Table of Contents
One of the fastest-growing companies in recent years is Tesla, the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer. For many people, Teslas are symbols of environmental consciousness and luxury. In fact, nearly 500,000 Tesla vehicles were delivered to consumers in 2020. With several smart safety features, Teslas should ideally be the safest cars to drive. However, a recent study confirms that Tesla is the top car brand with the highest accident rate for 2022-2023.
The consequences of Tesla car accidents are often serious and complicated, and many drivers have found out the hard way. Between July 2021 and May 2022, automated and driver-assist vehicles were involved in 367 accidents in the US. A whopping 74% of those crashes involved Tesla models – 273 of them, to be exact. Sadly, many of these accidents resulted in fatalities.
A personal injury or wrongful death claim might be the only means for Tesla accident victims and their families to recover damages and move on with their lives. If you or someone you know died or was injured in a Tesla accident, contacting a car accident attorney from Arash Law can help you get back on track. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 for free legal advice.
Tesla Leads Accident Rates In New Study
A recent study conducted by QuoteWizard for LendingTree categorized auto brands based on their drivers’ involvement in accidents, DUIs, and other driving incidents. After examining insurance data, the researchers identified Tesla drivers as having the highest accident rate in the US, with 23.54 accidents per 1,000 drivers from November 2022 to 2023. Besides Tesla, Ram (22.76) and Subaru (20.90) were the only two brands with more than 20 accidents per 1,000 drivers.
While Tesla topped the accident charts, Ram drivers led in the overall incident category, racking up 32.90 incidents per 1,000 drivers, including DUIs, speeding, and citations. Subaru trailed close behind with 30.09 incidents per 1,000 drivers.
Interestingly, Ram drivers led the pack in 23 states, with an alarming rate of 64.44 incidents per 1,000 drivers in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Tesla was the only brand other than Ram to reach double digits in incident rate in 11 states.
Injuries And Fatalities Involving Tesla And Other Driver-Assist Systems Cars
As of December 2023, 481 people have died in Tesla incidents, according to the Tesla Deaths database, compiled from articles and reports by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Forty-two of the fatalities are connected to Tesla’s autopilot feature.
Vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) have automated steering and speed controls but still require a human behind the wheel. As part of these features, you will find adaptive cruise control, collision warnings, automatic braking, and smart parking. These features are commonly found in Tesla’s “Autopilot” mode.
Here are NHTSA’s findings on ADAS crashes in 2022:
- From July 2021 to May 2022, ADAS cars were involved in 392 collisions, with 367 confirmed reports with incident records.
- Two hundred seventy-three of those crashes involved Tesla vehicles. Ffollowed by Honda cars with 90 crashes and Subaru cars with 10 crashes.
- Serious injuries or fatalities occurred in 11—6 fatal and 5 serious—of the 98 crashes where crash severity was reported.
- ADAS accidents occurred most frequently in California, with 125 reports in 10 months.
The NHTSA also reported on vehicles with automated driving systems (ADS), which don’t require human drivers to operate. One of the most publicized examples is Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” mode. Even though ADS technologies are still in development, several ADS-equipped vehicles have already been operating on public roads.
These are the findings of the NHTSA regarding ADS-involved crashes:
- A total of 130 collisions involved cars with automated driving systems between July 2021 and May 2022.
- Waymo vehicles were involved in 62 of those crashes. A total of 34 crashes occurred among Transdev cars, and 23 crashes occurred among Cruise cars.
- Of the 130 total accidents, 4 resulted in moderate to serious injuries.
- With 90 crashes in 10 months, California had the most ADS accidents.
Once again, these numbers highlight safety concerns about modern tech-assisted vehicles, especially driver-assist technologies that are becoming more prevalent on the road today.
Controversy Behind Tesla’s Self-Driving Cars
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system is designed to provide “active guidance and automatic driving under your active supervision.” Features like Autopilot, Smart Summon, Auto Lane Change, and Autopark are integrated into the system.
While Tesla claims their FSD vehicles aren’t entirely autonomous yet, it is unclear whether there are enough safety features in place to prevent misuse or negligence by a driver, even if done inadvertently.
Business Insider recently highlighted the serious flaws and potential dangers of Tesla’s FSD prototypes, prompting the question: are they safe?
What Are Customers, Safety Experts, And Lawmakers Saying About Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Technology?
Anyone in the vicinity of a crashed Tesla vehicle faces a battery-fire hazard. Tesla’s safety features are further questioned when analyzing accidents like the Model S crash in South Florida. After striking a palm tree, the driver’s vehicle caught fire from a burning lithium-ion battery and was engulfed in flames. Despite his best efforts, he could not escape through his vehicle’s futuristic doors. A similar crash involving a Tesla sedan also claimed the lives of two teenage boys a year prior.
According to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study, self-driving vehicles make drivers less attentive to their surroundings. NHTSA has also begun an investigation into Tesla collisions with first responders, especially after dark. California regulators have also begun reviewing Tesla vehicles’ FSD capabilities and safety.
What If Defective Technology Is The Cause of A Tesla Accident?
You may be able to sue Tesla and the driver for your injuries and losses. The NHTSA investigated a fatal Tesla accident when the vehicle failed to notice the white side of a commercial tractor-trailer.
When you think of the number of Tesla vehicles (70,000) on busy highways and roads today, you might say it’s a testament to evolving technology. But you need to be cautious of the accidents waiting to happen. State and federal regulators have yet to examine how “driverless” technology works and whether it is safe.
Defective Tesla Autopilot Federal Lawsuit
According to Forbes, three Tesla owners have filed a complaint in the US District Court in San Jose, California. They claim the company sold vehicles with unusable “Enhanced Autopilot” technology and lacked standard safety features. The lawsuit alleges that Tesla vehicles equipped with Autopilot may veer off the road and suffer significant damage as a result.
In its press release, Tesla called the lawsuit an attempt to secure attorney’s fees (as most big corporations do when legal action is pursued for injured consumers). Immediately after the lawsuit, Tesla recalled over 50,000 Model S and Model X vehicles. A “potential manufacturing issue” was discovered with the electric parking brakes, which may prevent the parking brake from releasing correctly.
Factors Affecting Performance Of Tesla’s Autopilot Feature
While Tesla emphasizes the safety of its Autopilot feature, several factors can compromise its performance and lead to potentially avoidable accidents. Here’s a breakdown of these vulnerabilities:
Environmental Obstacles
- Inclement Weather – Heavy rain, snow, fog, and poor visibility can confuse Autopilot’s sensors, hindering its ability to perceive lane markings and surrounding objects accurately.
- Bright Lights – Harsh sunlight, glare, or oncoming headlights can temporarily blind Autopilot’s cameras, leading to disorientation and erratic maneuvers.
- Road Conditions – Mud, ice, and snow can alter lane markings and reduce traction, making Autopilot struggle to maintain control and navigate safely.
Physical Obstructions
Excessive Paint Or Adhesives – Thick paint lines, lane dividers, or aftermarket adhesive markings can be misinterpreted by Autopilot as lane boundaries, causing it to drift or veer unexpectedly.
Other Issues
- Winding Roads – Sharp turns and curves can exceed Autopilot’s processing capacity, leading to jerky movements and potential loss of control.
- Misaligned Bumpers – Misaligned bumpers can throw off Autopilot’s sensor calibration, impacting its ability to assess distances and surroundings accurately.
- Extreme Temperatures – Excessively hot or cold environments can affect Autopilot’s sensors and software, potentially leading to malfunctions.
While accidents occur regardless of technology, the preventable nature of Autopilot-related crashes, coupled with Tesla’s alleged reluctance to take responsibility, raises concerns. Remember, Autopilot is a driver-assistance feature, not a replacement for human vigilance and attention. Always remain alert and prepared to take control when using Autopilot, and prioritize safety above convenience.
Who Is Liable In A Driver-Assist Or Autonomous Car Crash?
Road safety laws need to catch up with advanced driving technologies. As driver-assist crashes become more common, motorists should know their legal rights if injured.
Currently, California’s existing statutes apply to crashes involving newer automated technologies. According to the state’s fault-based system, the person who caused the accident must pay for the injuries and losses. Most often, that party is the at-fault driver.
However, with ADAS vehicles, more complicated questions may arise, including:
- What if the car’s software had a glitch?
- What if the car’s sensors just failed?
- What if the car’s system was affected by a cyber attack?
California allows carmakers or third parties to be liable in driver-assist car crashes. Determining who is at fault will require a thorough investigation and a deep understanding of applicable laws. The assistance of a competent lawyer is crucial for victims of such a collision.
Can A Manufacturer Be Held Liable For A Self-Driving Car Accident?
Automakers are responsible for designing and manufacturing safe vehicles for end users. In Chapter 301 of Title 49 of the United States Code, motor vehicle safety is defined as the capability of a car and its equipment to prevent crashes that occur because of its construction or design. A vehicle’s design and equipment are expected to protect passengers from bodily harm or death in traffic collisions.
Reports suggest that various manufacturers were aware of the possible dangers but didn’t provide sufficient remedies. Defective car parts, equipment, and the vehicle’s technology can make a manufacturer liable. They are also responsible for losses resulting from a traffic collision if any aspect of the vehicle’s design or manufacturing makes it unsafe for the occupants.
The self-driving technology manufacturer may be held responsible if faulty software contributed to an autonomous vehicle accident. Qualified auto defect injury lawyers can help you determine the best course of action for your Tesla accident claim.
Statute Of Limitations For Accidents In California
A victim who wants to sue another party has limited time, which is called the statute of limitations.
- California Civil Code 337.60 specifies that you have two years to file a wrongful death claim resulting from an accident.
- Civil Code Section 335.1 provides two years for filing a claim for personal injury caused by another individual’s negligence or wrongful act.
- Civil Code 338 prescribes a three-year deadline for filing a property damage claim.
Losses Resulting From Tesla Accidents
If you are injured while riding a Tesla or hurt while riding another car when Tesla hits you, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation. To discuss your legal options, you should contact a knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer right away.
Economic and non-economic damages can typically be recovered from the careless party or parties if you decide to pursue a claim. These damages include:
- Bills for medical care
- Income loss
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
How Can A Lawyer Help With A Tesla Accident Case?
In the event of a motor vehicle collision with a Tesla equipped with autopilot, you must hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. Your legal counsel can assist you by:
- Answering your questions and reviewing your self-driving car accident case
- Investigating the crash independently and thoroughly
- Establishing liability and damages by working with expert witnesses
- Determining who or what is responsible for the collision
- Inspecting each case’s facts and circumstances to determine whether auto insurance policies and other sources of financial recovery are available
- Communicating and negotiating with the insurance company and defense attorney
- Taking action in civil court if there is no reasonable settlement offer
You can schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our contingency-based accident lawyers if you have been injured in a traffic collision with a Tesla vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney For Car Accidents?
In the aftermath of a recent car accident involving a Tesla, you may be concerned about how your medical bills will be paid while out of work. During this time, your pockets may be shallow, and paying a lawyer to handle your car accident claim may be the last thing on your mind.
Do not let your current situation dictate your right to compensation. Our lawyers handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. No upfront fees are required. Arash Law will only charge you if we successfully resolve your case and win you compensation.
Obtain Maximum Compensation After A Tesla Accident – Call Arash Law Today!
Filing a lawsuit can be daunting, especially when dealing with large companies like Tesla. However, you can still receive the highest compensation possible if you hire one of our skilled attorneys.
Arash Law’s attorneys can assist you in evaluating your claim, navigating litigation complexities, and maximizing your compensation. Our firm has recovered more than $750 Million in compensation for California clients.
To schedule a free, no-commitment initial consultation with our dedicated legal team, call (888) 488-1391 or complete the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
