Tesla Faces Lawsuit Over Model X Crash Involving Autopilot Feature

Key Takeaways

• Tesla is being sued by the family of an Apple engineer who died in a 2018 Model X crash.
• The family claims that Tesla's Autopilot feature was "defective" and caused the collision.
• Tesla plans to argue that the engineer was distracted by his phone while on Autopilot.
• Tesla introduced a sworn statement from an Apple engineer, claiming that the engineer was actively using his phone at the time of the crash.
• The legal battle intensifies as Tesla seeks to involve Apple and the plaintiff's attorneys push back.

News Content

Tesla is facing a lawsuit brought by the family of an Apple engineer who died in a Model X crash in 2018. The family claimed Tesla's Autopilot feature was "defective" and contributed to the collision. Now, Tesla aims to involve Apple in the case by citing an engineer as a witness to argue that the engineer was distracted by his phone at the time of the crash. The case is set to go to trial next week.

Tesla previously asserted that the crash was solely due to the engineer's inattentiveness and continues to rely on this argument as it faces legal battles regarding its autopilot function. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the Autopilot had "system limitations," and the engineer had a game open on his phone before the crash.

In the lead-up to the trial, Tesla introduced a sworn statement from an Apple employee to support its defense, while the Huang family is pushing back and has subpoenaed Apple for more information about the employee's testimony. Apple, in turn, is seeking to quash the subpoena, arguing that it is not a party to the case and has not been given notice related to the dispute.

Analysis

The ongoing lawsuit between Tesla and the family of the deceased Apple engineer stems from the collision involving a Model X in 2018. The introduction of an Apple engineer as a witness by Tesla suggests an attempt to shift blame onto the engineer's inattentiveness. The trial's outcome could lead to significant consequences for both Tesla and Apple, impacting their reputations and legal standings. Short-term, the case may shake consumer confidence in Autopilot technology, while long-term, it could prompt changes in regulation and accountability for autonomous driving systems. Furthermore, the involved companies' relationship may strain as the legal battle unfolds, potentially impacting future collaborations.

Do You Know?

• Tesla's Autopilot Function: This feature in Tesla vehicles allows for semi-autonomous driving, with the car capable of steering, accelerating, and braking within a lane on a highway. However, it requires the driver to remain attentive and ready to take over control at any moment.

• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Investigation: The NTSB conducted an investigation into the 2018 crash and found that there were limitations to Tesla's Autopilot system. Additionally, the engineer involved in the crash was reported to have had a game open on his phone before the collision.

• Sworn Statement and Subpoena from Apple: Tesla introduced a sworn statement from an Apple employee to support its defense in the lawsuit, while the family of the crash victim has subpoenaed Apple for more information about the employee's testimony. Apple, however, is seeking to quash the subpoena, claiming it is not a party to the case and has not been given notice related to the dispute.