The meteoric rise of the automaker Tesla, known for its stylish electric vehicles that contain an “autopilot” feature, has been accompanied by increasingly concerning reports of accidents that may have been caused by misuse or a malfunction in the autopilot system. A popular international newspaper recently published a report on a Florida accident involving a tesla that left two occupants of the vehicle dead. An investigation is ongoing, but the increasing prevalence of these types of accidents is giving regulators and members of the public concern.
According to the article discussing the accident, the vehicle involved was occupied by a couple in their mid 60’s when it inexplicably exited the highway near Gainesville and crashed into the back of a semi-truck, The tesla went underneath the trailer portion of the semi, and the top of the car was sheared off. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, and the crash remains under investigation. As of the time the article was published, it is not clear whether the autopilot feature was being used leading up to the crash.
Products manufactured and marketed for sale in the United States are expected to be safe for people to use in the manner that they were intended. New technologies like self-driving cars should be implemented with extreme caution, especially considering the inherently dangerous nature of driving. If the Tesla autopilot feature has inherent problems that result in these types of accidents, the manufacturer may be in serious legal jeopardy. Tesla advises its customers to always keep their hands on the steering wheel when using the autopilot feature, but consumers seem reluctant to follow these instructions, and their own lives and the lives of other motorists are being placed in jeopardy.
In the event of an accident involving a tesla using the autopilot feature, both the manufacturer and operator may share legal and financial responsibility for damages incurred in a crash. If a product is defective, inherently dangerous, or there are not sufficient warnings to allow consumers to safely use the product, then the manufacturer may be liable. In the event that a consumer fails to follow the warnings and instructions and doesn’t personally maintain control of the vehicle, they could also be held accountable. People injured in any Florida auto accident should reach out to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to determine the possible avenues for compensation.
A Dedicated Florida Accident Attorney to Fight for You
If you or someone you know has been injured in a Florida car accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your loss. Finding the right attorney can help ensure that you receive a fair settlement. The qualified Florida personal injury attorneys with Friedman, Rodman, and Frank have decades of combined experience representing accident victims and other injured parties in Florida. We accept clients in many Florida injury cases, including car accidents. Call our office at 877-448-8585 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.