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San Francisco Robotaxi & Robot Injury Claims

San Francisco: Robotaxi & Robot Injury Legal Resources
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San Francisco is ground zero for the autonomous vehicle revolution—and for the legal questions it creates. With Waymo operating at scale, Cruise suspended after a serious pedestrian incident, and delivery robots navigating crowded sidewalks, residents face new risks that traditional traffic law never anticipated.

The Robotaxi Landscape in San Francisco
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San Francisco hosts the most concentrated robotaxi operations in the country. The city’s dense urban environment, complex traffic patterns, and diverse road conditions make it both an ideal testing ground and a high-risk environment.

Waymo Operations
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Waymo has established San Francisco as one of its primary markets, operating hundreds of fully autonomous vehicles throughout the city. As of late 2025:

  • Waymo vehicles are involved in 696 reported incidents to NHTSA between 2021 and 2024
  • The company reports 91% fewer crashes causing serious injuries compared to human drivers
  • An ongoing NHTSA investigation covers 22 reports of unexpected robotaxi maneuvers
  • In January 2025, a Waymo was involved in San Francisco’s first fatal collision involving a truly driverless vehicle (though Waymo was not at fault)

Recent incidents in San Francisco include a December 2025 case where a Waymo struck an unleashed dog, reigniting the safety debate. In February 2024, crowds vandalized and set fire to a Waymo robotaxi during Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown.

The Cruise Shutdown
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The Cruise robotaxi program came to an abrupt halt in October 2023 following a serious pedestrian injury:

  • October 2, 2023: A Cruise vehicle struck a jaywalking pedestrian who had been hit by another car, then dragged her 20 feet while attempting to pull over
  • The vehicle’s software mischaracterized the collision as a side-impact, leading to the dangerous maneuver
  • California DMV suspended all Cruise operations after determining the company withheld video footage
  • Cruise recalled all 950 vehicles and initiated a third-party safety review
  • The company was fined $112,500 by the CPUC for withholding information
  • By November 2023, CEO Kyle Vogt resigned, executives departed, and Cruise laid off nearly 25% of staff
  • In December 2024, GM announced it was shutting down Cruise’s robotaxi operations entirely

Delivery Robots in San Francisco
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San Francisco maintains some of the nation’s strictest regulations on sidewalk delivery robots. The city limits companies to three robots each, with a total of nine robots citywide, confined to industrial areas with minimal pedestrian traffic.

These restrictions stem from concerns about:

  • Pedestrian safety, particularly for seniors, children, and people with disabilities
  • Sidewalk congestion in dense urban neighborhoods
  • Right-of-way conflicts with wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges

Despite these limits, companies like Starship and Kiwibot continue delivery operations in permitted areas.

California Autonomous Vehicle Law
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California has one of the most developed regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles in the country. Key points for injury victims:

Multiple Regulatory Bodies
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  • California DMV oversees testing and deployment permits
  • California PUC regulates commercial passenger services
  • NHTSA maintains federal oversight and recall authority

Liability Framework
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California applies strict product liability principles to defective products, including autonomous vehicles. If a robotaxi’s software or hardware is defectively designed or manufactured, the company may be liable regardless of negligence.

Negligence claims may also apply when:

  • Operators fail to properly maintain vehicles
  • Companies deploy vehicles in conditions they know are unsafe
  • Safety drivers (where present) fail to intervene appropriately

Statute of Limitations
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In California, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, claims against government entities have shorter deadlines.

Who Can Be Held Liable?
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Robotaxi and delivery robot injuries may involve multiple potentially liable parties:

Vehicle Manufacturers
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Companies like Waymo, Cruise (GM), and others may be liable for:

  • Design defects in autonomous driving systems
  • Manufacturing defects in sensors, cameras, or computing hardware
  • Failure to warn about known risks or limitations

Software Developers
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The AI and software systems that control autonomous vehicles represent a new frontier in product liability. Claims may target:

  • Defective perception systems that fail to recognize pedestrians
  • Flawed decision-making algorithms
  • Inadequate testing before deployment

Operating Companies
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Companies operating robotaxi services may face liability for:

  • Negligent deployment in unsafe conditions
  • Inadequate safety protocols
  • Failure to respond appropriately to known hazards

Third Parties
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Depending on circumstances, liability may also extend to:

  • Component suppliers
  • Mapping and infrastructure data providers
  • Companies whose vehicles interact with autonomous systems

Steps to Take After a Robotaxi Injury in San Francisco
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If you’ve been injured by a robotaxi or delivery robot in San Francisco:

1. Document the Scene
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  • Take photos and videos of all vehicles involved
  • Note the vehicle’s company branding (Waymo, Cruise, etc.)
  • Record the location, time, and weather conditions
  • Get contact information from witnesses

2. Seek Medical Attention
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Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and medical records establish the connection between the incident and your injuries.

3. Report the Incident
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  • File a police report
  • Report to the California DMV if an autonomous vehicle was involved
  • Consider filing a complaint with the California PUC

4. Preserve Evidence
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  • Keep all medical records and bills
  • Save any communication with the robotaxi company
  • Don’t repair or dispose of damaged property without documenting it

5. Consult an Attorney
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Autonomous vehicle cases involve complex questions of technology, regulation, and liability. An attorney experienced in this emerging area can help identify responsible parties and navigate the legal process.

Challenges in San Francisco AV Cases
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Robotaxi injury cases present unique challenges:

Data Access
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Autonomous vehicles generate massive amounts of data about every trip. Accessing this data—including sensor logs, camera footage, and decision-making records—often requires legal action and technical expertise.

Proving Fault
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When a vehicle has no driver, traditional accident investigation methods don’t apply. Proving what the vehicle’s systems perceived, how they interpreted it, and why they made particular decisions requires specialized knowledge.

Multiple Jurisdictions
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Federal, state, and local regulations all apply to autonomous vehicles. Cases may involve navigating multiple regulatory frameworks simultaneously.

Evolving Law
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Courts are still developing legal frameworks for autonomous vehicle liability. Outcomes may depend on how judges interpret existing product liability and negligence principles in this new context.

San Francisco Resources
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  • San Francisco Police Department: File accident reports at local stations
  • California DMV Autonomous Vehicles Branch: Report AV-involved incidents
  • San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency: Information on local traffic regulations
  • California Public Utilities Commission: Complaints about commercial AV services

Related Information#

This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Autonomous vehicle law is rapidly evolving. Consult with qualified legal professionals to understand your rights in specific situations.