Fort Lauderdale Tesla Accident Attorney

In Florida, car accidents cause a huge number of personal injuries and fatalities every single year. Common injuries include damaged spine/lumbar, broken bones, and small fractures. These can be serious and can cause painful and permanent damage and can impact your quality of life. The year 2012 recorded the highest number of car accidents since records began in 1975, with accidents increasing by 7%.

In 2018, three teens driving a Tesla S Model were involved in an accident that killed the driver and the front passenger. The car hit two concrete walls at high-speed after the driver lost control of the vehicle.

After investigation, it was concluded by the National Transportation Safety Board that speed and reckless driving were to blame, but that Testa could also not be absolved of responsibility. The report states that “the post-crash fire that started in the lithium-ion traction battery, damaged in the crash” played a part in the death of the teens, who died of thermal injuries. This is one horrific, but not unique, example of accidents involving Tesla vehicles.

Tesla’s Lithium battery

Tesla’s lithium battery is a unique feature, and one of the most appealing things about these cars. They allow Tesla vehicles to drive for hundreds of miles without needing to be charged, but there is a significant downside to these batteries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into Tesla’s lithium batteries in 2019, due to an “alarming number of car fires that have occurred worldwide.” There have been many instances of fires after crashes, but also some instances of fires occurring while the car is parked. Some, while the car wasn’t even plugged in. Battery fires caused by Tesla batteries have been identified as one of the biggest risks. 

Tesla’s autopilot feature

Another one of Tesla’s unique aspects is its Autopilot feature, which assists drivers with lane centering, self-parking, and adaptive cruise control. The problem is that the word “Autopilot” is a little misleading in this case and can cause harm to drivers who misinterpret its meaning. The feature is not completely autonomous and requires constant supervision.

This problem with interpretation may have contributed to several accidents in Florida. For example, in 2016 the driver of a Tesla Model S was killed after his car hit a tractor-trailer crossing the highway. The autopilot feature should have triggered the brakes but didn’t detect the oncoming vehicle. The man killed is widely regarded as the first person to die in a self-driving accident.

In another 2016 incident, a personal injury and consumer protection lawsuit was filed against Tesla after the victim’s car failed to detect the presence of a disabled Ford Fiesta. The Tesla collided with the other vehicle at 80mph and the victim, who was driving the Tesla, suffered permanent injures. His attorney stated that he could easily have been killed if the crash had happened a little differently and if there had not been an autopilot malfunction.

Tesla claims that the autopilot system is designed to be used at highway speeds, but it cannot detect stationary objects, which is what led to the crash discussed above. This can lead to a high risk of severe injury, both for the drivers and passengers of Tesla and for the public.

Other features that make Tesla unique

In another incident in 2019, a Florida man lost his life after crashing into roadside trees at 75mph, 15mph over the speed limit. The vehicle may have been speeding out of control due to a defect in the automatic accelerator feature.

In this accident, Tesla’s retractable door handles, which are designed to “auto-present” when people need to open the doors, failed to do so. A police officer and other bystanders on the scene tried to rescue the man but could not open the doors because the retractable door handles did not extend. This essentially trapped the man in his car, which burned due to Tesla’s lithium battery.

Tesla has stated that their retractable door handles can be manually opened from inside the car, a feature that is of little help during emergencies. This case is one of several where unresponsive or injured crash victims are trapped in their vehicles are unable to manually extend the car handles.

What to do if you are injured in an accident involving Tesla? 

Tesla’s vehicles have unique hazards, and if you or a loved one is injured in an accident, the automaker should be held responsible. Having an auto accident lawyer in your corner who is an expert in the intricacies of Florida law can help you pursue the justice you deserve. An experienced auto accident lawyer can help cover expenses such as:

- Current and ongoing medical bills

- Pain and suffering

- Lost wages

- Property damages

Discuss your case with an expert Tesla accident attorney today to find out your options. You may be able to claim against Tesla or another guilty party. Our experienced car accident lawyers fight several car accident cases every year, focusing on automobile insurance, manufacturing defects, defective design, and more. Our car accident lawyers know the law very well and we have access to advanced technology like car accident reconstruction and computer graphics animation, to help you get what you deserve.

Because of our access to technology, you will be in the best position to receive compensation and remedies for your ordeal. We will use this technology in tandem with a unique plan of action taking into account the unique facts of your case. We will be by your side, providing expert legal service every step of the way, and negotiating on your behalf with insurance companies, Tesla themselves, and the courts.

When dealing with cases where a car crash has occurred, time is of the essence. We are quick to act to determine who is responsible, and who should assume financial and legal responsibility. Our car accident lawyers investigate early and find out the facts. We believe strongly in seeking justice for those involved in car accidents and will fight to achieve a great outcome for victims and their families. Get in touch today for a free consultation.