Can Tesla Face Defective Product Lawsuits?
In just a few short years, Tesla has revolutionized the automobile industry.
They’ve been a significant disruption in the traditional gasoline-powered industry, and are looking to make electric vehicles not just an option, but the norm heading into the future.
But their electric batteries aren’t the only things that are revolutionizing the industry.
They are also known for their autopilot feature. That’s right – your car can drive itself.
While it’s not entirely autonomous at the moment, your car can handle some of the leg work while you’re driving down the interstate. It can even park itself in your garage.
But, just like most technology, it isn’t perfect.
So what happens when the Tesla autopilot malfunctions and someone gets hurt?
In the article below, we will discuss a couple of situations where the Autopilot function did malfunction, and what we can expect heading into the future.
I met with Harry Brown personally and he sat with me for 20 minutes at our initial consultation to explain everything. He even called after my surgery to see how I was doing. I met with him several more times after that and was kept informed about my case throughout. I highly recommend Harry Brown as an attorney.
Cases Where The Tesla Autopilot Has Malfunctioned
A driver in Florida has filed a suit against Tesla after his autopilot feature allegedly failed.
That alleged failure caused his 2017 Tesla Model S to collide with a stalled vehicle while he was traveling 80 mph.
According to the complaint, which includes claims for strict liability and negligence, the autopilot system in Teslas cannot reliably detect stationary objects such as disabled cars or other roadway hazards.
This creates a high risk of collisions, injury, and death.
When the accident occurred, the driver was traveling on the Florida Turnpike in his Model S with the autopilot feature turned on.
He alleged that, unknown to him, he was rapidly approaching a disabled vehicle that had stalled in his lane of travel. His autopilot system failed to detect it.
He claims that suddenly, and without warning, his vehicle crashed into the disabled vehicle and he sustained severe, permanent injuries.
Tesla was also recently sued by the family of a man who died when Tesla’s autopilot failed to avoid a truck that ran a red light.
When a person isn’t paying attention and runs a red light hitting you, you can sue him for negligence.
You hire an attorney, together you make a claim against the other driver, and then the person’s insurance company pays you the money you are owed.
It’s a relatively straight-forward process.
However, what we are beginning to see based on our examples above, are lawsuits against car manufacturers and GPS guidance systems.
These lawsuits will be for accidents caused not by the failure of a person to control their vehicle, but a failure of technology.
We are bound to see more and more cases like this as more and more people purchase Teslas and vehicles with similar autopilot systems.
Related post: The three types of defective products
A Brief History
The ability to sue automobile manufacturers like Tesla starts with a case from 1916 – Macpherson v. Buick.
The Macpherson case allowed for the first time for individuals to sue manufacturers of goods for negligent design and production of manufactured goods.
Before that case, you were not allowed to sue manufacturers of goods put into commerce because you had no privity of contract with the manufacturer.
Coming back to Tesla and the lawsuits we talked about earlier, we have now seen a handful of these lawsuits for manufacturing a defective product against Tesla.
In a similar case, a driver had Tesla’s autopilot engaged, and it, unfortunately, failed to take any evasive action when a large truck ran a stop sign. The victim was sadly killed in the accident.
Expect to see more and more of these cases as we move into the future.
The Future of Car Accident Cases
This will cause a significant shift in accident litigation.
Imagine a situation where a driver has auto-pilot engaged, and it malfunctions, causing him to hit another vehicle. Normally the not-at-fault driver sues the at-fault driver for his damages.
In this autopilot era, though, you are going to have the at-fault driver and the other driver bringing claims against the vehicle manufacturer for making and selling a defective product.
And that is guaranteed to happen because Tesla is better insured and has much deeper pockets than any individual. That means bigger payouts.
But, to prove a products liability case, you must show that
- The product was defective (usually that involves experts) and maybe more importantly here
- That the product was being used as intended.
Tesla can make several arguments like its auto-pilot system was not intended to be a set and forget system.
The driver is supposed to be aware and able to take control of the vehicle at any time.
The victims will argue that Tesla and its sales staff tout how safe and efficient the system is and tell you with a wink and a nod that you can turn on auto-pilot and take a nap.
We are undoubtedly entering a new era in car accident cases where we will be looking at not only the negligence of drivers but also the reliability of the technology behind the drivers.
Contact The Brown Firm Today
If you’ve been in an accident involving Tesla’s autopilot system, or any accident at all, you should contact a personal injury attorney.
Once you have your health taken care of, the first phone call you need to make is to your lawyer.
A lawyer will help you navigate the complex legal system so you can be sure you get exactly what you’re owed.
They’ll focus on the law so you can focus on your health.
The Brown Firm’s knowledge of the law and superior customer service is backed by a staff that genuinely cares about you.
Their attorneys have the gratitude, understanding, and compassion for your specific circumstances.
This unique customer service approach that sets us apart from other Personal Injury firms.
To get started with The Brown Firm today, click the button below.
Ready to Talk to a Lawyer Who Has Your Back?
Our Recent Personal Injury Articles
When Taxi Drivers Cause Pedestrian Accidents: Legal Options for Injured Parties
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Bicycle Accident Settlements – What Compensation Can You Expect?
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Nursing Homes Overprescribing Drugs to Silence and Subdue Patients
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Dog Bite Prevention: Educating Owners and the Public
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Dog Bite Prevention: Educating Owners and the Public
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Macon, GA – Two Teens in Critical Condition After Deputy Chase in Stolen Vehicle
A stolen vehicle chase with deputies left two teens in critical condition after they lost control of the vehicle.
Dunwoody, GA – A Bus On Fire On I-285 Causes Ramp Closure
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Cartersville, GA – Pedestrian Fatally Hit By Train
A pedestrian in Cartersville, GA, was hit and killed by a train while crossing the tracks. The pedestrian's identity is unknown.
Macon, GA – Gray Highway Will Get New Pedestrian Crosswalks In Efforts To Decrease Pedestrian Fatalities
Concrete medianettes will be built on Gray Highway and Shurling Drive in Georgia to improve pedestrian safety. These medianettes will provide a safe space for pedestrians to cross busy roads,...
Contact The Brown Firm
Get the Answers and Compensation You Deserve
You’ll notice the difference when you contact The Brown Firm! Our local dedicated attorneys want to help you recover and rebuild.
Schedule your free consultation by calling (800) 529-1441 or completing our simple online form.