Tesla’s highly marketed “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) system is once again under scrutiny — and this time federal regulators are digging deep.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has granted Tesla, Inc. a five-week extension to respond to an investigation involving thousands of potential traffic violations committed while FSD was engaged.
For drivers sharing the road with Teslas — and especially for anyone injured in a crash — this investigation raises serious legal and safety questions.
Let’s break down what’s happening and what it means for you.
What Is the Government Investigating?
According to federal regulators, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system may have caused traffic driving violations, including it been involved in:
- Running red lights
- Driving the wrong direction
- Failing to obey traffic signals
- Improper responses in reduced visibility (sun glare, fog, etc.)
NHTSA has requested records of:
- Consumer complaints
- Property damage claims
- Injury claims
- Arbitration matters
- Lawsuits
Tesla reportedly has over 8,000 records requiring manual review. This obviously requires significant resources and time to process.
At the same time, regulators are examining whether Tesla vehicles properly detect and respond to hazardous driving conditions. That inquiry was opened after multiple crashes, including at least one fatal collision.
Meanwhile, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (Calif DMV) has accused Tesla of overstating its vehicles’ autonomous capabilities — and has even threatened a temporary sales suspension (which we understand by the time of preparing this article may have been resolved with Tesla altering and reducing its claims about its autonomous capabilities—primarily that a driver still must be involved).
The Real-World Impact: When “Self-Driving” Fails
Tesla markets FSD as advanced driver-assistance technology, but drivers remain legally responsible for the vehicle. That creates a dangerous gray area:
- Drivers may over-rely on the technology
- The system may misinterpret road conditions
- Software updates change vehicle behavior over time
- Critical seconds of data may determine fault
Accordingly, when a Tesla causes a crash, determining liability may be far more complex than a typical auto accident. For example:
Is it driver error?
A software malfunction?
A sensor failure?
A design defect?
Or misleading marketing?
Some of these cases may require deep technical investigation — and aggressive legal representation. Were you injured in a Tesla crash? Questions? You may contact us now for an absolutely FREE consultation and with our personal injury and wrongful death law firm there is NO fee on such cases until you WIN!
Why Tesla Accident Cases Are Different
If you are injured in a crash involving a Tesla operating on Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD), your case may involve:
1 Advanced Vehicle Data
Tesla vehicles record extensive data before and during collisions — including steering inputs, braking, speed and system alerts. Federal regulators are requesting data beginning 30 seconds before each alleged violation.
That data can make or break a case — but it should be preserved immediately.
2 Product Liability Issues
Beyond driver negligence, cases may involve:
- Software design defects
- Failure to warn
- Inadequate safety testing
- Overstated autonomous capabilities (e.g., misleading marketing)
Large manufacturers fight these cases aggressively.
3 Corporate Legal Teams
Tesla does not handle injury claims like a routine insurance matter. These cases may involve national counsel and complex defense strategies.
You need assertive, experienced lawyers prepared for that fight.
Why Injury Victims Trust Walch Law
At Walch Law, we understand that cutting-edge technology doesn’t excuse unsafe behavior — and it certainly doesn’t excuse serious injury. We have personal experience with Tesla and here’s what sets us apart:
✅ We Move Fast to Preserve Evidence
Vehicle data can be lost or overwritten. We act immediately to secure electronic logs and crash data.
✅ We Understand Complex Liability
Autonomous vehicle crashes often involve multiple layers of responsibility — driver, manufacturer, software, hardware, etc. We investigate all angles.
✅ We Are Trial-Ready
Technology cases demand courtroom strength. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
✅ We Focus on Maximum Recovery
Tesla crash injuries can be catastrophic — traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, wrongful death. With 50 years of experience, we pursue full compensation for:
- Hospital and other medical expenses
- Future care and treatment
- Lost earnings, including loss of future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of life activities
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage, diminished value, rental reimbursement and loss of use
A Growing Legal Frontier
Autonomous driving technology is evolving faster than regulation. Federal and California DMV investigations like discussed here show that our legal systems are still working to catch up.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a Tesla — especially one using or possibly using Autopilot or Full Self-Driving — you should not assume it’s “just another car accident.”
It may be much more, including possibly a complex product liability case with significant compensation at stake.
Injured in a Tesla Crash? Contact Walch Law Corp Today
Time is critical in technology-related accident cases.
Evidence must be preserved.
Software versions must be identified.
Vehicle logs must be secured. Professional investigation may be needed.
At Walch Law, we are ready to help.
Visit WalchLaw.com or call us today at 1-866 INJURY 2 or 818-222-3400 (after hours simply press “1”) for a FREE consultation AND there are NO fees unless and until you win!
Cutting-edge vehicles require cutting-edge legal representation.
If Tesla’s technology failed you or your family, let us hold the responsible parties accountable.
Please contact us now – We want to help you!