Crystal McCallum, of Texas, Died In Newport Beach Car Accident Along Pacific Coast Highway After Tesla Model S Crashed Into Construction Equipment
NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA (April 18, 2022) – A model and social media personality identified as Crystal McCallum was one of three people who died in a Newport Beach car accident on Pacific Coast Highway.
Orange County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 12:45 a.m. on Thursday. Crystal McCallum was one of three people inside of a Tesla Model S traveling down Pacific Coast Highway.
At some point, the Tesla hit the curb and then collided with construction equipment parked by the side of the road. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help everyone that was injured.
Sadly, paramedics found Crystal McCallum deceased in the car. Two men were also killed in the crash. Three construction workers were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
According to a report by the Associated Press, the U.S. government’s road safety agency has dispatched a team to investigate if the 2022 Tesla Model S involved in the crash was in Autopilot mode.
Liability In Newport Beach Tesla Car Accidents
The vehicles produced by Tesla are some of the most advanced cars on the roadway. They run entirely off of electric power and have consistently achieved the highest safety rating possible by the IIHS. They also have the most advanced driver assist systems, which Tesla has dubbed “Autopilot.” Despite the name, “Autopilot” is not capable of driving the car without human intervention. What follows are some of the feats that Autopilot is capable of.
- Autopilot can help keep the Tesla within a single lane of traffic.
- Autopilot can help accelerate the Tesla when appropriate.
- Autopilot can apply the brakes to slow down for traffic.
- Autopilot can detect other vehicles around it.
Tesla has come under fire after numerous reports of it’s vehicles hitting stopped emergency vehicles while in autopilot mode. According to reporting by Forbes, “In August, the National Highway Transportation Agency (NHTSA) started an investigation into 12 crashes between Tesla TSLA -6.8% cars on Autopilot and emergency vehicles.” Autopilot is supposed to be able to stop the Tesla safely for vehicles in the roadway. But many plaintiff’s attorneys have argued that this has not always been the case.
Depending on the facts of any case, Tesla could potentially be liable for an accident if one of its vehicles crashed while in autopilot mode. Companies have a legal responsibility to make products that are reasonably safe and must warn about the non-obvious dangers associated with the use of their products. Product liability claims will typically be based on negligence, strict liability or breach of warranty or fitness. Negligence claims can be pursued under defects with (1) design, (2) manufacturing or (3) marketing.
Consider, for example, the lawsuit filed by a group of police officers in Texas after a Model X in Autopilot mode crashed into them. Five officers were engaged in a traffic stop when a Tesla Model X failed to slow down in time and ran into them. All were seriously injured. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that the crash was caused by design and manufacturing defects known to Tesla. They also said that Tesla failed to properly warn the public about the dangers of its Autopilot system. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any accident involving a Tesla vehicle.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- It should be determined if the Tesla was in Autopilot.
- Medical records should be preserved.
The family of any victim that died in a car accident with a Tesla vehicle may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. Sadly, though, car companies will often fight extremely hard to deny any responsibility for an accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Newport Beach Tesla Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the families of Crystal McCallum and the two other people who died. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Newport Beach car accident involving a Tesla? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping accident victims understand their rights. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
