The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a Tesla crash that killed a California couple at an interstate rest stop near Gainesville, Florida. According to a CBS News report, the driver of the vehicle, 67-year-old Karl Seelandt, and his wife, Mary Lou, 66, were both killed when their 2015 Tesla ran into the back of a parked tractor-trailer on July 6.
Ongoing Investigation
Florida Highway Patrol officials said for unknown reasons, the Tesla traveled into a parking lot toward the tractor-trailer. The Tesla veered toward the truck lot of the rest area after getting off the highway and then ran into a parked Wal-Mart truck with the front of the car going under the trailer. The impact crushed its roof, officials said. It is not yet clear whether the car’s Autopilot feature was engaged at the time of the crash. The couple was pronounced dead at the scene. A GoFundMe post said they had been on a long road trip. The investigation is still ongoing. We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Karl and Mary Lou Seelandt for their tragic loss. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.Investigation into Tesla Autopilot
Since 2016, NHTSA has opened three dozen special investigations into Tesla crashes in which driver assistance systems were believed to be in use. Last month, the agency reported 367 crashes involving vehicles with driver-assist systems from July 2021 to May 15, 2022, with Tesla making up most – 273 – of those cases. Specifically, NHTSA launched an investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot after several crashes in which drivers in Tesla vehicles have struck stopped emergency vehicles. These crashes have caused 17 injuries and one death so far. A letter from NHTSA said the investigation would look into how Autopilot operates and how it recognizes obstacles in the roadway. We have seen numerous drivers operate while distracted, under the influence, or even while sleeping. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a Tesla Autopilot or FSD crash, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries and losses. An experienced auto defect lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options better. Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tesla-crash-nhtsa-feds-probe-deadly-florida-rest-stop/
Brian Chase
Articles and blogs have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $900M for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
