Determining Legal Responsibility After an Autopilot Accident
With the advent of autopilot and driver-assist technology in passenger vehicles, the question of liability arises in the case of an accident. In other words, can a company like Tesla be held legally responsible for an accident if the car was on autopilot at the time, or is it solely the driver of the vehicle that can be held liable?
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner, & Davey, P.A., we represent individuals who have been hurt in auto accidents in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. Our lawyers have secured over $200 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. We know the law and will fight hard to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve after an accident.
If you have been involved in a Maryland car accident, contact our office at (410) 685-2022 to schedule a free case consultation.
Who Is Legally Responsible After an Autopilot Accident?
State-of-the-art technology is hitting the roads. Companies like Tesla are not only making electric vehicles they are also equipping them with innovative features like autopilot and self-driving capabilities.
While these features may seem futuristic, the reality is that vehicles with these enhancements are already on the road. Proponents of autopilot argue that the feature will make roads safer, but hundreds of accidents have already been reported. Currently, the driver of the vehicle and not the manufacturer is still legally responsible in most cases, but that could change over time.
How Many Autopilot-Related Accidents Have There Been?
According to the Washington Post, there have been 273 reported crashes of Teslas running on autopilot. Vehicles using Tesla’s driver-assistance technology made up over 70% of the total accidents that occurred while using autopilot features.
This summer the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration expanded the scope of its investigation into the company’s autopilot system. The federal regulator is looking at data to determine whether the “design might increase the risk of a crash that happens after a driver stops paying attention to the road.”
Do I Need an Attorney?
While current law allows a person injured in an autopilot accident to sue the at-fault driver, Tesla and other manufacturers may be held liable in the future. Litigation continues to determine whether Tesla engaged in false advertising or made material misrepresentations regarding the technology.
Regardless of the circumstances, it is always in your best interest to discuss your case with an auto accident lawyer. Car accidents involving autopilot and self-driving systems can involve complex liability issues. An attorney can help determine who can be held responsible and whether you have a valid claim for damages.
Injured in a Tesla Autopilot Accident? Contact Our Office.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Tesla autopilot accident, contact our office at (410) 685-2022 to schedule a free case evaluation. With over 40 years of experience, we know what it takes to hold parties accountable for their wrongdoing.
Our legal team has a national reputation for success, always working to obtain the largest recovery possible for our clients. Call our office today to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.
