Tesla Accused of Misleading Customers About Autopilot Safety

According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the self-driving Autopilot feature in their autonomous vehicle can significantly reduce the number of car accidents, compared to those who turn the technology off. However, some believe that the claims the company made are misleading to the public.

In fact, in a recent lawsuit, Tesla was accused of overstating the Autopilot’s safety features, which claimed that it could safely transport passengers while operating at highway speeds. A Florida resident is suing the electric car maker for negligence, after his Tesla Model S crashed into a disabled vehicle. At the time of the crash, the Tesla was traveling at a speed of approximately 80 mph.

Multiple High Costs

The Tesla Model S costs approximately $120,000, which is a hefty price to pay if the Autopilot safety feature fails to deliver on its claims.

According to Tesla, the Autopilot feature guides the car from highway on-ramps to off-ramps. However, it is not designed to detect stationary objects or parked cars, which is what allegedly caused the accident that left the Florida driver with severe, permanent injuries.

In addition, it is worth noting that this safety feature is a step in the direction of being a fully self-driving car, but it is not yet fully autonomous.

Ongoing Safety Issues

Unfortunately, this lawsuit is not the kind of attention that Tesla was hoping for after introducing the Autopilot feature. Earlier this year, a Tesla Model X SUV driver was killed when the vehicle crashed into a highway barrier.

The recent lawsuit claims that the driver was told by a Tesla sales representative that he only needed to hold the steering wheel occasionally, but that the car would do everything else.

A Tesla Spokesperson commented that they had no reason to believe that the Autopilot feature malfunctioned, and that the driver was provided clear instructions about the system’s capabilities. In addition, the spokesperson said that drivers have a responsibility to be aware of their surroundings, and that Autopilot does not protect them from all accidents.

Self-Driving Technology Advances

Tesla has been at the forefront when it comes to self-driving vehicle technology. They have influenced the acceleration of electric, and self-driving car features in recent years. However, until these vehicles are proven to be safe under any driving condition and in any location, drivers and other motorists sharing the road are at risk of being seriously injured if the car malfunctions or fails to prevent a serious car accident.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Self-Driving Vehicle Accidents

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident involving a Tesla or other self-driving car, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We will not stop fighting for you until we have your complete satisfaction. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.