Can Tesla’s Self-Driving System Cause Accidents?

You’re driving, or maybe you’re not. The car is driving for you, guided by a web of sensors, algorithms, and software that promises to make roads safer and commutes easier. That’s the idea, anyway. But what happens when your self-driving Tesla doesn’t see a stop sign, swerves unexpectedly, or crashes?

The truth is, “self-driving” isn’t the same as driverless, and while Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems sound futuristic, they’re still far from perfect. And yes, they can cause car accidents.

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a Tesla or another vehicle using similar technology, you’re probably wondering: who’s responsible? The driver? The carmaker? The computer?

Let’s walk through it all.

What exactly is Tesla’s self-driving system?

Tesla uses two main driver-assist systems:

• Autopilot is standard on most models. It includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane centering.
• Full Self-Driving (FSD) is a beta program with more advanced features, like automatic lane changes, navigation on highways, and even self-parking.

But here’s the thing: neither system makes the car fully autonomous. The human driver is still legally and practically responsible for what the car does.

That means your hands need to stay on the wheel, and your eyes on the road, even if the car seems to be handling it all for you.

Can self-driving systems cause crashes?

Yes, they can, and they have.

Despite Tesla’s marketing language, there’s plenty of data showing that driver-assist technology isn’t foolproof. Tesla vehicles using Autopilot or FSD have been involved in multiple high-profile crashes, some of them fatal. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened several investigations into the safety of these systems.

Common self-driving system failures include:

• Failing to recognize stopped emergency vehicles
• Misjudging turns or merges
• Not detecting pedestrians or cyclists
• Braking unexpectedly (“phantom braking”)
• Speeding through stop signs or red lights in FSD beta mode

In short, the system may work 95% of the time, but that remaining 5% can be catastrophic.

Who’s responsible if a Tesla crashes while self-driving?

Responsibility during vehicle operation is where things get murky. Let’s say you’re hit by a Tesla running on Autopilot. Who do you sue?

1. The driver

Even if the car was “driving itself,” the human behind the wheel is still expected to remain alert and ready to intervene. If they didn’t, they may be liable for negligent driving.

2. Tesla

If the crash was caused by a malfunction in the software or hardware, you may be able to bring a product liability claim against Tesla. That includes defective design, manufacturing issues, or failure to warn.

3. Both

In some cases, fault is shared. The driver may have relied too heavily on the system, but Tesla may also have made misleading claims about what the system could safely do.

This is where car accident lawyers come in. They know how to investigate liability, subpoena the car’s data logs, and determine whether human error or machine failure (or both) played a role.

What if you were the one driving the Tesla?

Let’s say you were using Autopilot like the manual says, hands on the wheel, eyes forward, and your car made a mistake. You crashed. You were hurt.

Can you sue Tesla?

You might be able to. But it’s not easy.

Tesla’s user agreement includes broad disclaimers that put most of the responsibility back on the driver. Still, if your injuries were caused by a system failure, a skilled attorney might pursue a claim for:

• Defective product design
• Negligent software programming
• Misleading marketing or safety representations

These cases often come back to the black box data (the vehicle’s internal logs of what happened before, during, and after the crash).

What does the law say about self-driving car accidents?

Laws are still catching up with the technology. Right now, most states, including Mississippi, don’t have specific statutes governing self-driving vehicles. That means traditional rules of negligence, product liability, and traffic law still apply.

In Mississippi, if someone else’s negligence causes your injury, you have the right to pursue compensation. Whether that negligence came from a distracted driver or a malfunctioning AI, the legal principles are the same.

That said, the technical complexity of self-driving cases makes it critical to work with car accident lawyers who understand both the law and the technology.

What kinds of injuries result from Tesla accidents?

Just like in any crash, injuries can range from mild to life-altering. These systems are supposed to reduce the chance of serious harm, but when they fail, the results can be devastating.

Common injuries in Autopilot-related crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Multiple fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Severe lacerations or burns
• PTSD and emotional trauma

Whether you were hit by a self-driving car or injured while inside one, you deserve to be compensated if someone (or something) else was at fault.

What compensation can you recover?

If you were hurt in a crash involving a Tesla or any other semi-autonomous vehicle, you may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation costs
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

These cases often require expert witnesses, detailed accident reconstructions, and access to vehicle logs, all of which your attorney can help secure.

How can car accident lawyers help?

Let’s be honest: trying to sue a company like Tesla isn’t as simple as it should be. They have deep pockets, powerful legal teams, and a vested interest in protecting their brand.

However, you don’t have to fight them alone. Experienced car accident lawyers can help by:

• Investigating the cause of the crash
• Accessing vehicle data and logs
• Identifying responsible parties (driver, manufacturer, others)
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Taking your case to trial if necessary

At Merkel & Cocke, we’ve built our reputation on holding powerful defendants accountable. Whether it’s a distracted driver or a tech giant, we know how to build strong, evidence-backed cases.

What should you do after a self-driving car crash?

Whether you were a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, here are a few steps to take immediately after the accident:

• Call 911 – Report the accident and get medical help.
• Document everything – Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicle.
• Don’t tamper with the car’s data – Leave the vehicle as-is. Its internal systems may be important evidence.
• Contact a car accident lawyer – The sooner you start building your case, the better.

Don’t let imperfect technology affect your life

Self-driving cars are no longer science fiction, they’re here. And while the promise of safer roads is compelling, the reality is far more complex. Technology can fail. People can make mistakes. And when they do, lives can be changed in an instant.

Whether you were hurt by a Tesla in Autopilot mode or injured while relying on your own car’s smart features, you have rights. And with the right legal team, you can hold the right people (or companies) accountable.

Contact Merkel & Cocke today to speak with experienced car accident lawyers who understand the reality of self-driving systems.