If you’ve been injured in a Tesla car accident because the other driver crashed into you, autopilot malfunctions, or unpredictable road conditions, understanding what you should do next is important to protect your rights and start your claim with an experienced car accident attorney at Postman Law.
Tesla Accidents vs Other Cars
Tesla vehicles have impressive driving range and cutting-edge technology, but these innovations also mean that accidents involving Teslas can be very different from gas-powered cars.
Autopilot & Full Self-Driving
Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self‑Driving (FSD) capabilities are two of the company’s most notable and promoted features. These advanced driver-assistance systems use cameras and sensors to navigate roads, maintain speeds, and change lanes. These features are designed to improve safety, however, they complicate liability in a crash and how it’s investigated. Was the human driver paying attention? Did the software fail to recognize an obstacle? Did a sensor malfunction? Answering these questions requires someone with specialized expertise that understands autonomous vehicle technology.
Even with FSD engaged, Tesla states that the human driver must remain attentive and ready to take control at any moment. This means the driver often retains liability, but software glitches can sometimes shift the blame toward the manufacturer.
Vehicle Data Logging
Every Tesla is constantly recording a massive amount of data including vehicle speed, steering inputs, braking patterns, and whether Autopilot was active at the time of impact. This “black box” records everything, which can both support and complicate insurance claims or legal cases. It can provide an accurate picture of what happened seconds leading up to a crash, but accessing this data isn’t easy. Getting access to this data usually requires a subpoena, which is why hiring an experienced self-driving car accident attorney at Postman Law is important to make sure your rights are protected and the right documents are submitted for your claim.
Battery Fires
Tesla’s electric vehicles are powered by large lithium‑ion battery packs, which supply power to the motors and determine most of the vehicle’s range and performance. These battery packs are among the largest of any consumer EVs currently on the road. While Teslas are generally safe, severe impacts, like a car crash can puncture or damage these battery packs. This damage can cause a thermal runaway which is a chemical fire that’s extremely difficult to extinguish.
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What Should You Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Self-Driving Tesla Accident?
What you do right after a car accident can impact both your physical recovery and any potential legal claims. If you’re involved in a self-driving Tesla accident, follow these steps.
Prioritize Your Health & Safety
Your physical well-being is the most important thing after a car accident. Check yourself for any injuries, and if it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road. Get as far away from the Tesla if you see smoke or hear hissing sounds because EV fires can ignite instantly.
Call 911
After prioritizing your health and safety, call 911 right away. A police report provides an objective, third-party account of the accident, and is an important piece of evidence for your insurance claim and a potential legal case. Stick to the facts. Don’t speculate because anything you say could possibly be used against you.
Document the Scene
If you can, document the scene. Take photos of damage to all the vehicles, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, injuries, and any debris. Get contact and insurance details from the other driver, and information from any witnesses at the scene.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Seek medical attention as possible after the accident, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline often masks the pain of severe injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions. An evaluation by a medical professional ensures you receive the necessary treatment, and it also creates an official medical record linking your injuries directly to the accident. Delaying medical care can give insurance companies an excuse to downplay your injuries or deny your claim entirely.
Contact an Experienced Tesla Car Accident Attorney
Tesla accidents are often more complex than typical car crashes due to their advanced technology like Autopilot and FSD, which is why an experienced self-driving attorney at Postman Law will protect your rights and quickly start investigating.
How is Liability Determined in a Tesla Car Accident?
If the Tesla driver was using Autopilot and failed to maintain control, the driver is typically held liable. If a defect in the Tesla’s hardware or software is shown to have caused the crash, the manufacturer could be held partially responsible. Product liability claims against large companies like Tesla are incredibly complex and require substantial evidence that their hardware caused the accident.
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Contact Postman Law For a Free Consultation With Our Tesla Car Accident Attorneys
Contacting a Postman Law car accident attorney after a crash will ensure your rights are protected, the accident is investigated, any witnesses are interviewed, filing deadlines for your claim are met, and you receive the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies and calculate economic and non-economic (i.e. pain and suffering) damages so you can fully focus on healing.
We have offices in Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, and Minneapolis, but work nationwide with clients who have been injured in a car accident. Contact Postman Law 27/4 for a no-obligation, free consultation by filling out our form online or calling us at 844-767-8626.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance regarding your situation, consult a licensed attorney.