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Autopilot is a semi-autonomous feature that comes with Tesla’s new vehicles. This feature can help motorists change lanes, maintain a following distance, apply the brakes and perform other maneuvers. However, Autopilot has been involved in several recent crashes, several of which occurred in California.
In late March, an Apple engineer was killed when his Tesla Model X crashed into a highway median on Highway 101. Tesla announced that Autopilot was engaged before the crash. According to the deceased man’s family, he complained that Autopilot kept trying to steer him into the median in the weeks before the crash. Other Tesla owners showed their vehicles swerving near the same spot where the crash occurred.
Another recent Tesla accident occurred in Culver City, California earlier this year. In this case, a Tesla Model S on Autopilot crashed into the back of a fire truck. Last month in Utah, another Tesla Model S on Autopilot sped up and crashed into a fire truck. The most recent crash involving Autopilot occurred in Laguna Beach, where a Tesla Model S crashed into a parked police cruiser. According to the Laguna Beach Police Department, the Tesla Model S was totaled in the accident. The driver of the Tesla Model S escaped the crash with only minor injuries.
Consumer groups are urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to take action on Tesla’s Autopilot. The Center for Auto Safety and Consumer Watchdog sent a letter to the FTC claiming that Tesla has overstated Autopilot’s abilities. According to the letter, the Autopilot’s name may lead consumers to believe that their vehicles are fully autonomous. As such, Tesla owners may rely too heavily on the feature without realizing they are putting their lives in danger.
Can I Receive Compensation for Auto Defects?
Auto manufacturers may be liable for injuries and deaths caused by manufacturing or design defects. Victims of auto defects may be able to recover compensation by filing product liability lawsuits. If you have questions about filing a product liability lawsuit for an auto defect, then contact our San Diego personal injury law office for a free consultation.
San Diego personal injury attorney Joshua Bonnici can help you determine whether it would be possible to seek damages against the auto manufacturer.
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