The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is launching an investigation after a car accident involving a Tesla kills three people. The crash occurred on West Coast Highway after three passengers were traveling in a 2022 Tesla Model S.
Police officers responded to the crash and found that the vehicle had struck construction equipment, leaving the passengers dead at the scene. There were three construction workers on the site when the collision took place, who were transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition.
The three passengers were identified as 40-year-old Wayne Walter Swanson Jr., 34-year-old Crystal McCallum, and 32-year-old Andrew James Chaves. Since the accident, a shrine has been growing on the roadside where the crash occurred.
Since 2016, there have been more than 30 cases under review involving Tesla vehicles.
Out of over 30 cases involving Tesla vehicles, the NHTSA reported that the Autopilot feature had been ruled out in only three different cases. This feature allows the vehicle to drive the car automatically.
On Tesla’s website, they state that this feature should only be used with active driver supervision and does not make the vehicle autonomous. The driver should be attentive and should be prepared to start operating the vehicle when this feature is being used.
Heather Rangel, a spokesperson for the Newport Beach police department stated that the crash was being locally reviewed by the NHTSA, but she was not able to make any further comments.
What to do if you have been injured in an accident
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, it is important to act as soon as possible. An attorney can help you get back on track and get the compensation you deserve in a personal injury lawsuit. Car accidents are devastating and can leave a person with high medical bills, lost wages, or significant property damage. The Accident Injury Legal Center will help you talk to an attorney that is qualified for your case.
Call the Accident Injury Legal Center at 1-866-255-4870.
Resource
Cardine, S. (2022, May 19). Federal traffic safety agency announces probe into Newport Beach Tesla crash that killed 3 – Los Angeles Times. Daily Pilot. Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2022-05-18/federal-traffic-safety-agency-announces-probe-into-newport-beach-tesla-crash-that-killed-3