⚠️ NHTSA SGO data: 3,979+ autonomous vehicle incidents reported through 2024.
Robotaxi Hit Me as a Pedestrian: Your Rights
If you were hit by a Waymo, Cruise, or other robotaxi as a pedestrian, you have strong legal rights. Autonomous vehicles must yield to pedestrians—failures indicate software defects creating product liability claims against the company.
Pedestrian Detection Failures
Per NHTSA Standing General Order data, autonomous vehicles have struck numerous pedestrians. Common failures include: jaywalking detection errors, crosswalk yield failures, night/low-light vision problems, and sensor occlusion from weather.
Why Pedestrians Have Strong Claims
- No comparative fault for AV detection failure
- Manufacturers must design for pedestrian safety
- Testing data shows known detection limitations
- Prior incidents establish pattern of negligence
The Cruise Settlement Precedent
A Cruise robotaxi struck and dragged a pedestrian in San Francisco, leading to reported settlements in the $8-12 million range. California DMV suspended Cruise's autonomous permit following the incident.
Product Liability Claims
Under strict liability, AV companies are responsible for: design defects (inadequate pedestrian detection), failure to warn (operating in areas with detection limitations), and negligence (deploying despite known risks).
Settlement Ranges
- Minor injuries: $50,000-$150,000
- Moderate injuries: $150,000-$500,000
- Serious injuries: $500,000-$3M
- Catastrophic/fatal: $3M-$15M+
✅ Hit by a robotaxi? Call (773) 839-6086 for a free case evaluation.