Delivery Robot Accident Lawsuit: Your Rights

Sidewalk delivery robots from Starship, Nuro, Serve Robotics, and others are expanding across American cities and campuses. When these autonomous machines cause injuries, victims have legal rights under product liability, negligence, and premises liability theories.

The Delivery Robot Injury Problem

Virginia Tech Transportation Institute crash testing revealed delivery robots traveling at normal sidewalk speeds create 50% probability of serious chest injury when striking children. Elderly pedestrians face trip-and-fall hazards.

Legal Theories for Robot Injuries

• Product liability: Defective sensors, navigation software, or design
• Negligence: Inadequate testing, training, or monitoring
• Premises liability: Property owner allowed hazardous robot operations
• ADA violations: Blocking accessible pathways

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Multiple parties may share responsibility: robot manufacturer (Starship, Nuro), software developer, deploying company (restaurant, retailer), property owner (university, shopping center), city that permitted operations.

ADA Accessibility Claims

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, sidewalks must remain accessible. Robots blocking wheelchair paths, forcing pedestrians into streets, or creating tripping hazards violate federal accessibility requirements.

Building Your Case

Critical evidence includes: photographs of the robot and injury scene, robot identification number, witness statements, medical records, 911/police reports, and university/city robot permit applications.

Settlement Expectations

• Trip and fall (minor): $10,000-$40,000
• Moderate collision injuries: $40,000-$150,000
• Fractures and head trauma: $150,000-$500,000
• Permanent disability: $500,000+