the robot's identifying information (company name, serial number), take photos of the robot and accident scene, get witness contact information, report the incident to local authorities, and seek medical attention immediately.
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