Violent Tesla Accidents in Florida

a burnt carIn January 2023, a Tesla was involved in a violent car accident with another vehicle in Florida. The speeds were so great that an engine was ripped out of the other vehicle, and four people were sent to the hospital with serious injuries.

People may have wondered if Tesla vehicles are more dangerous or more likely to produce injuries during car accidents. So far, the jury is still out, but if you have been in a car accident, you will want to speak with a Tampa personal injury lawyer.

Want to speak with a Tampa personal injury lawyer about a Tesla car accident? Contact Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore.

Are Electric Cars More Dangerous in Accidents?

Electric cars have lower centers of gravity due to the positioning of the heavy battery pack, which can help prevent rollovers and improve stability. Many electric cars are outfitted with safety features, like lane warnings and automatic emergency braking. These features may reduce the risk of violent car accidents in some circumstances.

However, there are also potential risks associated with electric cars that should be considered. For example, if an electric car’s battery pack is damaged in an accident, there is a risk of fire or electric shock. Emergency responders must follow specific protocols when responding to an electric car accident, including isolating the battery pack and cutting off the high-voltage supply to avoid electrical shock.

Typically, an electric car is also heavier than a similar gasoline-powered car. Higher weights mean more force may be exerted, potentially resulting in an especially violent car accident. Further, if a battery was built or designed improperly, it could increase the risk of a fire and other issues. If you believe that a design or manufacturing defect contributed to an accident, it is wise to speak with a Tampa personal injury lawyer.

How About Tesla’s Autopilot Feature?

If a Tesla is not operated correctly, it could increase the risk of a violent car accident. Unfortunately, some people misuse Tesla’s autopilot feature. While autopilot can guide a vehicle under supervision in some environments, it is not meant to replace the human driver. Indeed, if a human driver does not supervise the autopilot feature, it could increase the risk of a Tesla accident.

Tesla’s autopilot system is designed to assist drivers with certain driving tasks, such as steering, braking, and acceleration. However, it is important to note that the autopilot system is not a fully autonomous driving system and still requires the driver’s attention and active engagement in navigating.

There have been some reports of accidents involving Tesla vehicles with autopilot engaged. However, it is difficult to determine whether the autopilot system contributed to these accidents, as many factors can contribute to car accidents. If you have been in an accident, we encourage you to reach out to experienced Tampa personal injury lawyers.

Tesla argues that their autopilot system has been shown to improve safety when used properly, and the company has released data showing that Tesla vehicles with autopilot have a lower accident rate compared to vehicles without autopilot.

That being said, it is essential for drivers to understand the limitations of the autopilot system and not rely solely on it to drive the vehicle. Drivers should remain attentive, keep their hands on the wheel, and be prepared to take control of the vehicle if necessary. If they fail to do so, it might result in a car accident.

Do You Need a Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer?

While there have been some concerns about the safety of Tesla’s autopilot system, it can be a useful tool when used properly. However, drivers should exercise caution and not rely solely on the autopilot system to drive their vehicles. If someone misuses Tesla’s autopilot feature or other similar features on other cars, it may increase their liability.

If you were operating a Tesla vehicle in Florida and the autopilot program may have resulted in an accident, we encourage you to speak with a personal lawyer. Get in touch with the attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore today.