As Tesla’s Autopilot and other semi-autonomous features become more common on New Jersey roads, accidents involving this technology are raising complex questions about liability. Tesla’s Autopilot can handle some driving tasks, but it cannot completely replace human drivers. In fact, federal data shows there were 392 crashes involving driver-assist systems, and 273 (nearly 70%) of those involved Tesla’s Autopilot or “Full Self-Driving” software. When a Tesla on Autopilot crashes, who is liable – the human driver, the automaker, or someone else? This article explores Autopilot’s capabilities and limitations, how liability is determined (especially under New Jersey law), real-life cases, and what steps victims should take after such an accident.

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Understanding Tesla’s Autopilot: Capabilities and Limitations

Tesla Autopilot is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) – essentially a Level 2 semi-autonomous technology. It can steer, accelerate, and brake the car in some situations without driver input. For example, Autopilot can keep the vehicle in its lane, maintain a safe following distance, and even perform lane changes on command. These features have led many to believe a Tesla can “drive itself.” However, Autopilot is not a fully self-driving system. Tesla’s own documentation emphasizes that the driver must keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times. In other words, Autopilot is meant to assist – not replace – an attentive human driver.

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Limitations of Autopilot

Autopilot has important limitations. It is designed for highway use and may not function properly on city streets or in complex driving scenarios. Tesla warns that Autopilot (specifically the Autosteer feature) “is not designed to...steer [the car] around [all] objects” and may not stop for stationary objects in the road. The system relies on cameras and sensors that can be impaired by poor visibility, bad weather, or faded lane markings, and it may struggle with unusual road layouts. Crucially, Tesla states that the driver is responsible for control of the car at all times. In practice, this means if Autopilot doesn’t recognize a hazard or makes a mistake, the human driver is expected to notice and take over immediately. Unfortunately, drivers don’t always intervene in time, especially if they’ve grown too confident in the technology. Tesla’s marketing names like “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” have been criticized for potentially giving drivers a false sense of security.

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Liability in Autopilot Crashes: Driver, Tesla, or Third Party?

When a crash happens with Autopilot engaged, determining who is liable can be complicated. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties might share blame:

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The Tesla Driver (Human Error)

In many cases, the driver of the Tesla will bear primary responsibility. Autonomous driving technology is not an excuse for inattention. Drivers are expected to supervise the system and take control if something goes wrong. Tesla’s stance has long been that “Autopilot does not allow the driver to abdicate responsibility” for operating the vehicle. Courts have often agreed that the ultimate responsibility lies with the human behind the wheel. For example, in October 2023, a jury in California cleared Tesla of fault in a fatal Autopilot crash, effectively finding no defect in the system and that the driver was responsible for the accident. If a Tesla driver is distracted (e.g. texting, watching a video, or dozing off) and fails to react in time, that driver will likely be deemed negligent. Just like any other accident, a driver who isn’t paying attention can be held liable for injuries that result from their unsafe behavior.

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Tesla or the Vehicle Manufacturer (Product Defect)

In some situations, the technology itself may have failed, and the injured parties might pursue a product liability claim against Tesla. If a crash is caused by a defective sensor, faulty software, or a design flaw in Autopilot, Tesla could be held partially or even fully liable. Under New Jersey’s product liability laws, manufacturers can be held strictly liable if their product (here, the car or its Autopilot system) is unreasonably dangerous or fails to perform as safely as an ordinary user would expect.

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Third Parties (Other Drivers or Entities)

Not every Autopilot crash is solely due to the Tesla or its driver. Sometimes a third party contributes to the accident:

Other Drivers: If another vehicle’s driver behaves negligently – for instance, running a red light or swerving into the Tesla’s lane – they could be found at fault just as in any typical car accident.

Pedestrians or Cyclists: If a pedestrian darts in front of a Tesla or a cyclist behaves unpredictably, fault might not lie with the Tesla or the Autopilot at all.

Road Conditions and Other Factors: Occasionally, liability could extend to a third party such as a government entity or contractor – for example, if poor road design or missing road signs contributed to the accident.

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New Jersey Law and Autonomous Vehicle Liability

New Jersey’s legal framework for car accidents provides some unique twists when it comes to Autopilot crashes. Currently, NJ has no special statute just for self-driving cars in liability cases, so traditional laws of negligence and product liability apply.

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1. Comparative Negligence (51% Rule): New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule (the “51% bar”). This means an injured party can still recover damages as long as they were 50% or less at fault, but their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. If a plaintiff is 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover anything.

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2. Strict Product Liability in NJ: If a Tesla Autopilot system is alleged to be defective, a lawsuit against the manufacturer (Tesla) would likely be governed by the New Jersey Product Liability Act (NJPLA).

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Steps to Take After an Autopilot Crash

If you’re involved in an Autopilot crash, follow these steps:

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1. Call 911 and report the crash – Inform the police if Autopilot was engaged.

2. Document the accident – Take photos, videos, and witness statements.

3. Preserve Tesla’s driving logs – Your attorney can request Tesla’s black box data.

4. Consult a New Jersey personal injury lawyer – An experienced attorney can determine liability and help you seek compensation.

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Conclusion

Tesla Autopilot crashes raise complex legal questions, but victims have legal options. Whether liability falls on the Tesla driver, Tesla itself, or another party depends on the specifics of the crash. Our law firm is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable. We have extensive experience handling complex accident cases, including those involving autonomous vehicle technology.

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If you or a loved one has been injured in a Tesla Autopilot accident in New Jersey, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact our office today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.