NTSB Investigates Fatal Tesla Model X Crash

Apr 02,2018

On March 23, a Tesla Model X crashed into a freeway divider near Mountain View, killing the driver, 38-year-old Walter Huang. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation into the crash last week.

Tesla said last week that the vehicle’s Autopilot feature had been turned on in the moments leading up to the fatal accident. According to the automaker, the driver had received several warnings to keep his hands on the wheel, but that the driver’s hands were not detected on the wheel for six seconds leading up to the crash. The driver allegedly took no action to stop the vehicle before it collided with the concrete divider.

Did Driver Complain About Autopilot Before the Crash?

The investigators will be looking at the data recorded by the vehicle to determine the probable cause of the accident. Additionally, investigators are looking into claims that the driver had previously taken his car to the Tesla dealership with concerns about the Autopilot feature. According to a news report, Huang had told the dealership that his Model X had swiveled toward the barrier before—the same one that it ran into in the fatal crash. Tesla has not been able to confirm the complaint yet.

“These reports raise a lot of questions about the safety of the Autopilot feature. More information is certainly needed to determine what caused this crash,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.