In California, Teslas have become a symbol of innovation and luxury. From Silicon Valley tech professionals to eco-conscious drivers in Los Angeles, these sleek electric vehicles are everywhere. With their cutting-edge design and autonomous driving capabilities, Teslas promise a safer, smarter future. But as their presence grows on our roads, so do the number of accidents involving them—and when a Tesla is involved in a crash, things get complicated fast.
We understand that Tesla accidents aren’t your average car crashes. These cases often involve high-level technology, questions of software failure, and legal complexities that most drivers—and even some attorneys—aren’t equipped to handle. That’s why it’s so important to have a California Tesla accident attorney on your side. We’re here to break down exactly why that matters and how we can help.
Understanding Tesla Accident Cases
Tesla accidents can stem from a wide range of causes. One of the most unique—and sometimes most dangerous—aspects of these vehicles is their Autopilot and Full Self-Driving modes. While these features are impressive, they’re not perfect. Autopilot glitches, sensor errors, or delayed system responses can all contribute to serious accidents. In some cases, it’s the battery itself that poses the risk, with reports of overheating or fires after high-impact collisions. And of course, as with any vehicle, human error still plays a role—some drivers misuse the technology or become too reliant on it, leading to distracted or reckless driving.
But what makes Tesla accidents really different is the layer of complexity that comes with the vehicle’s technology. Unlike traditional vehicles, Teslas rely heavily on AI systems, real-time software updates, and advanced sensors. This adds an entirely new dimension to personal injury cases. Questions arise like: Who’s liable—the driver, the car, or the manufacturer? Did a software update contribute to the crash? Were Tesla’s systems functioning as they should have? These are the kinds of questions we dive into when building your case.
Adding to these concerns are real-world data and investigations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were at least 956 crashes involving vehicles using advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) between July 2021 and May 2022—with Tesla vehicles accounting for 70% of those incidents. This statistic highlights just how frequently Tesla’s semi-autonomous features are involved in serious crashes and underscores the importance of investigating not just human error, but potential system failures as well.
On top of that, there are federal and state regulations specific to electric vehicles that come into play. Navigating these legal and regulatory waters isn’t easy without the right experience—and that’s exactly where we come in.
Legal Complexities in Tesla Accident Cases
When it comes to Tesla accidents, determining who’s at fault is rarely straightforward. Was the driver negligent? Did Tesla’s Autopilot fail? Could a third party, like a software or parts supplier, share some of the blame? These aren’t questions you can answer without a deep dive into the vehicle’s data, logs, and engineering design. We work with experts who understand Tesla’s systems inside and out. We retrieve driving logs, analyze crash data, and use that evidence to clearly establish liability.
A significant layer of legal complexity involves product liability. If your accident was caused by a manufacturing defect, faulty sensors, or an over-the-air software update that compromised the car’s performance, we’ll pursue a claim against Tesla itself. Conversely, if the crash resulted from the driver misusing Autopilot or ignoring safety warnings, that becomes a key point in our case. Often, these accidents involve shared fault between technology and human decision-making. Our job is to uncover the facts and build a case that accurately reflects what happened.
These issues aren’t hypothetical. Government investigations have revealed troubling patterns. According to the NHTSA, Tesla vehicles using Autopilot were involved in at least 13 fatal crashes between January 2018 and August 2023. Furthermore, in 2021, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that Tesla’s Autopilot system contributed to a 2018 crash in California by allowing the driver to disengage from the driving task, while the vehicle steered itself into a highway barrier. The NTSB has repeatedly called on Tesla to improve driver engagement monitoring and limit Autopilot use to appropriate roadways.
When these crashes happen, insurance companies often try to shift blame, arguing that the vehicle functioned properly or that the driver misused the technology. While Tesla’s internal logs can provide crucial information, accessing and interpreting that data is no easy task—it requires legal pressure, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of both federal and state regulations.
That’s where we come in. At Etehad Law, we cut through the confusion. We know how to challenge insurers who minimize high-tech crash claims and how to build compelling arguments when advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are involved. With the increasing complexity of vehicles like Teslas, having a team that can navigate the intersection of technology and liability law isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
Benefits of Hiring a California Tesla Accident Attorney
Not all attorneys are equipped to take on Tesla cases. These aren’t basic rear-end collision cases. They involve advanced systems, proprietary data, and corporate legal teams. At Etehad Law, we specialize in high-tech accident litigation. We understand how Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems work. We’ve worked with software engineers, auto tech specialists, and accident reconstruction experts to prove how these vehicles can—and do—fail.
But it’s not just about understanding the technology. It’s about fighting for everything you’re owed. Tesla accidents can leave victims with significant injuries, expensive medical bills, lost income, and even long-term disability. We pursue full compensation for all of it—not just vehicle repairs, but every area of your life the accident has affected. That includes pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and in cases involving negligence by Tesla or other parties, punitive damages as well.
We know how to move quickly and efficiently through the legal system. From the first consultation to the final verdict or settlement, we handle the paperwork, the phone calls, and the strategy. You focus on healing—we’ll focus on the legal fight. We’re also there to protect you from insurance tactics. If an adjuster calls and tries to get you to say something that could hurt your case, we’ll be right there to shut that down. When you hire us, you get more than legal counsel—you get a team that’s fully in your corner.
Etehad Law: Trusted Advocates for Tesla Accident Victims
At Etehad Law, we’ve been fighting for accident victims for decades. What sets us apart is our deep knowledge of Tesla-related legal matters and our ability to combine traditional legal expertise with modern technical understanding. We’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to go up against a company like Tesla or an insurance carrier trying to save a buck. That’s why we approach every case with focus, compassion, and determination.
We’re proud of our track record—our clients know they can count on us to get results. Whether it’s through strategic negotiation or aggressive courtroom representation, we don’t stop until our clients get the compensation they deserve. But beyond the wins, we’re known for our personal touch. We treat every case like it matters—because it does. When you work with us, you’re not just a case number. You’re a person who deserves support, answers, and justice.
Conclusion
Tesla accidents present challenges that go far beyond what most car accident cases involve. Between the advanced technology, the unclear lines of liability, and the pressure from big companies, these cases can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why having the right legal team behind you matters more than ever.
We know Tesla cases inside and out. We have the resources, the experience, and the drive to take on complex claims and win. If you or someone you love has been injured in a Tesla accident, don’t leave your case to chance. Let us fight for you.
Contact Etehad Law today for a free consultation. We’re here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you get the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.
