New Mexico car accidents have a number of causes, only some of which involve a negligent motorist. In some cases, a vehicle contains a defective part that compromises a driver’s ability to safely control the vehicle.
Back in May of last year, a former Navy Seal died when the vehicle he was driving, a Tesla Model S, crashed into a truck that failed to yield the right-of-way as it crossed the highway. After the collision, the National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB) conducted an official investigation into the fatal car accident. According to a recent news report, the results of the more than year-long investigation have just been released.
The recently released NTSB report faults both drivers in the accident, stating that the truck driver failed to yield when he crossed the highway and that the Tesla’s driver should not have relied so heavily on the auto-pilot technology. However, the report also mentioned that the auto-pilot technology in the Tesla Model S allowed drivers to over-rely on the system. The report recommends that future versions of auto-pilot technology do not allow drivers to use the technology on roads that are not appropriate for its use.
The NTSB report clearly stated that “Tesla’s system worked as designed,” but it took issue with the manner in which the system allowed drivers to use auto-pilot technology to their own peril. The Florida highway where the accident occurred was a divided highway with sporadic intersections, allowing for vehicles to turn on and off the highway. While Tesla recommended that drivers do not use the auto-pilot feature when traveling on these types of roads, the vehicle did not prevent drivers from using auto-pilot and traveling up to 90 miles per hour on this type of highway.
The NTSB’s final recommendation was that manufacturers conduct more tests and gather more data before allowing drivers to freely use the auto-pilot feature.
New Mexico Product Liability Cases Stemming from Dangerous Vehicles
Vehicle manufacturers, like any other company that manufactures a product, have a duty to ensure that the vehicles they sell are safe for normal use. In order to be confident that a vehicle is safe, manufacturers should conduct rigorous safety testing under a wide range of conditions. If it is discovered that a vehicle part or component may be dangerous, the manufacturer has a duty to remedy that danger before releasing the vehicle to the market. Often, these discoveries result in a vehicle or component being recalled.
Have You Been Injured in a New Mexico Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a New Mexico car accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Car accidents are not always results of negligent driving; in some cases, a vehicle part or component is not safe. This can result in a driver losing control or being unable to stop. The dedicated New Mexico personal injury attorneys at the Fine Law Firm have extensive experience representing clients in a wide range of personal injury and wrongful death cases, including those arising out of New Mexico car accidents. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with an Albuquerque car accident attorney, call 505-889-FINE. Calling is free, and we will not bill you unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Court Refuses to Consider Plaintiff’s Alleged Error on Appeal Because It Was Unpled Below, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, September 8, 2017.
Court Finds Driver’s Act of Waving Plaintiff Forward to Make Left Turn Was Not the Cause of Subsequent Accident, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, August 25, 2017.