Tesla’s autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems have sparked both innovation and controversy—along with a growing number of lawsuits. If you were injured in a crash involving a Tesla operating in autopilot mode, you might be wondering: Can I sue Tesla? The answer is yes, but only in specific situations.
Claims against Tesla often involve complex issues related to advanced vehicle technology, software performance, and product design. Determining whether your case qualifies as a product liability claim or a negligence claim is a crucial first step.
Because these cases can be highly technical, consulting an attorney experienced in Tesla accident litigation is essential. Keep reading to learn how legal responsibility is established in autopilot-related crashes and what steps you can take to pursue compensation.
What Makes Lawsuits Against Tesla for Autopilot Crashes Possible?
Suing Tesla usually falls under either product liability or design defect claims. In other words, the lawsuit isn’t about whether autopilot is allowed. Instead, it’s about whether the system was defective or dangerous when it left Tesla’s control, and whether that defect was a cause of your injuries.
Key reasons plaintiffs pursue these cases:
- Software or hardware design flaws – If the autopilot software misjudges a condition (fails to detect an obstacle, misinterprets lane markings, etc), that may demonstrate a defect.
- Insufficient warnings or instructions – Tesla often states that drivers must maintain attention. If that warning is hidden or ambiguous, the company may be liable.
- Failures in safety systems or redundancy – When braking, steering, or collision avoidance features fail in tandem with autopilot, the combined failures may show a systemic defect.
- Updates and recalls – Tesla frequently issues over-the-air updates or recalls. If the update introduces new issues or doesn’t fix a known hazard, that can implicate liability.
Proving these claims may be challenging. Tesla will argue that drivers must monitor the system, and they may also claim misuse or overreliance on the system by the driver. That’s why legal expertise and technical experts play a major role in proving your claim.
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What You Must Prove in a Tesla Autopilot Crash Case
To sue Tesla successfully in an autopilot crash, a plaintiff must generally establish:
- Tesla placed the vehicle into commerce – You must show that Tesla manufactured or marketed the vehicle with autopilot capabilities.
- The vehicle carried a defect – This can be a design defect, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn.
- Causation – You must link the defect to the crash and your injuries.
- You suffered injuries and damages – These damages can include both economic and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
- No intervening misuse or driver fault – Tesla will argue that the driver misused the autopilot system or failed to take corrective action.
You must be prepared to prove each element of your claim while overcoming counterarguments about driver behavior or misuse. Working with a skilled personal injury attorney can be critical for bringing a claim against a powerful company like Tesla.
What Steps You Should Take After a Tesla Autopilot Crash
If you’ve been in a crash with a Tesla using autopilot, here’s how to preserve evidence and build your case:
- Seek prompt medical attention – Your health and safety come first. Timely medical records help establish causation.
- Notify law enforcement and get a crash report – Have an official record of the accident early on.
- Preserve data – Tesla vehicles log telemetry, sensor data, “black box” information, and autopilot status. Ask law enforcement or your attorney to demand this data immediately. Tesla may overwrite or delete logs over time.
- Photograph the scene and all vehicle damage – Document positions, road conditions, signs, skid marks, damages, and debris.
- Gather witness statements – Collect names, contact info, and recorded statements to bolster your case.
- Don’t admit fault or speculate – Avoid giving any recorded statements or blaming yourself. Let your attorney handle all communications.
Time is critical and these cases often require expert witnesses and prompt investigation. It is always a good idea to contact an attorney with experience in defective vehicle and autopilot claims. Your attorney will help you build a compelling case against Tesla and any other liable party.
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Contact Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Help With Your Case
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a collision with a Tesla using autopilot, you deserve a thorough investigation and skilled advocacy. At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle the complex technical issues, manage expert teams, and demand accountability from Tesla and other responsible parties.
Contact us today for a free case review. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t incur any fees unless we win your case. Get in touch today and let us fight for justice on your behalf.
Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers at (713) 500-5000.
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About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer.
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