Self-driving and automated electric vehicles were once only found in the realm of science fiction. Today, they’re very much a reality, with pioneers like Tesla leading the way. However, this technology is nowhere near perfect, and accidents have occurred.
According to AP News, just one in five Teslas on public roads today have full self-driving capabilities or around 500,000 cars. But what happens if you’re in an accident involving a Tesla using some form of automated or semi-automated driving capabilities?
Understanding your legal rights and what to do after an accident involving Tesla Autopilot can be confusing. If you’ve been injured in such a crash, consulting an experienced Austin car accident lawyer can help you navigate liability and secure fair compensation. In this guide, we’ll discuss whether Tesla Autopilot is safe, what happens if you’re involved in an accident with one of these vehicles, and what to do to ensure you get your rightful compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Tesla Autopilot is an autonomous driving system dating back to 2014. It includes various features, including Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode.
- Contrary to popular belief, Autopilot isn’t a fully autonomous driving system. On the established degree of autonomous driving scale, Tesla has only reached level two, or partial driving automation, which means continuous driving responsibility still applies.
- Court cases against Tesla’s Autopilot system have created some concern regarding the effectiveness of the system and the degree of liability Tesla bears when accidents occur.
- Establishing liability is the biggest challenge of handling Autopilot crashes. Courts have traditionally sided with Tesla, saying that human error is the most likely cause of accidents. However, plaintiffs can still hold Tesla liable if they can prove that Autopilot didn’t function as advertised.
- Accident victims are entitled to file personal injury lawsuits against at-fault drivers and Tesla to claim compensation if involved in an Autopilot-related accident.
- Contact an attorney if you’re hit by a Tesla with Autopilot engaged. These highly technical cases require experts to analyze the data and build a case that will win you the compensation you deserve.
What is the Tesla Autopilot System?
The Tesla Autopilot system was released in its original form in 2014 as part of the automaker’s desire to achieve fully self-driving vehicles. Since then, Tesla has worked to develop fully automated vehicles.
Initially, Tesla Autopilot relied on cameras, sensors, and proprietary software. Since then, it has outfitted itself with radar and sonar to allow its vehicles to track their own speed, park themselves automatically, stay in the same position while driving in a straight line, and safely switch lanes in traffic.
However, it must be mentioned that even though Tesla markets these systems under names like “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving,” Tesla is not capable of full automation as of 2025.
Degrees of Autonomous Driving
Many people are unaware of the different degrees of autonomous driving and that their vehicles may already possess automated driving capabilities. Currently, there’s an autonomous car scale that rates all vehicles based on the functions available.
Here’s the scale of autonomous driving:
- Level 0 (Zero Autonomy) – All driving functions rely on the driver's manual input.
- Level 1 (Basic Assistance) – Drivers gain limited assistance, with features like cruise control falling into this category.
- Level 2 (Partial Driving Automation) – Vehicles are capable of handling basic functions, including changing vehicle speeds and steering adjustments.
- Level 3 (Conditional Automation) – Drivers are required to be on standby to take control of the vehicle if their Advanced Driving System (ADS) requests them to. However, the ADS can manage all driving tasks.
- Level 4 (High Automation) – Under specific conditions, a car’s ADS may handle all driving functions.
- Level 5 (Full Automation) – The vehicle’s ADS may handle all driving functions in all conditions without the input of a human driver.
Where does Tesla figure on this list? The Autopilot system is technically a level two system, allowing for partial driving automation. Since 2013, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has set ambitious goals of achieving level five automation. However, as of 2025, no Tesla vehicle is capable of full automation.
Is Tesla Autopilot 100% Safe?
Tesla Autopilot isn’t 100% safe. Crashes have been noted that involve Tesla Autopilot. In fact, Forbes has reported that Tesla drivers are involved in more accidents than any other brand, with 23.54 accidents per 1,000 drivers.
Naturally, these figures don’t focus specifically on Autopilot. However, we do have figures related to this system. According to InsideEVs, Tesla recorded one crash per 7.08 million miles driven using Autopilot. In contrast, drivers who didn’t use Autopilot experienced an accident every 1.29 million miles.
The issue with these figures is the way Tesla records and reports data. According to the Washington Post, Tesla Autopilot has been a factor in 736 car accidents involving 17 fatalities. Dig deeper, and you’ll see that Tesla’s reports only report accidents without accounting for severity.
For example, a fatal head-on accident would be reported by Tesla in the same way as a minor fender-bender with no injuries. Furthermore, Tesla offers no insights into the causes of these crashes. They don’t mention what the defining factor was, including:
- Autopilot malfunction
- Environmental factors
- Driver error
- No-fault accidents
It’s these holes in Tesla’s methodology and reporting that have led to experts questioning Tesla’s claims. What we can conclude, though, is that Tesla Autopilot isn’t 100% safe.
Is Tesla Autopilot Safer Than Driving?
Tesla claims Autopilot is safer than driving, and these claims have some validity. Studies have shown that automated vehicles are safer than human driving in many scenarios. According to a 2022 report from Tesla themselves, cars boasting its Full Self Driving (FSD) Beta technology posted a crash rate of 0.31 per million miles on non-highway roads. Human drivers had a crash rate of 1.53 per million miles.
It must also be mentioned that Tesla claims that vehicle fires are less likely with its vehicles. Data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) appear to support this assessment.
Of course, Tesla would say that so what do independent bodies think about automated vehicles?
A University of Central Florida study analyzed crash data from California from 2016 to 2022. The study encompassed 2,100 autonomous vehicles and 35,113 human-driven vehicles. Their study found that self-driving vehicles did have lower accident rates in most cases.
However, the study also noted that self-driving cars struggled when driving at dawn and dusk because low visibility conditions made their sensors less effective.
But regardless of these numbers, self-driving cars excel in tackling the most common causes of accidents in the U.S. For example, the American Automobile Association reveals that distracted driving is responsible for 25-50% of all accidents.
Other leading causes of accidents, based on NHTSA crash data, include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless driving
- Running red lights
- Not wearing a seatbelt
With automated driving technology, such as Tesla Autopilot, the leading contributors to accidents—all involving the driver—become significantly lessened as the vehicle takes control.
What are the Limitations of Tesla’s Self-Driving Technology?
Many buy a Tesla, assuming its Autopilot technology will do all the driving for them, but that isn’t true. The technology has several limitations, including a vulnerability to hacking, machine imperfections, and the fact the technology isn’t actually fully automated, despite what Tesla may imply.
Let’s examine these issues more closely.
Autopilot Isn’t Full Automation
Many are under the assumption that Autopilot is pure self-driving technology made manifest. It’s the name that confuses people, which is why Tesla is potentially about to be sued over misleading marketing.
Autopilot is merely level two of five, meaning that while Teslas can handle some functions, driver input and monitoring are still required. You absolutely cannot go for a nap and stop paying attention to the road. They require full driver engagement.
Self-Driving Vehicles Could Be Vulnerable to Hacking
According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), self-driving vehicles rely on advanced technology to send and receive information. These networks are potentially vulnerable to hackers, with the potential for drivers to become remotely controlled by malicious actors.
Safety relies on Tesla staying ahead of the hackers, and drivers must constantly upgrade their software to prevent the technology from being exploited.
Difficulties Recognizing Children
The Dawn Project conducted several experiments to find the limits of Autopilot technology. One set of studies focused on the car’s ability to recognize and avoid striking pedestrians. During their tests, the cars frequently struck mannequins resembling children.
Unfortunately, the impact measures showed that the velocity of Tesla’s Autopilot-powered vehicles was capable of killing a child, and the cars barely slowed down when approaching the mannequins.
Machines Aren’t Perfect
Machines are imperfect, and self-driving vehicles' technology isn’t yet advanced enough to be relied upon. Unfortunately, the American Association of Automobiles (AAA) noted that even the most sophisticated machinery can experience errors. In a driving scenario, this could result in fatal consequences.
What is the Current Legal Landscape on Tesla Autopilot?
Tesla Autopilot is a highly advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), but it’s vital to remember that it’s not full self-driving technology. The auto manufacturer is embroiled in several legal problems due to how the technology functions and some of the claims that it’s made.
Despite the advancements made by Tesla, it’s critical to bear in mind that Autopilot will not make your vehicle autonomous. In a nutshell, that means drivers must stay alert and be prepared to take control.
So, what’s the legal landscape as it stands in 2025? We’ve identified three core areas:
- Recent Court Cases – Tesla has been the subject of multiple court cases related to Autopilot. In nearly every case, juries have sided with Tesla, attributing accidents to human error. However, there have been scenarios where juries have allowed plaintiffs to seek punitive damage due to the company potentially knowing about the limitations of its technology.
- Tesla Recalls – Investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into crashes relating to the Autopilot system have raised concerns that the driver monitoring systems used in Teslas are a critical safety gap. It has also resulted in more than 360,000 vehicles, with Full Self-Driving (FSD) being recalled in 2023.
- Marketing Lawsuits – Class-action lawsuits have also been proposed targeting Tesla’s claims related to its Autopilot technology. These lawsuits have alleged that Tesla has used drivers essentially as beta testers for the technology, thus failing to prevent foreseeable driver misuse.
In short, Tesla Autopilot is experiencing significant blowback due to collisions nationwide. Currently, the company is taking significant flak because of these incidents, whether the technology performs insufficiently, thus making it unsafe, and whether Tesla adequately warns drivers of its limitations.
How Many Tesla Cars Have Crashed on Autopilot? – History of Major Tesla Autopilot Crashes
Car and Driver reported in 2023 that Autopilot had been involved in 736 accidents, resulting in 17 fatalities, since 2014. Interestingly, there has been a significant spike because, in 2022, the NHTSA only accounted for three fatalities. Since May 2022, 11 fatal accidents occurred involving the Autopilot system.
None of this should come as a coincidence because the spike in deaths coincided with the release of the FSD driving software, which increased the availability of the Autopilot function. In short, 12,000 vehicles could access this feature before this change, whereas 12 months later, 400,000 vehicles could support the Autopilot function.
Naturally, not all of these resulted in notable lawsuits. To better understand the legal landscape, we will go through a select number of these cases and their outcomes.
Walter Huang Fatal Accident Lawsuit
In March 2018, Walter Huang was fatally injured while driving a Tesla Model X on Autopilot in Mountain View, California. His Tesla hit a highway barrier, resulting in his death. In response, his family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla.
The lawsuit alleged that the Autopilot function had malfunctioned, causing him to crash into the barrier. After six years of litigation, Tesla settled for an undisclosed sum out of court, meaning the case never went to trial.
Jeremy Banner Fatal Accident Lawsuit
A year after the Walter Huang accident, Jeremy Banner was also involved in a fatal accident in Delray Beach, California. In March 2019, Banner used his Tesla Model 3’s Autopilot function and collided with a tractor-trailer, where he was pronounced dead. After his death, Banner’s family members launched a wrongful death lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleged that the Autopilot system contained considerable defects. The case is still ongoing, as it was expected to go to trial in 2024. Unfortunately, the status of this case hasn’t been publicly disclosed, meaning its outcome remains uncertain.
Observers theorize that the ongoing delays relate to the complex technical evidence involved and Tesla’s unwillingness to settle after the Huang case. Moreover, there may be issues with proving direct liability against Tesla’s Autopilot system.
Molander Serious Injury Lawsuit
In 2023, the Molander family filed a lawsuit against Tesla due to Lindsay Molander and her eight-year-old son’s serious injuries after a collision with a palm tree in Riverside, California, which they claim was due to the Autopilot feature.
At the time of the crash, the vehicle was being driven by Micah Lee along Interstate 215 when the car veered off the road and crashed into a palm tree. Lee was outright killed in the accident. In the following lawsuit, the Molander family alleged that the Autopilot system malfunctioned due to a manufacturing defect.
The case proceeded to the Riverside County Superior Court, where the jury sided with Tesla. The conclusion was that the Autopilot system wasn’t defective and didn’t cause the accident. This outcome demonstrates that proving direct liability between the Autopilot functionality and subsequent accidents is a challenge, especially when Tesla argues that it’s an assistive technology rather than a feature designed to enable full self-driving.
Autopilot 2 Class-Action Lawsuit
In 2017, Tesla owners got together to file a class-action lawsuit against the company over how the Autopilot 2 system worked. The lawsuit alleged the system was dangerously defective, leaving Tesla owners unwitting beta testers.
Once again, the case never reached court, with Tesla settling the lawsuit. However, rather than admitting to fundamental problems with the Autopilot system, Tesla settled over delays in implementing a selection of promised features, giving each member of the lawsuit between $20 and $280.
It’s an interesting case because Tesla didn’t acknowledge or address the original safety allegations. Instead, they focused entirely on the delays Tesla owners experienced in gaining access to the full range of promised features.
Autopilot Advertising Lawsuit
Many U.S. observers have questioned the claims made by Tesla in its advertising of the Autopilot system. However, in 2020, a German court ruled that Tesla had misled consumers in its advertising by suggesting that Autopilot was essentially an autonomous driving feature.
Although the lower court sided with consumers, Tesla appealed against the ruling. A higher German court reversed the ruling and allowed the auto manufacturer to continue advertising. However, the company was required to clarify what the Autopilot system was capable of and its limitations through its website.
What Recent Tesla Autopilot Lawsuits Have Shown
Tesla’s Autopilot functionality has been the subject of lawsuits relating to fatal crashes and non-fatal ones. Likewise, lawsuits relating to how it advertises the system have been filed, but there has been nothing in the way of detectable trends.
Here’s what we know:
- Settlement Over Trial – Tesla has settled many of the lawsuits lodged against it outside of court. This has played into its hands because by settling out of court, it avoids excess publicity and doesn’t admit any fault related to its system. Another benefit is that there’s no legal precedent for other cases to refer to.
- Liability Struggles – Another theme relating to these lawsuits is that many of these cases have either been heavily delayed or remain unresolved. What’s happened to these high-profile lawsuits implies that proving direct liability represents an enormous challenge for plaintiffs.
- Jury Decisions – When Autopilot cases have gone to trial, juries have sided with Tesla in the past. Tesla’s ability to successfully defend its position has reinforced the challenges posed by plaintiffs in proving direct liability and not having the required evidence to prove that driver error wasn’t to blame.
Another issue that plaintiffs have had to contend with is the gap between what consumers expect and reality. Many consumers have purchased Teslas, assuming that the Autopilot and FSD systems implied autonomous driving when that’s not true.
Although Tesla is one of the standout performers in the race toward being the first to achieve fully autonomous driving (or level five), it’s vital to mention that we’re nowhere near that future yet.
Common Causes of Tesla Autopilot Crashes
The Autopilot system is designed for driver assistance rather than driving autonomy, which Tesla has frequently emphasized in its statements and the content on its website. Lawsuits have typically focused on issues relating to the Autopilot system’s malfunctions, including obstacle detection and phantom breaking.
On the other hand, Tesla has often defended itself by pointing toward driver distraction and consumers misinterpreting what Autopilot is capable of and where its limitations lie. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of crashes relating to Autopilot.
Driver Reliance on Autopilot
Autopilot is assistive but some drivers have used it to the point of overreliance. Tesla clarifies that drivers shouldn’t take their attention away from the road and be ready to intervene immediately if necessary.
For example, the New York Post highlighted an accident in the Seattle area in April 2024. In this case, a Tesla Model S was operating in FSD mode and collided with a motorcycle, with the rider being killed. The driver admitted he’d been using his cell phone at the time.
Cases like this point to the fact that many drivers become less attentive by putting undue faith in Tesla’s self-driving capabilities.
Obstacle Detection Issues
Investigations into Tesla’s vehicles have also been launched by various governmental and independent bodies to find defects in the self-driving system, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Tesla primarily relies on cameras and sensors to detect obstacles.
In ideal driving conditions, Tesla vehicles respond as expected. The problem is a Wall Street Journal analysis found that these cameras and sensors perform to a much lower standard in low-light conditions, such as dawn and dusk.
Some crashes have been linked to the computer vision on these vehicles not performing to the expected standard in sub-prime driving conditions. Again, though, Tesla can point to the fact that drivers are expected to remain alert and not rely solely on their vehicles to detect and negotiate unexpected obstacles.
Consumer Misunderstandings
The terms “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” may result in some drivers misinterpreting just how autonomous Teslas are. It can result in an overdependence on the Autopilot system and lull drivers into a false sense of security.
These misunderstandings are why lawsuits against Tesla have revolved around how they advertise their vehicles and autonomous driving systems. Questions have been raised as to whether Tesla has done enough to educate consumers about the capabilities of Autopilot.
Phantom Braking
Phantom braking is a term used when the Autopilot system detects a non-existent obstacle and suddenly decelerates. Naturally, applying the brakes randomly can increase the chances of an accident.
The problem has become so concerning that the NHTSA has received numerous complaints about phantom braking. This led to investigations into the issue, and Tesla issued a voluntary recall in 2023 without explicitly acknowledging the phantom braking problem.
Failure to Detect Stationary Emergency Vehicles
Another area Tesla’s Autopilot system has reportedly struggled with is stationary emergency vehicles. Several incidents have occurred where Teslas have collided with fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles while they were parked.
Again, the NHTSA has received numerous reports about this problem. It casts doubt over whether Autopilot is sophisticated enough to detect and issue the appropriate response to emergency vehicles.
Is Tesla Liable for Autopilot Accidents?
Autopilot incidents illustrate the complexity of who is liable for an accident involving these systems. Currently, the driver is often held responsible for these cases because Autopilot isn’t a genuine full autonomy system, making it easy to point to the driver who may not have been paying attention.
Some may argue that if the system malfunctions, it’s the system's fault, but as long as Tesla argues that drivers are still required to stay fully alert and can take control at a moment’s notice, it’s difficult to prove that Tesla is liable.
On the other hand, lawsuits have taken a different route by focusing on Tesla’s advertising. Material misrepresentations and false advertising claims could make Tesla partially liable, but juries have primarily sided with the auto manufacturer.
Another issue to consider is the difficulty in proving that this advanced technology is responsible for a specific accident. It usually requires performing a technical analysis of the technology and bringing in expert testimony. However, proving liability beyond all doubt remains extremely difficult, so Tesla isn’t usually held liable for a malfunctioning product.
Finally, remember that cases where Tesla has issued settlements have occurred outside of court. These out-of-court settlements prevent legal precedent from being established. Furthermore, autonomous vehicles are such a new concept that the legal framework hasn’t kept up with the pace of the technology.
Does that make it impossible to hold Tesla liable for Autopilot accidents? No, but it’s challenging for plaintiffs to prove beyond all doubt that Autopilot alone is the contributing factor to an accident. It underlines the importance of hiring an experienced car accident attorney who can build a compelling case and win justice for you.
Key Evidence Used in Court for Autopilot Crashes
Determining Tesla’s liability requires proving that the auto manufacturer’s Autopilot system somehow contributed to an accident. Product liability cases are notoriously complex, requiring lawyers to investigate the technology and demonstrate correlation and causation with the accident.
Lawyers may rely on several types of evidence, including Tesla’s internal communications, user agreements, forensic data, and expert testimony. Here’s how each type of evidence contributes to establishing liability.
Forensic Crash Data
Forensic data can be extracted from the vehicle after a Tesla car crash to demonstrate whether Autopilot was engaged. If Autopilot wasn’t engaged when the accident occurred, it’s impossible to say that it contributed to the accident.
That’s the first step any attorney will take to determine whether you have a case. Unfortunately, if your vehicle has sustained serious damage, the data logs may be irretrievable, meaning it’s impossible to prove that Autopilot may have been involved.
However, these claims have been countered in the past. For example, plaintiffs have relied on dashcam footage to show that Autopilot was engaged from the driver’s perspective.
Driver Warnings and User Agreements
Attorneys have also argued that Tesla didn’t sufficiently warn drivers of the limitations and safe use of the system. Each Tesla owner receives relevant documentation explaining how their vehicles work, including Autopilot.
Legal experts have argued in the past that these manuals and user agreements didn’t specify that the Autopilot system had limitations. This legal angle hinges upon Tesla not properly informing users, creating a false sense of security for drivers.
Expert Witness Testimony
Experts are often brought in to analyze the technical side of the evidence. They’re experts in how these vehicles function and can provide helpful information to support legal arguments. Moreover, some experts may focus on statements surrounding Autopilot’s capabilities, enabling them to reveal discrepancies that suggest either a malfunction or misleading advertising.
Autopilot Defects
Evidence to prove product defects is also key to proving liability against Tesla. Courts welcome evidence to show that the Autopilot system may have software bugs or even that the hardware itself has malfunctioned.
For example, a case may involve a faulty camera or sensor, indicating that the Autopilot feature couldn’t function as advertised. Likewise, faulty hardware may have led to the system behaving unexpectedly.
Internal Communications
In the past, internal communications at Tesla have shown what the company knows about Autopilot’s problems and how it was marketed.
One Florida judge working on an Autopilot-related case found reasonable evidence to show that some Tesla executives, including Elon Musk, knew that Autopilot struggled to detect cross-traffic.
What to Do After an Autopilot-Related Accident
Getting into an accident with a Tesla using the Autopilot function can create liability issues. After an accident, you must follow a defined series of steps to preserve evidence and strengthen your case. That includes seeking medical attention, taking photos, and enlisting legal help.
Here’s a rundown of what you should do if you’re hit by a Tesla using the Autopilot function:
- Call 911 – The first step is to assess the injuries of all parties. If someone is seriously hurt, request an ambulance to attend the scene. In all cases, it’s wise to ask for a traffic officer to attend, as they can fill out an official police accident report, which can serve as evidence later.
- Gather Evidence – Use your smartphone to gather evidence from the accident scene. The ideal time to collect this evidence is when everything is still fresh. Focus your camera on vehicular damage, visible injuries, road signage, and road conditions. Also, take down the contact details of any eyewitnesses so they can be contacted and provide a statement later.
- Exchange Details – By law, you must exchange insurance details with the other driver, regardless of who’s at fault. You're committing a criminal offense if you fail to provide your contact and insurance details.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention immediately. Visiting your nearest emergency room is crucial because many car accidents leave victims with hidden injuries that may not manifest until a few hours or days after the accident. In some cases, these hidden injuries could be life-threatening, with examples including internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries.
- Call Your Insurance Company – Notify your auto insurance company that you’ve been in an accident. Under the conditions of your insurance policy, you must report all accidents. Most insurers require their policyholders to report accidents within 24-72 hours.
The final step is to contact an attorney to begin building your case. They’ll work with insurers to negotiate a fair settlement. Suppose you can’t agree on a final sum. In that case, they’ll file all the necessary paperwork to initiate a lawsuit, whether against the at-fault driver, their insurer, or Tesla themselves.
Statute of Limitations and Your Legal Rights
All states have a statute of limitations on lawsuits, whether personal injury or product liability cases. No standard statute of limitations exists, so you’ll have to be wary about the limit your state places on them.
For example, Texas has a two-year statute of limitations. The clock begins running from the day of your accident, so there’s no time to delay. You lose the right to sue entirely if you don’t file your lawsuit in time.
Note that negotiations with insurers don’t stop the clock. The statute of limitations pertains to officially filing your lawsuit. That’s why hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer and starting the process as early as possible protects your right to pursue your rightful compensation.
Determining Fault in Tesla Autopilot Accidents
Establishing fault is the biggest challenge in these accidents. Firstly, the goal is to establish what the other driver did or didn’t do. All car accidents require establishing liability by searching for actions/inactions that cross into negligence. For example, this could involve a traffic violation like speeding.
The next step is to examine the role of Tesla’s autonomous driver assistance features. Although these technologies enhance safety, they don’t absolve the driver behind the steering wheel of responsibility. Determining fault requires establishing whether these features were engaged and how the driver interacted with them.
When Tesla Could Be At-Fault
Tesla may be a defendant in your lawsuit if you can prove that the Autopilot technology was a part of the accident. Tesla can be held liable only if these features can be proven to have contributed to the crash.
Typically, an attorney will pursue both the driver – who ultimately decided to use the Autopilot feature – and Tesla separately. If the company’s technology was partially to blame, you could be due for damages from them.
When the Other Driver Could Be At-Fault
Practically all Tesla-related accidents will involve the other driver bearing liability. The standard rules of negligence apply whereby if the other driver committed an act that breached their duty of care, they can be held liable for damages.
In states like Texas, where the comparative negligence model is in force, fault can be shared between parties. Your compensation will depend on whether you contributed to the accident. For example, if your actions represent 20% of the blame, any compensation amount awarded would be reduced by 20%.
None of this applies to no-fault states, where you can still receive damages whether you were at fault or not.
Timeline of How Tesla’s Autopilot Has Improved Over the Years
Tesla’s Autopilot function has been viewed as the precursor to full autonomy or the evolution of self-driving vehicles. Elon Musk has been making predictions since 2013 before saying he expected to see full autonomy by the end of 2017. A Tesla engineer testified that a promotional video from 2016 purporting to demonstrate self-driving was faked, leaving the company experiencing a PR nightmare. In 2018, this date was revised again until 2019, before being constantly revised up to the present day.
However, Autopilot has gradually improved from basic lane-keeping to more advanced features, including the FSD functionality.
Featuring adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping for highway driving, it used cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar.
TESLA’S AUTO PILOT TIMELINE
Here’s a basic rundown of the Autopilot evolution:
2014
The initial Autopilot release established the foundations of what Tesla’s autonomous driving system would later become. It included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping using cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar. At this stage, it was designed primarily for highway driving.
2016
Two years later, Tesla released Hardware 2. The Hardware 2 update improved Autopilot’s cameras and brought a more sophisticated computer system. With it, new features including automatic lane changes and traffic-aware cruise control.
2019
Five years after its original release, 2019 delivered the “Enhanced Autopilot” option. Enhanced Autopilot brought features like Navigate on Autopilot to allow lane changes as part of its superior highway navigation system. It was also the first time Tesla switched to its custom FSD chip to enhance the system’s processing power.
2020
The beginning of a new decade saw the initial rollout of the FSD beta program. For the first time, Teslas acquired limited autonomy on non-highway roads. There were also notable improvements in Autopilot’s ability to detect stop signs and red lights.
2021
The latest Tesla models removed radar sensors and shifted to an entirely camera-based system for perceiving obstacles. The FSD program continued to be researched and deployed across a wider range of Tesla vehicles.
2022/2023
The following two years saw the FSD beta program expand to accommodate a broader user base. Several improvements were also initiated to improve how Teslas navigated complex intersections and dealt with pedestrians.
Hardware 4 was also released, which brought with it brand-new camera technology and even more computing power. According to Tesla, Hardware 4 improved FSD’s ability to navigate more challenging driving conditions.
What Next?
Despite the advancements made in a decade, don’t forget that Tesla is still far from full autonomy. Most observers believe that full autonomy will become the norm one day, but in terms of the autonomy scale, Tesla still lingers on level two. To sum it up, don’t expect to see full autonomy on the roads anytime soon.
What are the Legal Implications of Fully Autonomous Cars?
Entirely autonomous cars are a complex issue in the auto industry because there’s no cohesive legal framework to regulate them. As of 2025, the issue has been left for individual states to regulate. The problem with this is that auto manufacturers are unlikely to be able to profitably build different cars to suit the requirements of different states.
Most states have not addressed the issue, with their laws not discussing self-driving vehicles or whether they’re legal. Some have argued that this means autonomous vehicles are implicitly allowed. That’s one of the reasons Google has set up its own self-driving car testing program in Texas, as Texas hasn’t passed any related legislation.
Other states have grasped the issue head-on in an attempt to put themselves at the forefront of the self-driving vehicle revolution. States like California have recognized self-driving cars in law, so it’s one of the few states where you can find partial or fully autonomous vehicles on public roads.
What’s clear is that at some stage, the federal government must pass legislation relating to self-driving cars, especially as manufacturers like Tesla make headway toward full autonomy.
Tesla Autopilot Accidents FAQs
What happens if Tesla Autopilot crashes?
If a Tesla crashes on Autopilot, the usual rules of negligence apply. Lawyers will examine whether the driver was at fault and whether a software/hardware malfunction contributed to the accident.
Is Tesla liable for self-driving accidents?
Sometimes, Tesla may be held liable for self-driving accidents. It must be mentioned that Tesla may only be held liable if their product, which in this case is Autopilot, contributed. You must provide firm evidence proving that some sort of bug or malfunction resulted in the accident.
What is the Tesla Autopilot’s weakness?
The primary weakness of the Tesla Autopilot system is that it may struggle to detect hazards, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and stationary objects, in low-light conditions. It’s critical to remember that human intervention may be required, as Autopilot isn’t designed to be a fully autonomous system.
