New Data From The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Shows Tesla Auto Pilot Involved In Far More Crashes Than Previously Understood
FREEMONT, CALIFORNIA (June 10, 2023) – A new report from the Washington Post has revealed that Tesla vehicles in Autopilot mode were involved in at least 736 crashes since 2019.
A total of 17 of these crashes involved one fatality. One incident mentioned a school bus that stopped by the side of the road with its lights on and stop sign on.
A Tesla Model Y in autopilot mode failed to slow down and hit a 17-year-old child. There are also numerous reports of Teslas engaging in “phantom braking.” This occurs when a Tesla brakes for no reason.
People are blaming some of the accidents on some being too trusting of the technology. Despite what the name might suggest, a Tesla vehicle in “Autopilot” is not capable of driving by itself.
Liability For Tesla Car Accidents
Every single Tesla created after the original Roadster has come with a version of Tesla’s Autopilot software. Autopilot can apply the brakes, accelerate, change lanes and keep a vehicle within a lane of traffic. But it can’t read traffic signs and is not a replacement for an alert attentive driver that can take over at any moment.
- Autopilot has had trouble in the past identifying certain types of lane markings.
- Autopilot has had trouble identifying the presence of trucks right next to it.
- Autopilot is supposed to disengage if drivers continuously take their hands off the wheel. But people have found ways to bypass this system.
- Autopilot should be able to recognize stopped vehicles and slow down, but this has not always happened.
Autopilot relies on a meld of software that is fed and powered by an array of sensors. But this union does not always produce safe driving. Depending on the facts of any case, Tesla could face civil liability for an accident involving one of their vehicles in Autopilot mode. Tesla has a legal responsibility to make sure that its software is reasonably safe. If Autopilot malfunctions and this contributes to a crash, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Victims of car accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Any person that is injured in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, car companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. A car accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Autopilot Car Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the people who have been injured in car accidents with a Tesla. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to make the Autopilot feature safer. Safety should always be the number one priority for every car company.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident with a Tesla in Autopilot? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
