Fuller Law Firm
408-234-7563
79 Devine Street, Suite 100, San Jose, CA 95110
408-234-7563
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408-234-7563
Automaker Tesla had millions of its vehicles recalled in 2024, and 2025 opened with news that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating another issue that involves 2.6 million Tesla vehicles. Tesla’s "Actually Smart Summon" feature allows owners to direct their vehicles through an app remotely, but four crashes have been reported associated with this Full Self-Driving technology, including one fatal accident.
Vehicles with self-driving capabilities, including driverless cars, are becoming more common. If a self-driving car causes an accident that injures you, who is responsible? An experienced Palo Alto, CA personal injury attorney can investigate your crash and help you maximize your compensation.
Vehicles are classified by the level of autonomous functions, with a Level 0 car having no automation and a Level 5 vehicle being fully automated. Some levels require drivers to remain alert and ready to take control of their vehicles in certain situations.
These vehicles rely on complex software, sensors, radar, cameras, lidar, algorithms, GPS, and deep neural networks to operate. If that sounds complicated, it is. A single software coding error, glitch, or sensor malfunction can render the automated systems unsafe. For situations requiring drivers to take control, a distracted driver might not react in time to avoid an accident.
Like with most accidents, an investigation should reveal how and why a self-driving car crash occurred. However, the list of potentially at-fault parties is more extensive for these vehicles. They could be:
The driver
The car’s manufacturer
Software companies
Satellite mapping companies
Parts manufacturers
Mechanics
Driverless car companies
These cars have advanced technology and intricate systems that depend on each other to function correctly. When non-automated vehicles are involved in a collision, driver negligence usually determines fault. For example, speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving are negligent driver errors that indicate fault. With self-driving cars, assigning liability is significantly more complex. Without an attorney on your side, you may not get the compensation you deserve.
Because of the complex details involved in how these vehicles operate, you need an attorney who understands what evidence to look for and how to find it. Without the proper evidence, insurers are likely to blame another party for causing your crash.
We know how to determine fault and calculate your damages accurately. Damages are the losses you suffered from your crash, such as property damage, medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. We will negotiate an acceptable settlement offer or take your case to trial if necessary to get the maximum payout available for you.
When you have a complex legal issue, you need an experienced attorney from Fuller Law Firm to protect your best interests. Contact us online or call 408-234-7563 to schedule your free case evaluation with our dedicated Santa Clara County, CA personal injury lawyer.
408-234-7563From our office in San Jose, California, we serve clients throughout the Bay Area, including but not limited to Campbell, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Milpitas, Mountain View, Fremont, Stanford, Union City, and Santa Clara County.
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