In Castro Valley, California, a fatal car accident involving a Tesla Model S resulted in the death of a Danville man, Keith Leung, a musician and chemical engineer. The vehicle was discovered submerged in a pond off Crow Canyon Road, with Leung’s body found inside by an Alameda County Sheriff’s dive team. The accident took place on Sunday night, and Leung had been missing since the previous day.
Tesla has confirmed that their Autopilot feature was not engaged during the crash. A spokesperson for the company stated, “We have been able to recover enough data from the vehicle to confirm that the autopilot was not engaged at the time of this accident.” However, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is continuing their investigation into the incident, examining factors such as the driver’s potential impairment or speeding.
CHP spokesman Daniel Jakowitz acknowledged Tesla’s statement but emphasized the ongoing investigation, saying, “We did see the statement they put out, but the bottom line is we still have a long and thorough investigation to do.” He also noted the role of speed in accidents, stating, “Speed is always going to play a factor. It’s just a matter of how fast the vehicle was going before and at the time of the accident.”
Tesla’s Autopilot system has been implicated in at least two fatal crashes, leading two U.S. consumer groups to call for a change in its name, labeling it as misleading.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident involving a Tesla, it is essential to seek legal assistance due to the complexity of Tesla accident cases. The Scranton Law Firm has a team of experienced and compassionate attorneys who understand the intricacies of such cases and are ready to help. Contact the Scranton Law Firm today to discuss your situation and receive the guidance and support you need in navigating the complexities of Tesla accident claims.