Yes, you can sue if you run over or get hurt riding a Robovan. Handling accidents involving Tesla vehicles, especially those linked to their self-driving features, can be incredibly complex. With the introduction of fully autonomous vehicles like the upcoming Robovan, the landscape of personal injury claims and lawsuits may become even more complicated.
Fortunately, Ehline Law has you covered. Whether you’ve suffered injuries in a traditional car accident or a Tesla motor vehicle crash in California, contact our personal injury attorneys to discuss your case and learn more about your legal rights! We also handle Cybtertruck crashes; our number (833) is LETS-SUE.
What We Know About the Tesla Robovan So Far
Musk spoke to invite-only spectators about the Autonomous Robovan at an event in October 2024, stating that Tesla will build it according to the concept. It would accommodate up to 20 passengers and doesn’t have a steering wheel, suggesting that a robot will drive the vehicle. However, details on when it will go into production or hit the market remain unknown.
Tesla Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit for Crash Caused by Its Autopilot
In March 2018, a devastating accident caused by a rogue autopilot happened on Highway 101 in Mountain View, California. It involved a Tesla Model that steered into a safety barrier, resulting in the death of Wei “Walter” Huang.
A year after the tragedy unfolded, the grieving family members filed a wrongful death suit against the U.S. automaker. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Tesla’s failure to activate critical safety features like automatic braking contributed to the accident. In addition to that, the report also partially blamed driver distraction and possible road construction that led to this unfortunate incident.
The federal regulators revealed that Tesla’s forward collision system failed to alert Walter, and the emergency brakes didn’t activate. The 2020 NTSB report indicates that the Model X accelerated into a safety barrier instead of slowing down.
On April 8, 2024, Tesla settled the Sz Huang et al. v. Tesla Inc. et al. case in a California Superior Court in Santa Clara County before the civil jury trial selection and hearing. The company requested a seal from public view to keep the settlement confidential.
Had the case been pursued in court, there is a huge possibility that the jury would’ve held the U.S. automaker liable (partially or wholly) for the wrongful death. This decision would’ve paved the way for further product liability lawsuits against Tesla, making it easier for plaintiffs to sue for their injuries and win.
Can Tesla Deny Liability in a Robovan Accident?
Yes, you can sue if a Tesla Robovan hurts you. Companies like Tesla will do whatever they can to coerce victims into dropping a case. Recently, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts tried to send a wrongful death lawsuit to arbitration. It was brought by Jeffrey Piccolo, who lost his wife due to anaphylaxis after a waitress at the Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs confirmed that the food was allergen-free when it wasn’t.
In a presser, Disney’s attorneys expressed their deep sadness over the family’s loss but stated that the company isn’t liable for any damages caused by the restaurant’s negligence since it wasn’t operated by the defendant.
Also, the lawyers mentioned that the plaintiff subscribed to the streaming service Disney+ (one-month trial) in 2019, which requires users to settle any legal disputes with the company.
Bad Publicity May Affect Tesla Stock Price!
Whether it’s Tesla, Disney, or any other company, a business will always try to escape liability and prioritize damage control to reduce the impact of bad publicity arising from a lawsuit. Disney is avoiding court by pointing out the plaintiff’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of a streaming service when the wrongful death occurred on the company’s premises due to elevated levels of dairy and nuts.
Like Disney, Tesla will use dirty tactics to reduce payouts or escape liability. Injured victims can work with a reputable Tesla Robovan accident attorney to conduct an impartial investigation into the accident, build a strong case, and negotiate maximum damages. Ehline Law Firm has helped thousands of people like you win big during the hard times after a crash.
Who Can Sue in a Tesla Robovan Accident?
Most Tesla vehicles are semi-autonomous, meaning drivers must always be at the wheel. This can lead to disputes over liability in an accident, as the business may blame the incident on the injured victim.
That said, from what we know about the Robovan, it’s fair to say that no human will be involved in driving this autonomous vehicle. In an accident, the injured passengers and customers may be able to sue the U.S. car manufacturer or a third-party company.
While pursuing civil action following a Tesla Robovan accident may seem easy, the reality is far from it. The U.S. car manufacturer sources many different parts from hundreds of suppliers. Since the plaintiff is burdened with proof, it’s their responsibility to investigate the incident to determine fault.
For example, if faulty brakes were the sole cause of a Tesla Robovan accident, the affected party may be able to sue the manufacturer of the defective component. In some cases, the injured victim may also hold the U.S. car maker responsible for the lack of due diligence during assembly and inspections.
Autonomous Technology Could Complicate a Robovan Accident Case | A Different Point of View
While a Robovan accident case may seem straightforward due to the lack of human intervention, it may be more complex. Certain aspects of the incident could complicate legal matters.
Will the Civil Justice System Hold Autonomous Technology to the Same Standards?
Now, here is where things get interesting. During a motor vehicle accident trial, the judge must determine whether the driver’s actions align with what a reasonable person would do in a similar situation. Will this standard apply to fully autonomous self-driving motor vehicles?
Suppose the autonomous technology steers the Robovan into a safety barrier to avoid hitting another car. In that case, will a judge need to determine whether the computer’s actions were reasonable, or will the civil justice system hold the U.S. automaker fully responsible, as in strict liability cases?
As the development of the Tesla Robovan continues, changes in the law may become possible. Until then, it’s difficult to determine the impact of a fully autonomous car accident on an injured victim and the automaker. Legal experts can only speculate.
Will the Burden of Proof Shift to the Defendant in a Robovan Accident Case?
Typically, in a car accident case, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff, who could be the injured victim. They must prove how the defendant was negligent in their actions, resulting in injuries.
While many legal experts speculate that the plaintiff in a fully autonomous vehicle may have to prove that the car manufacturer’s negligence resulted in damages, some believe that possible legislation may shift the burden of proof to the defendant. If the latter happens, it may significantly impact the outcome of a Robovan accident case.
Work with an Experienced and Knowledgeable Car Accident Attorney Today!
While it is impossible to predict when Tesla will launch the Robovans, many companies are still producing semi-autonomous self-driving cars, making U.S. roads more dangerous. At the same time, an accident in these vehicles means going against large automakers while navigating the intricacies surrounding autonomous technology.
Although this may sound scary, you don’t need to worry, as Ehline Law and our skilled personal injury attorneys are here to help. With our experience and resources, we’ll investigate every detail of your accident and build a solid case to hold Tesla accountable for the suffering you’ve been through.
A car crash can be a traumatic experience. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the next part of the battle alone. Even if deeply saddened, call us at (833) LETS-SUE to schedule a free consultation. Our award-winning Texas and California personal injury attorneys are ready to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options!
