Robotics is altering our daily lives, from delivery services becoming more automated to increasing access to transit and decreasing the likelihood of human error on the road. With self-driving shuttles and robots that deliver goods down the sidewalk, they promise consumers convenience and efficiency. But, like with any new tech, accidents can and do occur. If you have been injured by one of these machines, it is important that you know your rights. The law is still catching up to the reality of artificial intelligence on the road, heightening the importance of legal guidance.
At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we’ve helped the victims of challenging personal injury suits recover millions and millions. We fight to get you paid!
What Types of Autonomous Vehicles Are Involved in Injury Cases?
Injury incidents involving autonomous systems typically fall into two broad categories:
- Delivery robots, which operate on sidewalks and in parking lots
- Autonomous shuttles, used for short-distance public transport
They both make use of cameras, LIDAR, GPS, and AI to find their way about. However, delivery robot injury lawsuits have already appeared as real-world rollouts reveal problems — including software bugs, sensor blind spots, and the inability to anticipate human behavior — despite manufacturers’ claims of safety advantages.
In 2023 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 605 crashes with automated vehicles in a span of 12 months, more than 18% resulting in pedestrian injuries. These numbers will increase as deployment expands.
Who Is Liable in a Delivery Robot Injury Lawsuit?
A major challenge in these cases is determining who’s at fault. Unlike human-operated vehicles, the liable party may not be behind the wheel—but behind the code.
Several parties may bear responsibility:
- The manufacturer – if a defect in design or construction caused the incident
- The software developer – if flawed code or navigation logic led to the injury
- The property owner – if environmental conditions (e.g., uneven sidewalks) contributed to the crash
- The operating company – if the robot was not properly maintained or monitored
Under Florida law, liability may fall under traditional product liability or premises liability statutes. In a delivery robot injury lawsuit, for instance, if the injury occurred due to a sidewalk obstruction that caused a robot to veer off course, Florida Statute §768.0755 may apply to hold the property owner accountable.
What Happens in an Autonomous Vehicle Accident in Florida?
The legal issues around self-driving cars are similar to those of delivery robots, and a delivery robot injury lawsuit can involve many of the same challenges — including questions about how these machines might get in your way on the street. If you get hit by a driverless shuttle, the injury is likely to be even more serious and the insurance disputes even more complex.
Under Florida Statute §316.85(2), a PDV may lawfully operate on any public road in this state, including operating without the presence of a human driver inside the vehicle. But it does not excuse culpability. Yet companies still must make sure their vehicles are safely operating, or risk being held responsible.
An autonomous car accident Florida claim may depend on the following factors:
- Whether the vehicle violated traffic laws
- Whether its sensors failed to detect a pedestrian or object
- Whether human monitoring protocols were ignored
- Whether software updates were properly maintained
Given the novelty of this legal area, it’s crucial to work with a personal injury lawyer who understands the intersection of AI, technology, and tort law.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured by a Delivery Robot or Driverless Shuttle?
If you’re hit by a robot or autonomous shuttle, take these steps to protect your rights and maximize your recovery:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even minor symptoms can evolve into serious conditions. Prompt treatment also documents your injuries for legal purposes.
- Photograph everything. Capture images of the robot or vehicle, surrounding area, road signs, lighting conditions, and your injuries.
- Obtain witness contact information. Third-party statements can strengthen your case and provide unbiased accounts of the incident.
- File a police report. Law enforcement will document the event. Request a copy for your attorney.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer. The sooner you consult legal counsel, the sooner they can begin preserving evidence, securing surveillance footage, and building your case.
Can You Sue a Company for an Autonomous Vehicle Injury?
Yes. If your injuries were the result of negligence or product deficiency, an accident lawsuit involving a delivery robot or vehicle could secure you damages. Civil recovery in the form of a personal injury lawsuit is available under Florida law when a person has been hurt at the hands of someone else’s negligent behavior.
The Florida Supreme Court has upheld in West v. Caterpillar Tractor Co., Inc., 336 So. 2d 80 (Fla. 1976) that manufacturers are liable for placing defective products into consumer use. In a case involving automated delivery devices or autonomous vehicles, this principle may extend to both physical hardware and embedded software systems.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Robot or Shuttle Accident?
Depending on the severity of your injuries and liability determination, you may recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitation or home care costs
- Punitive damages, in egregious cases
As autonomous technology continues to evolve, so do the potential legal remedies for injured parties.
What If You Were Partially At Fault?
In Florida, the state operates on a modified comparative negligence system, per Florida Statute §768.81. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault, you’re still able to collect damages — but the total will be reduced by your share of the blame.
One potentially could be shared liability when a pedestrian didn’t notice the blinking warning light on a delivery robot but the robot also failed to stop. Payette, Your personal injury attorney can help demonstrate that most of the fault falls on the technology operator or manufacturer.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help With Your Case?
Autonomous vehicle claims require unique legal expertise. A qualified attorney can:
- Investigate whether negligence, defects, or software failures caused the accident
- Work with engineers or accident reconstructionists to interpret vehicle data
- Analyze liability across multiple parties: vendors, property managers, and tech firms
- Preserve video or black-box data before it is erased or overwritten
- Negotiate with insurers and corporate legal teams
At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we bring the experience and aggressive representation necessary to tackle cutting-edge cases. We’ve recovered millions and millions for injured clients—and we fight to get you paid!
Is There a Deadline to File a Delivery Robot Injury Lawsuit?
Yes. Under Florida Statute §95.11, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, you should act quickly. In tech-related cases, evidence such as surveillance footage, sensor logs, or error codes may be automatically deleted after a short period.
By contacting an attorney immediately, you increase your chances of preserving crucial data and securing fair compensation.
What Trends Are Emerging With Delivery Robots and Liability?
As an increasing number of delivery bots and driverless shuttles venture onto Florida’s streets and sidewalks, lawmakers in the state are starting to adjust. In 2019, the Autonomous Vehicle Act (HB 311) was enacted, effectively making driverless vehicles without a human passenger legal to operate. But definite provisions on the claims for damages, saving of data and technical requirements have yet to be formulated.
Simultaneously, insurers are formulating novel policies to cover liability for software-ridden vehicles. The reason these changes matter to personal injury victims is that they need legal advocates who understand the new tech and all fact aspects of traditional tort law.
Why Choose Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys?
If you’ve been injured by a delivery robot or autonomous shuttle in Florida, don’t leave your future to chance. We’re here to protect your rights, fight corporate negligence, and secure the compensation you deserve.
- Millions and millions recovered for injury victims
- No fee unless we win your case
- Expert attorneys in personal injury and autonomous technology claims
- Personalized support through every stage of the case
We fight to get you paid!
What Should You Do Right Now?
- Get medical care immediately—even if you feel okay
- Save all receipts, hospital bills, and time-off documentation
- Do not sign any documents from insurers or companies before speaking to a lawyer
- Contact Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation
We’re ready to fight on your behalf. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing.
Recommended reading
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Automated Vehicle Safety
- Who Can You Sue If You’re Hit by a Delivery Truck in Florida?
- Why Do Black Box Downloads Serve as Essential Data Recovery Tools Following Motor Vehicle Accidents?
- Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer after a Florida Truck Accident Injury
- Wrong Way Driver Charged With DUI in Tampa
- You were rear-ended by an out-of-state driver, now what?
