A Tesla driver in California is facing dual vehicular manslaughter charges after a 2019 crash involving Tesla’s Autopilot system, making him the first driver to face felony charges in a fatal crash involving driver-assistance software.
Los Angeles County prosecutors charged Tesla driver Kevin George Aziz Riad in October for a crash in which he ran a red light and collided with another car, resulting in the deaths of two people, according to a report in The Washington Post.
A Landmark Case for Tesla Driver
Police stated that the Tesla Model S driven by Riad was traveling at a high rate of speed, exited a freeway, and ran a red light, striking a Honda Civic on Dec. 29, 2019, in Gardena. The Civic’s occupants, Gilberto Alcazar Lopez and Maria Guadalupe Nieves-Lopez, were killed in the crash.
This is not the first major crash involving automated or semi-automated vehicles. In 2018, authorities charged the driver of an Uber autonomous vehicle with negligent homicide after the vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian. The charges against Tesla driver Riad reflect a likely first for a directly available system to consumers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that Tesla’s Autopilot is a feature that is available on about 765,000 vehicles.
The mother of one of the victims, Nieves-Lopez, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Riad and the limo company his father runs, as well as a product liability lawsuit against Tesla, alleging negligence, as well as manufacturing and design defects.
Tesla’s Autopilot Problems Continue
Despite its name, Autopilot is not a fully automated feature. The Tesla driver should be fully attentive when using it. But its design allows drivers to be careless, with few safeguards to prevent abuse or negligence. Our auto defect lawyers have criticized Tesla’s branding of Autopilot and its lack of clarity about its capabilities.
NHTSA is investigating Autopilot with regard to collisions involving parked emergency vehicles. One person was killed, and at least 17 were involved in a dozen crashes that are part of that investigation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving Tesla’s Autopilot, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. An experienced auto defect lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/01/20/tesla-autopilot-charges/
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
