Navigating Tesla Accidents: Key Actions to Take After a Crash
Not very long ago, self-driving vehicles were elements of fantasy and science fiction. They were a neat thought, but few people truly believed they’d ever be a reality. Fast forward a few decades, and they’re actually out there. From vehicles with partial autopilot capabilities to those that don’t need human drivers at all, we’re sharing the roads with them. They’re only going to grow more common moving forward.
Of course, accidents involving these vehicles are growing more common as well. With Tesla being one of the leading manufacturers of self-driving vehicles right now, its cars are often culprits in these crashes.
What should you do after a Tesla collision? Read on to learn more about this newly developing field of personal injury law.
Navigating Tesla Accidents: What To Do After a Crash
Call 911
One of the first steps to take after being in an accident with a self-driving vehicle is to call 911. That’ll get first responders on the scene. Of course, like many vehicles these days, Teslas are equipped with the technology to call for help when they’re in accidents. As such, first responders may already be en route by the time you get to your phone. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Get Medical Attention
Getting medical care should be your first priority after an accident whether it involves a vehicle that has self-driving capabilities or a conventional model. Don’t turn down medical attention even if you think you’re not injured.
Some injuries don’t become evident until hours or even days after the fact. Getting immediate help will give you extra peace of mind and may prevent hidden injuries from getting worse.
Gather Evidence
Gathering evidence is also crucial after being in an accident involving a Tesla. Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, being sure to capture the damage caused by the accident, surrounding road signs, issues that may have contributed to the accident, and other relevant details. They’ll help build your case for filing an insurance claim and potentially taking the matter to court.
Evidence is particularly important in Tesla accidents. These vehicles are equipped with a vast range of sensors, cameras, and other advanced technology. As they’re driving, they’re constantly recording data, and they record information about collisions as well. With that being the case, the Tesla owner will have a wealth of data on the accident to present. You’ll need to have your own information to counter it.
Contact an Attorney
Contacting an attorney after being in a collision involving a Tesla is also recommended. As mentioned, these vehicles automatically gather evidence. Their owners may be able to use those details against you or, at the very least, use them to absolve themselves of some of the responsibility for the accident.
An attorney will advocate for you. Sorting out cases involving self-driving vehicles can be particularly complicated. As noted, this branch of the law is relatively new, and it’s still evolving.
At this point, human drivers are usually held liable for accidents that happen when their vehicles are on autopilot. They’re responsible for being aware of their surroundings and being prepared to take over if needed. Still, other parties may also be held partially accountable for these accidents, including AI and software developers as well as vehicle manufacturers.
Effectively Dealing With a Tesla Accident
Seeing someone relaxing behind the wheel as their vehicle navigates the roadways or realizing a nearby 18-wheeler doesn’t have a human driver is a bit unnerving for most people at this point.
Self-driving vehicles are becoming more mainstream with each passing year, though. Crashes that involve them are becoming more common too. Keep the points mentioned here in mind to help you effectively deal with an accident involving a Tesla and its aftermath.