Who will be prosecuted for Tesla accidents, the driver or the company?
Determining who is liable in a Tesla accident depends on the details of the incident, the driving technique employed, and the legal requirements of the country. In such cases, responsibility is generally tied to the following factors:
Driver's Responsibility: If the vehicle is under the control of the driver and the accident occurs due to the driver's negligence, carelessness, or violation of traffic rules, the driver may be held responsible. Drivers are expected to use the automatic systems of their vehicles correctly and maintain attention on the road.
Automatic Driving System Responsibility: In the event of an accident while the vehicle is in autopilot or autonomous driving mode, and if the accident is caused by a flaw in the automatic system, the manufacturer can be held accountable. In such cases, evidence regarding the vehicle's features, software updates, and proof of the system's proper functioning can be crucial.
Manufacturer's Responsibility: If the accident stems from manufacturing or design defects in the vehicle, the manufacturer may be held responsible.
Legal Regulations: National legal regulations regarding autonomous driving technology and the existing legal framework are also crucial. Some countries may have specific standards and liability rules for autonomous vehicles.
Therefore, determining liability in accident cases often requires legal proceedings based on various factors and is resolved in court. Details of the incident, witness statements, evidence from security cameras, and vehicle records play a significant role in resolving these situations.