Teslas have the highest accident rate of 30 different car brands, according to a 2023 study by LendingTree. The same study revealed that Tesla drivers are involved in 23.5 accidents for every 1,000 cars on the road. Despite increased accident risks, Tesla is the world’s most popular electric car brand. Below, we discuss the common causes of accidents related to Teslas and how to prevent them.
Were you injured in an accident involving a Tesla? Call Tesla accident attorney Brett M. Bressler at 407-599-2002 for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Autopilot & Self-Driving Failures
Accidents caused by the misuse of Tesla’s autopilot and self-driving features have been widely reported. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that Tesla’s autopilot system contributed to over 450 accidents, resulting in 14 fatalities and 86 serious injuries in 2022 alone.
The car’s autopilot feature is designed to be a partial driving automation system that needs the direct, attentive assistance of the driver. The driver’s hands should remain on the wheel, and the driver shouldn’t engage in distracting behavior when operating the vehicle. Cameras in the car’s interior notify drivers if they aren’t engaged in driving. Tesla instituted a recall in 2023 for over two million vehicles to address issues related to the autopilot system. The recall included updating the vehicle software to provide drivers with visual alerts and safety checks when drivers are distracted or don’t have their hands on the wheel. Serious crashes can occur when the autopilot system is misused, such as the tragic incident where a Tesla rammed into the back of a parked truck at a rest stop on I-75 in Marion County, killing the driver and passenger.
Battery Explosions
There have been over 230 cases of Tesla fires during car accidents, with over 80 fatalities. Tesla battery fires are caused by manufacturing defects or battery cell damage (which is common during an accident). Cell damage fires are extremely challenging to extinguish, as the damaged battery overheats and sets off a chain reaction known as “thermal runaway.” This makes the fire self-sustaining and challenging to keep under control.
The best way to prevent Tesla battery explosions is to practice safe driving and follow all road safety laws to avoid crashes. Here are a few ways to prevent Tesla battery explosions:
- Limit rapid charging.
- Only use approved and authorized charging stations.
- Provide adequate ventilation when storing a Tesla in a garage.
- Store combustible materials away from the Tesla.
Speeding
Like other cars, speeding is one of the most common causes of Tesla accidents. Tesla’s rapid acceleration allows drivers to reach high speeds in seconds, which can lead to reckless driving and failure to control the vehicle.
Diminished Value for Tesla Accidents
Teslas can suffer a significant decrease in value after getting into an accident. On average, cars may lose 10% to 50% of their market value after repairs. In Florida, drivers can recover compensation for diminished value for a vehicle involved in a car accident if the at-fault driver is insured. Our Tesla accident attorney has been able to recover tens of thousands of dollars in diminished value for car accidents involving Teslas, Audi, Acura, Aston Martin, Bentleys, BMWs, Ferrari, Lexus, Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and more.
Tesla Accident Attorney in Orlando, Florida
If you were injured in an accident involving a Tesla, have an experienced Tesla accident attorney to represent you and understand the unique circumstances surrounding Tesla accidents. We work with our clients on a contingency basis, so we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for your injuries. Call the law office of Brett M. Bressler at 407-599-2002 for a free consultation to discuss your case.
