My Tesla's Autopilot Caused a Crash in Sherman Oaks: Do I Have a Case?

Arya Firoozmand, Esq. — Founding Partner

Local Sherman Oaks Injury Attorney · UCLA Law

Arya Firoozmand is the founding partner at L&F Brown. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from El Camino Real High School and UCLA Law School, and has spent his career representing injured clients across the Valley — including Sherman Oaks and the 405 corridor.

Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems have been involved in numerous crashes across California, including on the freeways and surface streets running through Sherman Oaks. If you were injured in a crash involving a Tesla operating in an automated mode, you may have a case not just against the driver, but against Tesla itself.

What Is Tesla Autopilot and Why Does It Cause Crashes?

Tesla's Autopilot is a driver assistance system that can control steering, acceleration, and braking under certain conditions. Full Self-Driving (FSD) expands those capabilities. Despite the marketing, neither system makes a Tesla fully autonomous. Drivers are required to stay alert and keep their hands on the wheel. When the system misjudges conditions, fails to detect obstacles, or behaves unexpectedly, crashes happen.

On high-speed corridors like the US-101 or the I-405 running through Sherman Oaks, the consequences of an Autopilot failure can be severe. The system may fail to recognize a vehicle changing lanes, miss a stopped vehicle, or incorrectly interpret road markings near freeway interchanges.

Who Is Liable When Tesla Autopilot Causes a Crash?

Potential defendants in a Tesla Autopilot crash may include:

• The Tesla driver: Even when Autopilot is engaged, the driver has a duty to supervise the system and intervene when necessary. If they were inattentive, they may be liable for negligence.
• Tesla, Inc.: If the Autopilot system contained a defect or failed to perform as Tesla advertised, the company may face product liability claims. Tesla has faced multiple lawsuits and regulatory investigations related to Autopilot crashes nationwide.

What Evidence Do You Need?

Tesla Autopilot cases require specialized evidence beyond what typical car accident claims need:

• Tesla vehicle data logs, which record whether Autopilot was engaged, driver inputs, and system behavior in the seconds before a crash
• CHP or LAPD Van Nuys Division reports documenting the crash
• Expert witnesses in automotive engineering and software systems
• Tesla's own warranty documents and marketing materials describing Autopilot capabilities
• Your medical records from Sherman Oaks Hospital or other treating facilities

Tesla vehicle data is accessible through legal discovery, but the process requires prompt action by a lawyer experienced in technology-related product liability.

Has Tesla Been Held Liable Before?

Yes. Multiple courts and jury verdicts have found Tesla liable or exposed the company to significant liability over Autopilot-related crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has investigated multiple Autopilot incidents. California courts, including those in LA County with cases filed at Van Nuys Courthouse West, have seen Autopilot litigation.

What Compensation Might Be Available?

Depending on your injuries, you may be able to recover medical bills, lost wages, future medical costs, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages if Tesla's conduct is found to have been reckless. Freeway crashes on the 101 or 405 often involve high speeds and severe injuries, which can substantially increase the value of a Tesla Autopilot case.

If you or someone you love was injured in a crash involving a Tesla operating on Autopilot in Sherman Oaks, contact a Sherman Oaks car accident lawyer with experience in technology and product liability. Reach out to L&F Brown serving Sherman Oaks today for a free consultation.