Wayne Swanson Jr, of Newport Coast, Andrew Chaves (‘Andy’ Chaves), of rock band Katastro, Died In Newport Beach Car Accident Involving Tesla On Pacific Coast Highway
NEWPORT BEACH, MAY 18, 2022) – Wayne Swanson Jr, Andy Chaves and a woman were tragically killed in a Newport Beach car accident after a Tesla crash into construction equipment on Pacific Coast Highway.
Orange County police officials are saying that the collision took place after midnight on Thursday. Wayne Walter Swanson Jr., Andrew James Chaves and a woman were traveling down Pacific Coast Highway in a 2022 Tesla Model S.
For undetermined reasons, the Tesla hit construction equipment parked by the side of the road. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the injured.
Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to free Wayne Swanson Jr, Andrew Chaves and a woman from the vehicle. Despite the best efforts of first responders, all three occupants of the Tesla died due to their injuries.
Three construction workers were also injured in the crash. But their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. The federal government has sent investigators to help determine if the Tesla involved in the crash was engaged in Autopilot.
A full investigation into the crash that killed Wayne Swanson Jr, Andrew Chaves and a woman remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Car Accidents Involving Tesla Vehicles
In less than two decades, Tesla started from relative obscurity to become the largest automaker in the world by market capitalization. They have managed to accomplish this by making some of the most advanced vehicles. Every single vehicle sold by Tesla after their original Roadster has come equipped with Autopilot. Autopilot is meant to be a driver assistance system. It is not capable of driving the vehicle autonomously. There are a number of driving feats that Autopilot cannot perform.
- Autopilot cannot detect stop signs and traffic lights.
- Autopilot is only meant to be used by alert drivers capable of taking over at any time.
- Autopilot is only meant to be driven on the highway.
Tesla has faced a number of lawsuits after its vehicles have allegedly crashed while in Autopilot mode. In particular, Tesla vehicles seem to have a more difficult time slowing down for traffic that is completely stopped in the roadway. Derrick Monet and his wife, Jenna, were seriously injured when their Tesla Model 3 crashed into the back of a parked fire truck while the car was in autopilot mode. These crashes have led U.S. regulators to apply ever greater scrutiny to Tesla and the software behind Autopilot.
It is possible that Tesla could face civil liability for any accident involving their vehicles if they crash while in Autopilot. Car companies must produce vehicles and software that are reasonably safe. If the cameras around a Tesla are not functioning properly or the software is not able to identify stationary vehicles, this could point to latent defects. When a company is aware of a defect with their vehicles, they must take action to correct those defects. Failure to do so could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Consider, for example, the tragic death of Elaine Herzberg who was hit by a fully autonomous Uber. Elaine Herzberg was crossing the roadway with her bicycle when she was hit by an autonomous Uber with a safety driver. The software that ran the self-driving Uber was not able to recognize the woman as a pedestrian and could not accurately predict her path prior to the crash. Police said that the safety driver was also streaming “The Voice” when the crash occured. Uber eventually settled a lawsuit with the family of the victim. There are many steps that should be taken after any Tesla accident.
- All vehicles involved should be examined.
- A full diagnostic of the Tesla should be done.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Maintenance records should be examined.
The family of any victim that died in a car accident involving a Tesla may have legal recourse through California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the unexpected expenses that can come with the sudden loss of a love one. It is extremely important that all evidence is properly protected after any accident. An autonomous vehicle safety expert can examine all of the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Car Accident Involving Tesla Vehicles
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the families of Wayne Walter Swanson Jr., Andrew James Chaves and the woman who died in this crash. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar collisions. Autonomous driving has the prospect of saving thousands of lives every year. But this technology should be rolled out safely so that lives aren’t needlessly put at risk.
Do you need more information about a Newport Beach car accident? Our team of autonomous vehicle safety experts are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the information and support that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into what caused an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
