You have options and are not alone if you were in a San Bernardino Tesla accident. In California, Tesla crashes are on the rise, particularly those involving Autopilot or other forms of self-driving technology.
The repercussions can be disastrous, regardless of whether the incident involved a battery-related fire, distracted driving, or a self-driving malfunction.
A knowledgeable San Bernardino Tesla accident attorney can guide you through this intricate legal system and help you get the money you are due.
How Can a San Bernardino Tesla Accident Lawyer Help?
When it comes to establishing liability, gathering crucial evidence, and negotiating with influential insurance companies, Tesla vehicles—with their state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated driver-assistance systems—present unique and complex challenges.
For this reason, it is not only advantageous but also vital for your case to hire a lawyer with specialized knowledge of Tesla accidents, especially a San Bernardino Tesla Accident Lawyer.
Investigating Technical Malfunctions with the Vehicle:
Teslas keep track of a lot more data than regular cars do.
An experienced San Bernardino Tesla accident lawyer knows how to access this technical information and determine its significance in identifying possible software bugs, sensor failures, or other system issues that may have contributed to the crash.
Preserving Tesla’s Onboard Data and Video Footage:
Tesla vehicles have advanced data recorders and numerous cameras. This digital evidence is vital, but it can be lost or overwritten if it isn’t protected right away.
A skilled San Bernardino Tesla accident lawyer will place a legal hold on this critical information to ensure it remains secure and can be used to establish who was at fault.
Filing Claims Against Both Drivers and Manufacturers:
When a Tesla crashes while driving itself, it’s not always clear who is at fault.
If Autopilot was on, if the driver made a mistake, or if there was a problem with the car’s design, a claim may need to be made against the driver, Tesla as the manufacturer, or both. Your lawyer will decide who to go after.
Working with Crash Reconstruction Experts and Engineers:
You may need expert testimony for these very technical cases.
A San Bernardino Tesla Accident Lawyer works with accident reconstructionists, automotive engineers, and data specialists to determine how the crash occurred and interpret complex vehicle data, which helps them build a strong case.
Handling All Communication with Insurers and Tesla’s Legal Team:
It can be challenging to navigate Tesla’s stringent legal department and insurance adjusters.
Your lawyer will handle all of your communications, ensuring that your rights are always prioritized and that you refrain from saying anything that could harm your case.
At Krasney Law Accident Attorneys, our team has extensive experience with the evolving nature of self-driving car accident cases.
Our team of Tesla accident lawyers knows how to handle the unique challenges of every type of Tesla accident, from a Tesla truck accident to an Autopilot-related crash to a simple rear-end collision. We will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
The Benefits of Working with a San Bernardino Tesla Accident Lawyer at Krasney Law Accident Attorneys
Choosing the right representation after a Tesla accident isn’t just about filing paperwork—it’s about leveling the playing field against powerful corporations and insurers.
Here’s why victims choose us:
- We understand Tesla’s Autopilot technology and how it plays a role in liability
- We have access to investigators and expert witnesses
- We have deep knowledge of California’s product liability and traffic laws
- We’ve handled complex cases across San Bernardino and Southern California
We negotiate aggressively but are fully prepared to go to trial if necessary
Explore our related services at San Bernardino personal injury or San Bernardino car accident lawyer to see how we serve a variety of vehicle-related cases.
What Are Some Causes of Tesla Accidents in California?
Understanding what causes Tesla accidents is essential when building a case. Common causes include:
Drunk Driving
Even in advanced cars like Teslas, intoxicated drivers remain a major risk on California roads.
Distracted Driving
Inattention, whether from mobile devices or over-reliance on self-driving features, leads to hundreds of crashes per year.
Battery Explosions
High-voltage lithium-ion batteries can catch fire in severe crashes, causing catastrophic injuries.
Speeding
Teslas are known for rapid acceleration, which can make speeding temptations—and dangers—more likely.
Autopilot & Self-Driving Failures
According to a report by Tesla, accidents on Autopilot still occur despite claims of increased safety. However, independent studies continue to question Tesla’s interpretation of the data.
Tesla Vehicle Safety Report
Tesla regularly publishes its Vehicle Safety Report, which provides information on the safety of its cars, particularly about Autopilot.
The report typically displays the number of crashes per million miles driven, categorized by whether Autopilot was engaged or not.
Tesla said in its Q1 2024 report that there was one crash for every 7.63 million miles driven with Autopilot technology engaged. Without Autopilot, there was one crash for every 955,000 miles driven.
Tesla said that in the U.S., there is about one car crash every 670,000 miles (based on 2022 NHTSA and FHWA data at the time of that report). These numbers are often compared to national averages.
These reports provide information from Tesla’s perspective, but people have questioned how they were compiled.
Anyone who has been involved in a Tesla accident in San Bernardino should hire a qualified San Bernardino Tesla Accident Lawyer to conduct an independent investigation to determine who is at fault and what actually caused the crash.
Have There Been Tesla Lawsuit Settlements in California?
Yes. There have been several high-profile cases involving Tesla cars that have been settled or are still ongoing in court. For example, in early 2024, Tesla agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle a lawsuit in California over the improper disposal of car parts and chemicals.
It doesn’t have anything to do with crashes, but it does show that Tesla is open to lawsuits.
There have been a lot of wrongful death and product liability lawsuits against Tesla Autopilot because of crashes that killed government workers, rideshare users, and regular drivers.
A San Bernardino Tesla accident lawyer must be prepared to go head-to-head with a tech company that defends its brand aggressively.
How Does Tesla and the Car’s Autopilot System Work?
Tesla’s Autopilot system is a suite of advanced driver assistance features that enhance safety and reduce the workload for the driver.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, which adjusts the car’s speed to match that of the vehicles around it, and Autosteer, which helps you steer within a marked lane, are two of the main features of Autopilot.
The “Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability” option in newer models (now often referred to as “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)”) is marketed as enabling the car to operate more autonomously, allowing it to drive on city streets, make turns, and stop at traffic lights and stop signs.
Tesla itself advises drivers to stay alert, keep their hands on the wheel, and be prepared to take control at any time, which is a crucial warning. Visit Tesla’s support page to find out more about the Autopilot features.
Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD work thanks to a lot of external cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and powerful computers that are built into the car.
These systems work together to provide a real-time, 360-degree view of the area around the car, spotting other cars, pedestrians, road markings, and other obstructions.
Advanced machine learning algorithms then utilize this information to determine how to steer, accelerate, and decelerate. It’s essential to note that even the “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” system is classified as a Level 2 advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) according to SAE International standards.
This means that it needs constant human supervision and doesn’t make the car fully autonomous.
The difference between advanced assistance and full autonomy creates considerable ambiguity when it comes to Tesla accidents and the lawsuits that follow.
If a Tesla crashes while Autopilot or FSD is on, it can be tough to figure out who is responsible.
Is the driver to blame for not doing anything, or is Tesla to blame for a system failure or false capabilities? That’s when you need the help of an experienced lawyer, like a San Bernardino Tesla Accident Lawyer.
Should You Trust Tesla AutoPilot With Your Safety and Life?
There are still debates ongoing about that question. Tesla’s reports say that Autopilot lowers the number of accidents, but research from groups like the NTSB and IIHS has shown that drivers may trust the system too much, which can make them less alert and slower to react.
According to the SafeTREC Motorcycle Safety Report, there is still concern about driver overreliance on automation systems across all vehicle types—including Tesla.
Victims of Tesla self-driving accidents may suffer more because of that false sense of security. As such, Tesla injury cases must consider:
- Software version installed
- Updates or alerts prior to crash
- Driver’s interaction with system
- Whether Autopilot was used correctly
The Top 4 Pieces of Evidence To Gather After Your Self-Driving Accident
After a Tesla or self-driving car accident, your case depends heavily on what evidence you can preserve:
1. On-Board Computer
Tesla’s onboard computer (event data recorder) contains GPS data, speed, acceleration, and Autopilot activity. A subpoena may be required to access this.
2. Tesla Video Footage
Most Tesla vehicles have built-in dashcam and side-camera feeds that may capture the incident from multiple angles.
3. Eyewitness Testimonies
Neutral third-party witnesses are especially important when proving Autopilot misuse or human error.
4. Police Reports
Official statements help establish timelines, initial observations, and citations.
A San Bernardino distracted driving accident lawyer from our team can help collect and analyze this evidence quickly before it’s lost or overwritten.
How Do You Determine Liability For Tesla Accidents?
In a typical car crash, liability is assigned to the driver at fault. But Tesla accidents involve multiple layers of responsibility:
The Driver (The Auto Pilot Mode is Off)
If Autopilot was disengaged, the crash is treated like any other accident. The human driver bears full responsibility.
The Driver (The Auto Pilot Mode is On)
Even when Autopilot is active, drivers are expected to maintain control. If inattentiveness or misuse is proven, they may still be liable.
The Car Manufacturer (Tesla)
If a software glitch, brake failure, or misleading system design contributed to the crash, Tesla may share or bear full liability.
These complexities require in-depth investigation and technical knowledge—both of which a San Bernardino Tesla accident lawyer from Krasney Law can provide.
Statute of Limitations for Accidents in California
In California, it’s essential to act quickly if you want to file a claim for injuries or the death of a loved one because of someone else’s carelessness. The Statute of Limitations is what these strict deadlines are called.
If you miss these important deadlines, even by one day, you may lose your right to seek compensation for good, no matter how strong your case is.
It is a harsh truth that can make things even more complicated for someone who is already grieving or in pain.
It’s essential to know these time limits, especially in complicated cases like a Tesla accident.
Wrongful Death Claim
Families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal Tesla accident.
This period, governed by Civil Code §337.60, provides a window for justice, but the grief and complexities can make swift action challenging.
Acting quickly is crucial to preserve your right to seek accountability for your profound loss.
Personal Injury Claim
According to Civil Code §335.1, the usual deadline for personal injury claims from a Tesla accident in California is two years from the date of the injury.
While this may seem like enough time, managing medical recovery, rehabilitation, and the intricacies of a Tesla self-driving accident case means time passes quickly.
If you don’t file within this time frame, your case could be thrown out, leaving you with no way to get help for your pain and financial problems.
Let Krasney Accident Attorneys Work With The Insurance Companies So You Don’t Have To
Insurance companies know that Tesla accident cases are complex—and they often use that to their advantage.
Adjusters may try to shift blame, downplay injuries, or question Autopilot usage to avoid paying full compensation.
At Krasney Accident Attorneys, we:
- Handle all negotiations
- Challenge insurer claims with hard evidence
- Coordinate with medical providers and Tesla engineers
- Fight for your total damages: medical bills, lost wages, pain, and future care
We’re here to lift the burden while you focus on recovery.
Settlement for Tesla Crashes in San Bernardino, California
Settlement values vary widely depending on factors such as injury severity, vehicle damage, liability, and other relevant considerations. In San Bernardino, Tesla-related injury claims have included:
- Six-figure settlements for soft tissue and whiplash cases
- Larger awards in spinal cord or brain injury cases
- Wrongful death lawsuits valued in the millions
Visit our verdicts & settlements page to explore outcomes in related cases.
Contact The San Bernardino Tesla Accident Lawyers Today for a FREE Consultation with Krasney Accident Attorneys
It’s not normal for a Tesla to crash, and you shouldn’t treat it like one. Krasney Law is here to help, whether Autopilot failed, a driver made a bad choice, or a manufacturing flaw was to blame.
Don’t wait if you’ve been hurt in a Tesla or self-driving car crash in San Bernardino. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation with no obligation. We’ll explain your rights, investigate your claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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