Who Is At Fault in a Self-Driving Tesla Accident?

Self-driving cars are paving the way to the future of transport. However, there is still work to be done before self-driving vehicles become the primary mode of transportation on the road. Regulations help to keep up with quickly evolving technologies. 

Furthermore, technology is working to iron out the flaws in autonomous driving. Accidents can, however, still happen. Tesla now leads the pack of manufacturers of self-driving cars. Despite the company's stellar safety records, self-driving car accidents have gotten much attention. The question of "Who is responsible for a self-driving Tesla accident?" remains. If you were involved in such an accident, immediately contact New Jersey injury lawyers at Sattiraju & Tharney, LLP. 

Differences between AutoPilot and fully autonomous Tesla vehicles 

Since Tesla does not yet sell fully autonomous vehicles to the public, the company would prefer that guilt in a self-driving accident stay with the motorist. AutoPilot, on the other hand, is one of Tesla's newest and more appealing features. Despite Tesla's public statement that a motorist should never depend on AutoPilot, the technology provides self-driving benefits like easier braking, steering, and acceleration. Tired drivers may allow the system to take over inadvertently. 

Tesla's AutoPilot feature makes driving easier but still requires driver attention. A Tesla self-driving car accident will not currently include a completely autonomous vehicle because these vehicles are not yet available on the road. There are still several variations between AutoPilot and completely self-driving capability. AutoPilot, which is included as a standard feature in current vehicle models, cannot take over vehicle operations. The expense of AutoPilot is already built into the price of a Tesla vehicle. 

Fully autonomous models from Tesla are not yet offered to the general public. When these vehicles are ready, complete self-driving capabilities will be an optional addition with major cost increases. A human operator will be unnecessary in a fully self-driving Tesla. Owners of fully self-driving cars will enter their location, and the automobile will handle all vehicle operations.  

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) concurs that a driver must currently stay behind the wheel of a vehicle. However, the group predicts fully self-driving vehicles will be available to the general public by 2025. The NHTSA believes self-driving vehicles will improve our lives after the technology is refined and rules are in place. Human error will be reduced, and carbon emissions will be significantly reduced. 

Nevertheless, people who allow AutoPilot to take over may end in deadly, traumatic self-driving accidents. However, according to Tesla's internal safety studies, safety numbers continue to improve dramatically.