Can I Sue Tesla After An Autopilot Car Accident?

Over the past few years, the world saw Tesla drastically change the automotive landscape with its autopilot system. Although the cutting-edge software promises safer and more convenient journeys, it’s not immune to traffic incidents. Can you sue Tesla for its Autopilot system after an accident?

Recent reports have shown that 28% of Tesla car accidents in the past three years had the autopilot system engaged during the incident. This statistic shows that despite its claims, there are potential risks that drivers like you must be wary of when using it. 

If you’re wondering what to do after an autopilot car accident, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore whether you can sue Tesla after an autopilot crash and how you can get compensated for your injuries. 

How Tesla’s Autopilot System Works

Tesla’s autopilot mode is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) designed to improve the driving experience. It uses cameras and sensors to monitor the car’s surroundings and steer the vehicle. 

The system is present in most Tesla models. But, drivers can upgrade their cars and get the enhanced autopilot version. This version of the system allows vehicles to change lanes and park automatically.

Despite the system’s advanced features, it does not make your vehicle fully autonomous. The company has made several disclaimers that their models still need full supervision, even with the autopilot engaged.

Tesla’s Autopilot Accident Rates

Since the introduction of Tesla’s system, several autopilot car accidents have happened nationwide. 

A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that Tesla’s autopilot system was involved in over 736 crashes in 2019. Out of the 736 incidents, 17 of them were fatal. By 2022, autopilot crashes have caused around 11 deaths. 

These numbers show that although Tesla promised increased safety to its customers, the system is far from perfect. Using the system without taking the necessary precautions could still lead to fatal accidents. 

Can You Sue Tesla For An Autopilot Crash?

With the increasing number of autopilot car accidents in the country, you’re probably wondering if you can sue Tesla for your autopilot crash. The answer depends on the nature of your incident. 

You need to establish product liability before you can pursue legal action against a manufacturer like Tesla. Product liability refers to the responsibility of manufacturers and sellers when they release defective items to the public. If the product injures a customer, they will be liable for the damages they’ve suffered. 

If you want to sue Tesla, you must be able to prove that their autopilot system was defective and that it was the reason why you got into a car accident in the first place. 

Admittedly, suing a major automotive manufacturer like Tesla is hard. Aside from the disclaimer we’ve mentioned, there are plenty of other ways the company protects itself from civil lawsuits. 

For instance, Tesla requires all its customers to sign a waiver recognizing that they will be responsible for safely operating their vehicles. This means that even if they use the car’s autopilot mode, they still have to pay attention to the road and be ready to take control of the vehicle at any time. 

However, if you can prove product liability, you may have a chance at suing Tesla. 

How to Prove Product Liability

To prove product liability in a court of law, you must be able to establish the following:

The Product was Defective

If you want to sue Tesla for your autopilot accident, you must prove that your car’s autopilot system malfunctioned when the incident occurred.

The Defective Product Caused Your Injury

Aside from proving that your Tesla’s autopilot mode was defective, you also have to establish a link between the product and your injury. For example, suppose you suffered a catastrophic brain injury after a crash. Then you’d have to show that the faulty system caused it.

You Suffered Significant Injury and Damage

It’s also important to provide evidence of any injuries or other damage you suffered from the incident.

You Used the Product as Intended

You must prove that you were driving your Tesla safely as intended when the incident happened. If not, you won’t have a viable case.

Do You Need A Lawyer?

Although you can indeed pursue legal action against Tesla on your own, hiring an experienced lawyer increases your chances of getting justice and compensation.

Lawyers help victims like you establish liability by conducting their own investigation and gathering evidence to support your claims. They’ll look into accident reports, witness statements, and data from your Tesla’s logs.

Aside from helping you prove liability, a lawyer will help you get the compensation you deserve by negotiating on your behalf. Lawyers advocate for your rights and interests. 

They will ensure that your case will be treated fairly and not taken advantage of by powerful parties like Tesla or insurance companies.

Ultimately, having a lawyer with expertise in personal injury and product liability can significantly impact your pursuit of justice. 

File Your Case Today

If you need help making an autopilot car accident claim, look no further than Adamson Ahdoot. 

Adamson Ahdoot is a civil litigation firm in California with over 100 years of combined legal experience. With our team of lawyers, you can trust that your case will be handled with the attention to detail of a boutique firm and the expertise of a larger one.

Our compassionate attorneys will provide you with all the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. We’ll help you examine the best approach for your case.

Adamson Ahdoot aims to increase your chances of winning fair compensation for autopilot crashes. With our help, you can focus on healing while we fight for your rights. 

Call us at (800) 310-1606, and let us help you file your case today.