Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers | April 23, 2025 | Car Accidents

Self-Driving Delivery Cars

So-called “driverless cars”, “self-driving vehicles”, or “autonomous vehicles” have been gradually developing for decades. We seem to be approaching a tipping point, however, where within a few years the roads may be full of self-driving delivery vehicles. 

Several companies are making significant strides in the development of self-driving delivery vehicles in the United States. So, who is liable in the event of an accident, and how do you prove liability?

How Safe Are Self-Driving Vehicles?

Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggests that self-driving vehicles won’t eliminate most crashes. Nevertheless, research by Waymo indicates that self-driving cars are safer with respect to injury accidents, which are the accidents that trigger personal injury claims.

It’s important to keep in mind that technology is still developing when it comes to autonomous vehicles. In theory, they should become safer over time due to technological advances, but only time will tell for certain.

In 2016, Florida became the first state to legalize the use of fully autonomous vehicles on its public highways. The automated driving system is considered the legal operator when it is in use. Self-driving delivery cars must meet federal safety standards, however. 

Since Florida state law has harmonized the law relating to self-driving delivery vehicles throughout the state, you don’t need to worry that the Tampa rules for self-driving cars are different from the Miami rules. 

Who Is Liable for an Accident?

Personal injury claims and wrongful death claims involving self-driving vehicles can get complex. There are many potential defendants, including:

  • The vehicle manufacturer (product liability);
  • A parts manufacturer (product liability);
  • A software developer (product liability or negligence);
  • The human operator in Level 2 or Level 3 semi-autonomous vehicles (negligence);
  • The vehicle maintenance provider (negligence);
  • Data providers (GPS or mapping services product liability);
  • The party responsible for road infrastructure (typically a negligent government); and/or
  • A company like Amazon that is operating a fleet of delivery vehicles (negligence or vicarious liability).

A skilled personal injury lawyer will seek a “deep pockets” defendant who can afford to pay a large judgment. Delivery companies are typically very well-insured.

Challenges With Self-Driving Delivery Vehicles

The rise of self-driving vehicles promises increased efficiency, but also introduces issues regarding safety and legal responsibility in specific operational contexts. Delivery drivers, for example, must deal with frequent stops, interactions in diverse environments like residential streets and commercial loading docks, and time-sensitive schedules. All of these factors generate unique challenges.

Accident Reconstruction for Delivery Vehicles

You might need an expert witness to reconstruct an accident involving a self-driving delivery car. The car’s event data recorder, which records crash data such as speed and braking, should serve as critical evidence. You might also need to analyze data related to delivery schedules, GPS routes, and package handling.

What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident With a Self-Driving Delivery Car

Take the following steps at the scene of the accident:

  • Move all vehicles to a safe location so there is no second accident;
  • Get contact and insurance details of the other driver, if there is one (this is a legal requirement for most crashes in Florida);
  • Obtain contact details for any witnesses, including passengers;
  • Photograph anything that might be useful as evidence, including company logos and fleet markings;
  • Note the self-driving vehicle’s identifying information if you can find it (it is probably on the exterior of the vehicle); and
  • Document sensor locations and camera placements if you can.

When you get home, promptly contact your insurance company and a Florida car accident attorney.

An Experienced Car Accident Attorney Can Make All the Difference

A Florida self-driving car accident can generate a large claim for damages. This is especially likely if the defendant is a large delivery company like Amazon. The higher the damages claim, the harder the defendant will fight to win. And the harder the defendant fights to win, the more you will need a car accident lawyer. 

Don’t worry about money. Almost all personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning you only pay attorney’s fees if you win compensation.

Contact the Clearwater Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Clearwater. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500