San Diego Tesla Defect Auto Accident Attorney
Though widely considered innovative and state-of-the-art, Tesla cars have been in hundreds of serious accidents resulting in injuries and deaths. These casualties often involved the vehicles’ advanced features such as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. As victims grapple with physical and financial burdens, Tesla has been able to deny liability, particularly in California where the company has won lawsuit after lawsuit.
When going up against a vehicle manufacturer, injured individuals and bereaved families often find it an uphill battle to claim fair compensation. Having a sharp and experienced attorney is crucial.
In Southern California, Hamparyan Personal Injury Lawyers is a trusted law firm for challenging auto accidents like Tesla defect crashes. We’re ready to listen to you and well-equipped to fight for you. Get a free consultation by calling Hamparyan at (619) 550-1355.
In Numbers: Are Tesla Vehicles Defective and Dangerous?
In 2023, Tesla recalled millions of its cars after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found defects in the vehicles’ Full Self-Driving and Autopilot features:
- 362,758 Teslas were recalled for self-driving defect. According to the NHTSA, the self-driving software made the cars “unsafe around intersections.”
- More than 2 million Teslas were recalled for Autopilot defect. After an investigation into 956 Tesla accidents involving Autopilot, the NHTSA concluded that the feature was inadequate for driver attention and control, and could “lead to foreseeable misuse of the system.”
The San Francisco Chronicle reviewed NHTSA data and found that California had by far the most number of Tesla Autopilot accidents: 353 crashes between July 2021 and October 2023. In second place was Texas with only 84.
The review further revealed that these were the California counties with the most Tesla Autopilot crashes:
- Los Angeles County – 96 crashes
- Orange County – 34 crashes
- Alameda County – 32 crashes
- Santa Clara County – 31 crashes
- San Diego County – 23 crashes.
Considering that California has the highest number of Teslas on the road, it may not be surprising that this state also has the most Tesla accidents. What’s more concerning, however, is that Tesla has demonstrated it can deny responsibility, even in collisions involving deaths.
How Tesla May Deny Liability in Auto Accidents
Tesla has won lawsuits brought by victims in California autopilot crashes. In the first-ever Tesla autopilot trial, driver Justine Hsu suffered a broken jaw after her Tesla swerved onto a curb and deployed its airbag in Autopilot mode. The multinational automaker argued that it wasn’t liable for her injuries, asserting that Hsu shouldn’t have used Autopilot on city streets. Siding with the company, the California jury awarded the victim zero damages.
Just months later, Tesla won another negligence lawsuit, this time involving a fatality. The lawsuit was filed by the family of Micah Lee, a driver who died when his Autopiloted car crashed into a tree and caught fire. Lee’s two passengers, including an 8-year-old boy, were seriously injured. Once again, California jurors agreed with Tesla when the company argued that the catastrophic accident was due to human error, not vehicle defect.
Cases like these show how difficult it can be for victims and their families to claim compensation from a well-resourced auto company. However, obtaining justice should not be impossible. Though driver-assisted car accidents are relatively new, several claims across the US have triumphed over major companies such as Uber and GM, resulting in settlements for the injured claimants.
Can Tesla Be Liable for a Defective Car Crash in San Diego?
Yes, it is possible for car manufacturers like Tesla to be liable for an accident involving a defective Autopilot or Self-driving vehicle. Under product liability law, a manufacturer can be held responsible for a defective product if you or your attorney can prove these elements:
- You were using the product as intended.
- The product has a defect, whether in its design, manufacturing, or marketing.
- You suffered injury or losses.
- Your injury or loss was due to the product defect.
The federal findings about Tesla’s vehicle flaws may be helpful to victims seeking compensation and hoping to hold Tesla accountable. However, it takes much more than that to deal with an automobile giant. You’ll want the help of a personal injury attorney who can thoroughly compile evidence, conduct rigorous case-building, and skillfully argue your position under the law.
Why Hamparyan is Top Choice for Vehicle Accident Claims Against Manufacturers
The San Diego attorneys at Hamparyan Personal Injury Lawyers have successfully handled car accident claims against companies and other negligent parties. With our decades of experience, legal skill, and diligent work, we have obtained over $100 million on behalf of injured Californians. Some of our successes are:
- A $17.5 million settlement in an auto accident case
- A $13 million settlement in a wrongful death case
- A $12.8 million verdict in a car accident case
- A $6.9 million verdict in a car versus pedestrian accident case
- A $4.6 million settlement for wrongful death from product liability.
In every case we take on, it’s our goal to get our client rightfully compensated for their injuries and suffering. Negligent parties may try to avoid liability or minimize the injury, but we know these claims from the inside out and we know how the defense side works. With nearly 30 years’ experience backing us, we can strongly assert our clients’ rights even when faced with well-resourced opponents.
Your consultation with us is free, and you won’t have to pay us lawyer fees until we obtain compensation for you. Call (619) 550-1355 to set up your free consultation with Hamparyan.
San Diego Tesla Auto Defect Crash: Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for my injuries if my Tesla was in Autopilot?
Under California law, the party who caused the accident must pay for the resulting injuries. In the case of a Tesla in Autopilot mode, we must determine where the fault lies. If, for example, the cause of the collision was a defect in the Autopilot software, the carmaker could be liable to pay. On the other hand, if another driver behaved negligently and hit you, that driver would be responsible for your injuries. Don’t hesitate to consult us at Hamparyan, as we offer a free case evaluation.
Who pays for my injuries if I was hit by a Tesla car?
If a Tesla vehicle crashed into you, the at-fault party must pay for your injuries. With most other cars, it’s often the driver who turns out to be at fault. But with Teslas, we must examine whether the Autopilot or Self-driving features (also) played a role in causing the collision. If so, the car company may be liable to pay for your losses.
How much can I get in a Tesla defect accident claim?
The amount you may receive in a Tesla defect accident claim depends on the specific factors of your case. For instance, catastrophic injuries – such as severe traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, or amputation – commonly result in six- or seven-figure settlements. California also follows the “comparative negligence” doctrine, which takes into account your share of fault in the accident, if any.
Many other factors affect the potential compensation from a Tesla claim. It’s important to discuss your accident with a competent lawyer to understand the full value of your case.
How long do I have to file a defective product lawsuit against Tesla?
Under California’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against Tesla, starting from the date of the crash. Other deadlines or time limits may apply, so it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as you can.
Can I file a claim if my loved one was killed in a Tesla accident?
Yes, if you’re a close family member of a person killed in a Tesla crash, you may file a wrongful death claim. If successful, you may be compensated for financial and emotional losses, including funeral costs, lost benefits, and lost companionship. There is a two-year time limit for wrongful death lawsuits in California, so don’t hesitate to speak with Hamparyan when you can.
Contact Hamparyan – Top-Rated Defective Car Accident Lawyers in San Diego
With nearly three decades of experience, Hamparyan Personal Injury Lawyers is a trusted Southern California law firm with numerous successes in car accident claims. We’ve helped many Californians obtain maximum compensation, even in claims against large manufacturers and insurance companies. We’re eager to assist you. Call (619) 550-1355 to get your free and confidential consultation.
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