A Tesla pinned a woman behind her desk after it drove through a glass wall of a Portland building last month. Portland Fire Rescue responded to the scene at Northeast Couch Street and 10th Avenue and was able to pull her out. According to firefighters, the woman’s injuries were not considered serious. However, as a precautionary measure, she was taken to a nearby hospital, along with another person who was hit by debris from the building. The Tesla driver was not taken to the hospital, and the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a Tesla or another self-driving vehicle, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer. The Rizk Law personal injury team can help you understand your legal options and will work diligently to get you the justice you deserve.
How Teslas and Other Self-Driving Cars Can Cause Accidents
Tesla has been at the forefront of the self-driving car revolution for several years. While the technology behind these cars promises to make our roads safer, accidents still happen, and victims of these accidents may suffer severe injuries.
Accidents involving self-driving cars can occur for various reasons. Some of the common causes of accidents include:
- Software glitches: Self-driving cars rely on complex software systems to operate. Even a seemingly minor glitch in the system can lead to a serious accident, such as a bug in the vehicle’s code that causes it to misinterpret road signs or traffic signals.
- Sensor failure: There is a multitude of sensors that are vital to the operation of self-driving cars, such as lidar, radar, and cameras. These sensors are needed to detect surroundings. If any of them fail or malfunction, the vehicle may not be able to detect obstacles or other vehicles, leading to an accident.
- Human error: Despite having self-driving capabilities, Teslas still require human intervention in certain situations. An accident can occur if the driver fails to take control of the vehicle when required.
- Cybersecurity breaches: Self-driving cars are connected to the internet, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. A hacker could potentially take control of the car or its systems, causing it to crash.
- Mechanical failure: As with any vehicle, mechanical failures can occur, such as problems with the brakes, steering, or other components.
It is worth noting that self-driving cars are still in the early stages of development, and accidents involving them are relatively rare. However, as more self-driving cars hit the roads, we will likely see more incidents as well as improvements in technology and safety standards to prevent them.
Legal Protections for Victims of Self-Driving Car Accidents in Oregon
Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly more important to understand your legal rights after getting into an accident with a Tesla or another vehicle with self-driving capabilities.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident involving a self-driving car, there are legal protections available to you. They include:
- Product liability claims: If your injuries were caused by a defect in a Tesla or its self-driving technology, you might be able to file a product liability claim against Tesla.
- Negligence claims: If the accident was caused by the negligence of the driver of the Tesla or another party, you might be able to file a negligence claim against the responsible party.
- Insurance claims: If you were injured in a Tesla accident, you might be able to file a claim with your own insurance company or the insurance company of the responsible party.
- Class action lawsuits: In some cases, victims of self-driving car accidents may be able to participate in a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer of the self-driving car.
Injured in an Accident Caused by a Tesla? Contact an Oregon Personal Injury Lawyer
Injuries caused by Teslas and other self-driving cars can be serious and life-changing. From missed work to debilitating injuries and even lost loved ones, Rizk Law personal injury lawyers understand the effects these accidents can have on you and your family, which is why we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims and helping them get the compensation they deserve.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you. Call (503) 245-5677 or contact us online for more information.
