Driver-assistance Software: How Tesla Is Facing and Handling Lawsuit
Tesla is known for many things as they are always up and about many possible inventions. One of their many groundbreaking acts was the development of self-driving software, which was aimed at making driving easier than it used to be. While intended to enhance driving safety and convenience, the technology has faced scrutiny following a fatal accident in 2018.
After this incident, Tesla had to face the resulting lawsuit and reach a settlement with the parties. It is important to have a critical view of this case, and that is what this article offers.
Wei Lun Huang – The Man and the Circumstances Surrounding His Death
Wei Lun Huang was one of those who owned the classic Tesla Model X car. While driving this car sometime in 2018, it veered off the road into Mountain View somewhere in California. The crash was not a great sight to behold, and Mr. Wei died as a result of this fatal crash. Worthy of mention is that the car had the driver-assistance software, and his family attributed his death to a defect in the software.
The family contended that the vehicle’s advanced technology sophistication should have prevented this. As such, the family instituted an action against Tesla in California. In their arguments, they claimed that while there was a barrier in the car, it was subpar, which was why it could not absorb the impact of the crash.
Tesla, on the other hand, argued that the necessary features needed for the effective functioning of the car were in place. They further stated that these features were not in any way responsible for the supposed crash; instead, they attributed Mr. Wei’s death to distracted driving. According to them, there is evidence that the driver was playing a video game instead of maintaining focus while driving.
The Defense of the Tesla Team In this Case
Tesla has faced several legal challenges. However, for this particular case, they explained that the autopilot software that was installed in the car came with an advanced version of the self-driving feature. Furthermore, they stated that this does not entirely mean the car can function completely on its own or that drivers should be negligent while driving.
The software helps to facilitate ease of accelerating and braking based on sensors that have been designed and integrated. Not withstanding this, drivers still have the duty of concentrating while driving to ensure that these features function optimally to assist them and not completely replace them.
Final Judgment by NTSB and Settlement
After a careful review of the case, consideration of the facts, and arguments presented by both parties, the National Transportation Safety Board found both parties at fault. For Tesla, it was said that the software failed to ensure the vehicle maintained its lane or detect the highway barrier. For Mr. Wei, the board concluded that he was distracted while driving which also resulted in the crash.
In an undisclosed settlement term, Tesla reached an agreement with Mr. Wei’s children for a specific amount. The content of the settlement agreement and amount were not made public by either of the parties.
Also Read: How Class Action Lawsuits Protect Consumer Rights
Conclusion
The case of Wei Lun Huang against Tesla’s autopilot software is one that attracted public attention and interest. In a turn of events many years later, the company has finally been able to settle the lawsuit while avoiding trial. “As with many other cases, Tesla sought to resolve the case out of court to avoid the huge cost and the public scrutiny associated with trial,” says attorney Miguel Custodio Jr of CD Lawyers.
