Food Delivery Robots and Accident Liability in Hollywood
Electric delivery robots are becoming a familiar sight in Los Angeles—especially in busy neighborhoods like Hollywood. Serve Robotics, a leading company in this space, operates autonomous food delivery robots that cruise down sidewalks, cross intersections, and share space with pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. But what happens if you accidentally collide with one?
If you were involved in an accident with a Serve Robotics delivery bot—whether while driving, biking, or walking—you might be facing unexpected injuries, damage, and a lot of questions. Here’s what you need to know about your rights and what steps to take next.
Are These Robots Actually Causing Accidents?
Yes. While Serve Robotics bots are designed to operate safely and autonomously, that doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen. Some common scenarios include:
A delivery robot entering the street without warning, causing a driver to swerve or crash
A bot blocking a sidewalk, causing a pedestrian to trip or fall
A robot malfunctioning or stalling in a crosswalk, creating a hazard
Even though these machines are small and slow-moving, they can still cause real harm—and when they do, figuring out who’s responsible can get complicated.
Who’s Liable If You Hit a Delivery Robot?
In California, liability depends on who was negligent. If the Serve Robotics bot malfunctioned or was operating in a way that violated local safety rules, the company may be held responsible. On the other hand, if a driver or cyclist was distracted or reckless, they could be partially at fault.
Key questions that affect liability:
Was the robot following city guidelines?
Did it enter the roadway suddenly or unexpectedly?
Was the pedestrian, driver, or cyclist behaving safely?
Was there enough visibility or signage in the area?
California uses a comparative negligence system, meaning more than one party can share responsibility for an accident. That’s why having an attorney investigate your case is so important.
What to Do After an Accident with a Delivery Bot
Document the Scene
Take photos of the Serve Robotics bot, any damage, your injuries, and where the accident happened.
Get Medical Attention
Even minor injuries can worsen over time. A medical evaluation creates a record that can support your claim.
Report the Incident
Notify local authorities and file a report if there’s property damage or injury. Also, try to identify the delivery robot’s company—usually displayed on the bot.
Avoid Speaking to Serve’s Legal Team Without a Lawyer
The company may reach out quickly. Politely decline to comment until you’ve spoken with a personal injury attorney.
Why You Should Speak With a Lawyer
Serve Robotics and other autonomous delivery companies are backed by legal teams and insurance policies designed to protect their interests—not yours. If you’ve been hurt or suffered property damage, a personal injury attorney can:
Investigate the robot’s path, programming, and any technical malfunctions
Request surveillance or bot footage that may prove fault
Negotiate a fair settlement for medical bills, vehicle repairs, or lost wages
Represent you if the case goes to court
Injured in a Delivery Robot Accident in Hollywood? Let’s Talk.
If you were injured in a collision with a Serve Robotics bot in Hollywood or anywhere in Los Angeles, Crowley Law PC is here to help. We’re experienced in handling emerging tech-related injury claims—and we’ll fight to make sure you’re treated fairly.
Here to make it right when you’ve been wronged!
Crowley Law PC
