A two-vehicle accident in 2019 was just one of many tragedies on California highways that year. In this crash, though, one of the vehicles had an automated driving system. The vehicle, a Tesla, collided with another car in which a young couple were on their first date.
The Tesla driver had automated driving system engaged when the horrific crash occurred. The 27-year-old man is now facing multiple charges for vehicular manslaughter. The two in the other vehicle was ages 39 and 40.
Tesla driver’s injuries not life-threatening
The man in the Tesla was treated at a nearby hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening. A passenger in his vehicle was listed in a similar condition. A Tesla engineer indicated that the driver had his hand on the wheel upon impact and that evidence shows he had not applied the brakes of the vehicle for six straight minutes prior to the collision.
Wrongful death claims in civil court
If someone loses a family member in a fatal collision, there may be grounds for filing a wrongful death claim. An immediate family member of a decedent may be able to seek justice when a death has been caused by driver negligence. In this accident, two people died. Seeking justice, of course, will never replace the loss of human life, but may help a family recover the financial losses that accompany these types of tragedies.