NHTSA Investigates Deadly Newport Beach Tesla Crash

Published by

Samer Habbas, Esq

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has dispatched a special crash investigation team to probe the possibility that a Tesla involved in a Newport Beach crash that killed three people this month was operating on a partially automated driving system.

The deadly crash occurred on Wednesday, May 12th at about 12:45 a.m. on Pacific Coast Highway, near Newport Boulevard. The Newport Beach police arrived on scene to find that a 2022 Tesla Model S sedan had crashed into a curb and then hit construction equipment on the south side of the road. Two men and a woman were found dead in the car, and three construction workers suffered minor injuries.

The investigation is part of a larger inquiry by the NHTSA into crashes involving advanced driver assistance systems, such as Tesla’s Autopilot. In the past 6 years, the agency has assigned teams to 34 crashes in which the systems were either in use or suspected of operating.

The NHTSA reports that 28 of the crashes involve Teslas. Fifteen people died in the crashes, with 14 of the deaths involving Teslas.

Moreover, in addition to the specific crashes, NHTSA is also investigating Tesla Autopilot crashes into emergency vehicles parked along roadways and the cars braking for no apparent reason.

Tesla warns drivers who opt to use Autopilot that the “Full Self-Driving” system cannot drive themselves and that drivers must be ready to intervene at all times.

Call an Orange County Car Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured or died in a car accident, especially in a car using a self-driving program, you may also be entitled to compensation. To ensure you get the full money damages you deserve, you need to consult with and hire an Orange County car accident attorney.

For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with an OC accident lawyer, please call the Law Offices of Samer Habbas at (888) 848-5084.

Samer Habbas, Esq

Samer Habbas is a California attorney with over 18 years of experience in personal injury law. Throughout his career, he has successfully recovered over $300 million for his clients, solidifying his reputation as a leading advocate in the field. Samer swiftly gained recognition for his adept negotiation skills and unwavering dedication to his clients. His practice spans a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, dog bites, funeral home abuse, premises liability, and wrongful death. Samer is known for his compassionate approach and commitment to securing favorable outcomes for his clients. His expertise has earned him the trust and respect of both his clients and his peers within the legal community. He is also deeply invested in giving back to his community. He actively participates in pro bono work and volunteers his time to various charitable organizations. Samer is a champion for those who have been wronged, leveraging his extensive experience and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his clients and his community.