At Bluestein Attorneys, we’re committed to protecting South Carolina drivers, especially as vehicle technology continues to change. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature is one of the most talked-about advances in modern driving, but it’s also raising serious safety concerns.
A recent investigation by The Dawn Project revealed that Tesla vehicles failed key safety tests. During controlled demonstrations, cars in FSD mode didn’t stop for child sized mannequins or school buses using flashing red lights. These findings highlight the gap between what technology promises and how it performs in real-world conditions.
Despite the name, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving is not fully autonomous. Drivers must remain alert and ready to take over at all times. Unfortunately, many people assume the car can drive itself and that can lead to devastating consequences.
Legal Reality: Who’s Liable After an FSD Crash?
In South Carolina, the driver is still responsible for the vehicle’s operation, even when autonomous features are active. If a Tesla crashes while in Full Self-Driving mode, the driver may still be legally liable for any resulting injuries or damage.
However, the legal picture can get more complicated. In some cases, responsibility might extend beyond the driver. If faulty software or a defective system played a role, it could open the door to claims against Tesla as the manufacturer. Fleet owners or companies testing autonomous vehicles could also be brought into a claim, depending on the circumstances.
That’s why having an experienced attorney is so important. These aren’t ordinary car accidents cases, they often involve multiple parties, technical evidence, and developing legal standards.
After a Crash: What You Should Do
If you’re injured in a crash involving Tesla FSD or any type of automated driving system, it’s important to take it seriously. Even if you believe the vehicle was at fault due to a technical failure, you still have legal rights, and you may be entitled to compensation.
Victims in these cases often face high medical bills, lost income, and long-term pain or disability. South Carolina law allows injured individuals to recover damages in these situations, including for medical expenses, lost earnings, emotional suffering, and in the most tragic cases, wrongful death.
It’s also important to act quickly. Preserving evidence, understanding how the crash occurred, and identifying who may be responsible all become more challenging over time.
Are Tesla and Self-Driving Cars Safe?
Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD have been involved in a growing number of crashes, some of which have made national headlines. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched several investigations into the safety of these systems.
Many experts argue that this technology simply isn’t ready for full deployment. The public confusion over what “Full Self-Driving” actually means only adds to the danger, especially when users aren’t fully informed about its limitations. Sadly, many drivers trust the FSD system too much, taking their attention off the road in situations where human input is still needed.
Why Bluestein Attorneys?
With over 25 years of experience handling car accidents, product liability, and injury claims, we’re capable of handling complex cases involving autonomous vehicles. Our team understands the evolving legal landscape surrounding driverless cars and the challenges of proving fault in crash cases.
Whether your injuries were caused by a distracted driver, faulty technology, or a combination of both, Bluestein Attorneys is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Get Help Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Tesla crash, a self-driving car accident, or a collision involving Full Self-Driving features, don’t wait. Contact Bluestein Attorneys in Columbia, South Carolina, for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal options and guide you toward the next step in recovery.
Call now at 803-779-7599 or fill out the form on this website page Car Wreck Lawyer, Attorneys for Auto Accidents – Columbia, SC
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.
