Tesla Autopilot Lawsuits

For years, Tesla, Inc. has marketed that their vehicles can offer safe and effective "autopilot" and self-driving technology to their drivers. However, since its release to the public, the new technology has developed a track record of being unreliable and has repeatedly placed its consumers at serious risk of harm. Although Tesla has marketed its driver assistance programs as safe and fully-functioning, in recent years both the self-driving and autopilot features have been linked to numerous accidents that have caused severe injuries—and in worst cases, even deaths. These incidents have left many wondering how effective and safe the technology from the electric car company really is. 

From July 2021 to June 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 392 crashes involved driver-assistance programs, with Tesla vehicles accounting for nearly 70% of cases. In some of those cases, the driver-assistance program failed to recognize emergency vehicles or motorcycles on the road, while in others, the tech failed to yield to pedestrian crosswalks or stay within lanes on curvy roads. 

On February 16, 2023, due to safety concerns issued by the NHTSA, Tesla has since issued a recall of over 360,000 vehicles that contained the Full Self-Driving Beta, an experimental driver-assistance software. If you believe you or a loved one owns or leases a Tesla with either autopilot or self-driving technology, you may be entitled to compensation. 

Why Did Tesla Recall Their Vehicles in February 2023?

On February 16, 2023, after reports from the NHTSA, Tesla was encouraged to issue a recall on their vehicles that included their experimental driver-assistance software, also known as "Full Self-Driving Beta," after the NHTSA discovered several concerns regarding the software. 

According to the report by the NHTSA, the multiple issues identified with the Full Self-Driving Beta system included the following: 

• Coming to a sudden stop unintentionally
• Failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs
• Inability to identify changes in speed limit
• Proceeding through an intersection with a yellow light
• Traveling straight in a turn-only lane

The vehicles that may have the Full Self-Driving Beta system include: 

• Model 3
• Model S 
• Model X 
• Model Y 

According to Tesla, they will be updating those vehicles that utilize the system through an over-the-air software update.

What's the Difference between Tesla's Autopilot and Self-Driving Features?

According to the Automobile company, the Tesla autopilot and self-driving settings serve two different purposes:

• The autopilot feature allows the vehicle to steer, accelerate, and brake within the lane.
• The self-driving feature allows the vehicle to obey traffic signals and change lanes.

Both programs require that the driver stay fully active and attentive while behind the wheel. However, as previously mentioned, over the years, there have been multiple incidents involving both Tesla's autopilot and self-driving systems, leaving many to believe that these systems are unsafe.

How Many Car Accidents Are Tesla Autopilot Features Responsible For?

In the past, there was no specific way to determine how many car crashes Tesla's vehicles have been responsible for, since automakers were not required to report crashes that involved their driver assistance programs. However, this has since changed. According to a report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between July 2021 and June 2022, there were 273 crashes reported directly linked to the Tesla autopilot or self-driving systems.

How Is Tesla Responsible for Self-Driving Accidents?

Over the years, Tesla's vehicles have been involved in accidents that have been reported to be caused by their self-driving features. Due to these incidents, many believe that Tesla's self-driving features may not perform and are not as safe as the company advertised. Some critics also believe the company knowingly rushed the tech to market before it was safe for consumer use. If you believe you or someone you know has been involved in an accident due to the self-driving technology or owns a Tesla with the unsafe self-driving feature, you may be entitled to compensation.

Who Can Join the Tesla Autopilot Lawsuit?

In order to join the Tesla autopilot lawsuit, you or a loved one must have owned or leased a Tesla vehicle during or after January 2016 or have a Tesla with the autopilot or self-driving software. For more information regarding your eligibility to join this case, we highly recommend you connect with one of our attorneys today.

Should I Hire a Morgan & Morgan Attorney?

When you get behind the wheel of a car, you should never have to worry if the vehicle’s system will set you and your loved ones up for a dangerous and even life-threatening ride. At Morgan & Morgan, we truly understand how devastating it can be after you've been involved in a car accident. We want to do everything we can to help. We aim to ensure that you and your loved ones get the justice you deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident due to the Tesla autopilot or self-driving system, don't wait. Contact Morgan & Morgan for a free and confidential case evaluation today.