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Boone & Davis, Attorneys At Law Serving South Florida for over 40 Years
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Autopilot Failure Leads To Fatal Crash

New car technology has come a long way in recent years, even decades. Things we only saw in sci-fi movies or in our own imaginations are becoming reality with increasing speed. One such bit of technology – the self-driving car – has suffered a setback as a result of a recent incident in Florida in which a Tesla Model S owner was killed when the vehicle’s brakes failed to activate. The vehicle struck a tractor trailer that turned in front of him, according to the police reports, after its cameras failed to recognize the side of the trailer and the man died at the accident scene. The failure highlights that, for as much progress that has been made, the technology is not yet perfect.

How Is Fault Assessed In An Auto Accident?

Any time an accident occurs, we try to determine its cause it in the hope that future occurrences will be prevented. Of course, the Tesla case is unique due to the autopilot component – and will certainly be interesting to watch to see how it is handled. In some cases, a manufacturer may bear some part of the liability if there is some sort of defect or problem with the car or one of its components. However, in the majority of accident cases, one or more of the drivers’ actions usually leads to the incident. Factors such as reckless driving, speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or inattentiveness can all cause an accident to happen in the blink of an eye.

What Should I Do If I Have Been Involved In An Accident?

The most important thing to do if you have been involved in an auto accident is to make sure anyone who needs medical attention is treated as soon as possible. If police are called to the scene, cooperate with them to provide information, but never admit to any fault. Have your identification and insurance information handy so that these details can be provided easily. For minor accidents that do not require the involvement of police, all drivers will need to exchange information. Once again, never admit fault. It is a good idea to take pictures of the scene and other shots that may be useful later. Moving vehicles out of the traffic flow if it can be done without causing further damage to the vehicle and getting everyone to a safe location are also important. If a police report has been filed, request a copy for your records.

Let Us Assist You With Your Case

When you have been injured in an auto accident, the legal professionals at Boone & Davis in Fort Lauderdale will help you to understand your rights and responsibilities under Florida law. We have decades of experience handling all types of personal injury and auto accident cases and know what to look for when tackling each individual case.  Our auto accident attorneys will review your case with you and assess where fault may lie to determine the best way to proceed with your case. Making sure you feel comfortable about the process and about the way your case is handled is important to us. Contact us either by phone at 954.556.5260 or through our website and get started today towards a full recovery for your losses.

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