Drone Delivery Legal Issues



Drones have recently begun delivering goods to consumers. However, there are some legal concerns regarding drone deliveries of products, such as the possibility of surveillance issues with drones and attached cameras, invasion of privacy with others in the area and complications with products delivered in this manner. The companies may need to resolve these conceivable problems before conducting widespread delivery in the United States.

Replacement of Delivery by Truck

Using a machine to replace human workers is a process that is increasing in the electronic age. However, there is no clear sign that drone deliveries will replace all of those accomplished by trucks. The supplemental deliveries may occur through the need to provide products to customers in remote areas or in places that are difficult to navigate when the delivery involves giving someone the product directly. Some drone shipments may require more money or a waiver of certain rights such as the right to privacy because of the delivery. For now, delivery by truck is still common since this allows a greater quantity and weight of goods to be delivered in a timely manner.

Possible
Injury to Others

Drones are not infallible. They are aircraft in a small section of the sky piloted by a person or software. Through global positioning technology, a drone can fly from one point to another and land at a predestined location. However, the drone may not recognize a threat or may see something as a threat that is not. This could lead to the drone landing on a person, crashing into an individual or cutting a person’s skin because the blades hit him or her. The injury is often more severe if the drone is close or falls from a great height. The drone could also cause damage to the property where it lands or delivers goods. This can end in a lawsuit against the company that uses drones for deliveries due to the injuries it causes.


Technology Defects

The drone used in deliveries may suffer from defective parts or design. When this happens, the device could fail to adequately take off, crash into something or even land on top of a person. These technological problems may be due to software or hardware problems. These problems could ultimately result in a legal claim being made against the company that deploys the drones to deliver its products.

Legal Issues in the State

Some companies are unable to make drone deliveries because the lawmakers have not approved companies using devices to take products to the buyer. However, as times change and state laws provide for these situations, the company owners may have a chance to use drones for some deliveries. The truck delivery option is still usually possible or necessary for certain locations or in inclement weather. When drones are in repair, truck delivery may remain the only option. The company may also need to consider other legal issues that can arise with these devices.

Permits and Licenses with the Delivery Drone

Other legal issues that may arise for the company involved in delivering products via drone include getting permits in some areas and licenses in others. Some of these problems start with hurdles the company owner must jump through in getting either a license or permit. The local area may require the company to have the permit ready by a certain date. If the owner files after this date, he or she may need to wait until the next period the city provides permits.

In other areas, the business will need a license to use a drone and to deliver products in this way. The state may hold this process up because only so many licenses are granted each year. The legal issues involved in getting a license also extend to the drones and getting production up and running. The permit process can cause delays that can lead to financial problems when the company offers drone delivery as an option but cannot provide this delivery method. The lack of a license can lead to further legal issues if the company goes ahead with the delivery option without complying with the law.

Legal Support for the Drone Delivery Company

A legal professional is often necessary in the business world to support the company as it extends its options to customers. The lawyer will need to assist with paperwork, explain what violations may occur and contact various entities to acquire the necessary license or permit. A lawyer can also provide insight about how to avoid possible violations.

Provided by HG.org

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication at the time it was written. It is not intended to provide legal advice or suggest a guaranteed outcome as individual situations will differ and the law may have changed since publication. Readers considering legal action should consult with an experienced lawyer to understand current laws and.how they may affect a case.

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