Denver, Colorado: Nora Bass, the widow of Hans Von Ohain, who tragically died in a Tesla crash in 2022, is now suing the carmaker, alleging misleading marketing of its partially automated driving system.

According to the lawsuit filed in state court on May 3, 2024, Von Ohain lost control of his Model 3 Tesla equipped with the Autopilot system, resulting in a fatal collision with a tree. Despite the vehicle bursting into flames, a passenger managed to escape.

Intoxication Involved in the Crash

The Colorado State Patrol report revealed that Von Ohain was intoxicated at the time of the accident, adding a complex layer to the legal proceedings.

Tesla’s Partially Automated Systems

Tesla provides two partially automated driving systems, namely Autopilot and Full Self Driving. Despite their names, Tesla emphasizes that neither system is capable of fully autonomous driving.

Allegations of Misleading Marketing

Bass’s lawsuit alleges that Tesla rushed the release of its Autopilot system, claiming the company prioritized financial interests over consumer safety. The lawsuit points to a 2016 promotional video where Tesla showcased its vehicles navigating traffic without human intervention, potentially misleading consumers about the system’s capabilities.

Settlement of Previous Lawsuit

In a related case, Tesla recently settled another lawsuit brought by the family of a Silicon Valley engineer, Walter Huang, who died in a 2018 crash while using Autopilot. The settlement amount remains undisclosed.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Recalls

The U.S. auto safety regulators compelled Tesla to recall over 2 million vehicles in December due to a defective system designed to ensure driver attention while using Autopilot. However, a subsequent investigation revealed no discernible difference between the pre-recall and post-recall warning software. Additionally, Tesla reported 20 more crashes involving Autopilot since the recall, prompting further scrutiny from regulatory authorities.

Conclusion: Ongoing Legal and Regulatory Challenges

As Tesla faces mounting legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny regarding its Autopilot system, the tragic incidents highlight the complexities and risks associated with the deployment of semi-autonomous driving technologies.

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