A trial has begun in a California court over a crash involving Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated driving software. This is thought to be the first trial related to such a crash. The verdict could indicate the risk that Tesla is taking as it tests and introduces its Autopilot and more advanced “Full Self-Driving (FSD)” system. Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, considers this to be crucial to the company’s future but it has attracted regulatory and legal scrutiny.
Justine Hsu filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer of her Tesla Model S in 2020, claiming that the vehicle, while on Autopilot mode, hit a curb and caused her injury due to faulty airbag deployment. Hsu argues that Autopilot and the airbag design were defective and is requesting over $3 million in compensation.
In response to the 2019 accident, the automaker has disputed any responsibility, citing court records that Hsu utilized Autopilot on city streets despite the user manual’s caution against doing so. Tesla affirms that their driver-assistance technologies are not fully autonomous and that human drivers should always be ready to take control at any time.
While it is not the initial lethal incident involving Autopilot in the United States, it is the first one to go to trial. The trial has continued for three weeks, and three Tesla engineers have testified. The car manufacturer is currently preparing for numerous other legal battles involving the semi-automated driving system.
Legal analysts view the ongoing trial as a crucial case that will assist Tesla and other complainants in refining their legal strategies. Though the verdict is not legally binding in subsequent trials, it offers insight into the potential outcomes of future cases.
At the heart of Autopilot-related litigations lies the question of liability for accidents that occur while the vehicle is in driver-assistant Autopilot mode. The responsibility may fall on the human driver, the machine, or both. According to Hsu’s claim, the Tesla car struck the curb abruptly, leaving her with no opportunity to avoid it, despite being attentive and keeping her hands on the steering wheel.
Regarding its claims about self-driving capabilities and technology safety, Tesla is currently the subject of investigations by both the U.S. Justice Department and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
If the jury decides in Hsu’s favor and finds Tesla guilty of fraud, the verdict would carry significant implications for the automaker. It could indicate that the reported concerns with Autopilot may potentially be multiplied with FSD. Therefore, considering Autopilot-related litigation as a preview of what may lie ahead seems appropriate.
