Injured in a Tesla Crash in LA? Call a Local Injury Lawyer

Tesla vehicles are everywhere in Los Angeles—from downtown streets to the freeways of Van Nuys and Palmdale. But when these high-tech cars crash, the legal road ahead can get complicated—fast.

Was the driver at fault? Or did Autopilot malfunction? Did the crash result from software failure, defective hardware, or both?
For injured victims, the aftermath is overwhelming: hospital visits, missed work, vehicle damage, insurance headaches—and often, no clear answers.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we’ve built our reputation on standing up to powerful tech companies and securing justice for everyday people. Whether your crash involved Tesla’s Autopilot, Full Self-Driving (FSD), or manual operation, we know how to uncover the truth and hold the right party accountable.

We’ve handled complex vehicle automation cases across Los Angeles County and understand both the legal and technical sides of Tesla-related crashes. Our team works aggressively to get you compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and long-term losses.

Call now for a free consultation. No fees unless we win. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.

Why Tesla Accidents Are Unique in Los Angeles

Los Angeles leads the nation in Tesla ownership, with over 41,000 Teslas registered in California in the second quarter of 2025, many concentrated in the LA metro area.1 As these vehicles become more common, so do complex legal questions when something goes wrong.

Tesla crashes often involve more than just driver error—they may include system glitches, software updates gone wrong, or sensor malfunctions that complicate fault determination. That’s what makes Tesla accidents unlike any other.

Autopilot and Full Self-Driving: Not Truly “Driverless”

Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems are marketed as advanced driver-assistance technologies—but they’re not fully autonomous. Misuse, such as removing hands from the wheel or relying too heavily on the system, has led to hundreds of crashes, according to federal safety reports.

Proving fault in these cases requires detailed analysis: Was the driver inattentive, or did the software fail? Our legal team reviews onboard data logs to identify what really happened.

Digital Evidence Makes or Breaks the Case

Tesla vehicles log every critical movement—steering, braking, lane changes, and Autopilot engagement. This digital “black box” can make the difference between a denied claim and a successful case.

We partner with engineers and digital forensics specialists to access and interpret this data. We also seek CCTV or dashcam footage whenever possible to build a clear timeline of the incident.

EV Battery Risks: Fires and Explosion Hazards

A Tesla’s high-voltage lithium-ion battery can be extremely dangerous during a crash. In severe impacts, battery ruptures may cause intense fires or explosions, which can worsen injuries or make rescue harder.

If a defective battery or poor vehicle design contributed to injury severity, this opens the door to a product liability claim against Tesla. We know how to pursue those claims.

When Safety Features Fail Instead of Protect

Collision avoidance, emergency braking, and self-correcting lane assist are supposed to reduce risk—but they don’t always work as intended. Some Tesla owners report the vehicle braked suddenly for no reason or failed to detect stopped cars, causing rear-end crashes.

We investigate whether the failure was due to driver misuse or technological error—then hold the right party accountable.

Tesla’s Defense Team Fights Hard—So Do We

When Tesla’s Autopilot or FSD is called into question, their legal team pushes back. They often argue that drivers misunderstood how the systems work.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we’re not intimidated. We prepare every case for court and aren’t afraid to take on a multi-billion-dollar manufacturer when the evidence supports our client’s claim.

Understanding Automation Levels in Tesla Accident Claims

To determine fault after a Tesla crash, it helps to understand how automated the vehicle was. The more responsibility the system takes over, the more complex the liability becomes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies automation into five levels. Most Tesla vehicles today operate at Level 2, though many drivers mistakenly treat them as more advanced.

Level 0 – No Automation

The driver is fully in control. Basic features like lane alerts or emergency braking may exist, but they don’t actively control the car.

Level 1 – Driver Assistance

The vehicle may assist with either steering or speed—not both. Adaptive cruise control is a common example. The driver must stay fully engaged.

Level 2 – Partial Automation

This is where Tesla Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) currently fall. The car can steer and control speed at the same time, but the driver must keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.

Despite the name, FSD does not make Teslas autonomous. Many crashes happen when drivers treat it like Level 3 or higher.

Level 3 – Conditional Automation

The vehicle drives itself under specific conditions (like highways) but may request human intervention at any time. These systems are not common on U.S. roads yet.

Level 4 – High Automation

The car can handle all driving in defined environments (such as geo-fenced zones). Human takeover is not expected, but use is still limited to certain areas.

Level 5 – Full Automation

No steering wheel, no driver needed. The car can operate independently in any setting. These vehicles do not yet exist for public use.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we use this framework to pinpoint liability, interpret Tesla’s onboard data, and educate jurors and adjusters.

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Tesla Accident Claims in California

If you’ve been injured in a Tesla crash, your claim may involve a mix of legal theories—not just driver negligence, but also product liability and comparative fault. Here’s how California law applies:

Negligence and Driver Responsibility

Under California Civil Code § 1714, drivers are responsible for using ordinary care to avoid harming others. That duty applies regardless of whether Autopilot was engaged.

Tesla drivers who over-rely on self-driving features—taking hands off the wheel, falling asleep, or ignoring traffic—can still be found negligent. Even with Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD) turned on, the law treats the driver as the one ultimately in control.

Failing to supervise the system properly may lead to full or partial fault, especially if it contributed to the crash.

Product Liability Against Tesla

If a defect in the car itself caused or worsened the crash, Tesla can be held strictly liable. That includes:

• Design Defects: Autopilot steers into oncoming traffic or fails to detect hazards
• Manufacturing Defects: A glitch or assembly error causes a malfunction
• Failure to Warn: Tesla didn’t adequately inform users about the system’s limitations

Under California Civil Code § 1714.45, you don’t have to prove Tesla was reckless—only that the vehicle or software was defective and unreasonably dangerous when used as intended.

Our team works with data analysts and engineers to decode Tesla’s onboard logs, sensor data, and update history. This is critical for proving system failure or flawed design.

Comparative Fault in Tesla Crashes

California follows a pure comparative fault system. That means even if you’re partially responsible for the crash, you can still recover damages—just reduced by your share of the fault.

For example, if a court finds you 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can still recover $80,000.

In Tesla crashes, where both human behavior and machine behavior may play a role, this rule becomes especially important. We know how to frame these complex events clearly and in your favor.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Tesla Accident?

Tesla accidents can result from multiple causes—human error, software malfunction, or mechanical failure. In California, more than one party can be legally responsible. At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we examine every possible source of liability to maximize your compensation.

The Tesla Driver (Autopilot Off)

When Tesla’s autonomous features are not engaged, the vehicle functions like any standard car. In this case, the driver is fully responsible for controlling speed, braking, and steering. Common causes of driver fault include:

• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Distracted driving (e.g., texting or adjusting controls)
• Failing to yield or stop at traffic signals
• Unsafe lane changes

We treat these as traditional negligence cases, backed by police reports, dashcam footage, and eyewitness statements.

The Tesla Driver (Autopilot On)

Autopilot and Full Self-Driving are not fully autonomous. Even when these features are active, Tesla explicitly requires drivers to remain alert and ready to intervene. If a driver relies too heavily on automation—by looking away, falling asleep, or not responding in time—they may still be liable.

• We analyze Tesla’s internal logs to determine:
• Whether Autopilot or FSD was engaged
• How the driver responded to system alerts

Whether human inaction contributed to the crash

This distinction helps clarify whether the fault lies with the user or the technology.

Tesla, Inc. (Manufacturer Liability)

Tesla may be held strictly liable if a product defect caused the accident. Examples include:

• Faulty Autopilot lane guidance or emergency braking
• Inaccurate sensor readings or failed software updates
• Battery fires or electric malfunctions after low-speed crashes

We work with engineers to investigate:

• Whether Tesla met federal safety standards
• How the car’s behavior aligned with design specifications
• Whether the company failed to warn users about known limitations

When proven, Tesla’s liability can extend to design, manufacturing, or marketing failures—each with its own legal strategy.

Mechanics or Service Providers

If improper repairs or calibration contributed to the crash, a third-party mechanic or service shop may be liable. For example:

• Damaged or misaligned sensors
• Unapproved aftermarket parts
• Incomplete software updates

We investigate service history and maintenance records to confirm whether outside negligence played a role.

Government Entities or Third Parties

Public infrastructure failures can also lead to Tesla crashes. In such cases, liability may fall on a city agency, road contractor, or another driver, such as:

• Missing or obscured road signs
• Poorly marked construction zones
• Non-functioning traffic signals
• A reckless third-party driver involved in the chain of events

If government fault is involved, we comply with strict claim filing deadlines under the California Tort Claims Act.

Common Injuries in Tesla Accidents

Tesla collisions—especially those involving Autopilot or battery impact—often lead to serious injuries. These may result from high-speed impact, electrical hazards, or system failures that prevent a safe stop.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we’ve helped clients across Los Angeles recover compensation for both visible trauma and long-term health effects.

Physical Injuries We Commonly See

• Facial trauma – Caused by airbags, dashboard impact, or broken glass
• Whiplash and neck strain – Even low-speed crashes can jolt the spine
• Concussions and TBIs – Resulting from sudden deceleration or head impact
• Spinal cord injuries – Including herniated discs, nerve damage, and paralysis
• Fractures – Common in arms, legs, pelvis, or ribs due to blunt force
• Amputations – In rare but severe accidents involving fires or crushing injuries

Many clients also report chronic pain or mobility loss long after initial treatment. We work closely with medical specialists to document the full extent of these damages.

Emotional and Psychological Injuries

• PTSD – Flashbacks, nightmares, or anxiety triggered by the crash
• Depression or detachment – Loss of enjoyment of life after serious injury
• Fear of driving – Especially in cases where Autopilot malfunctioned
• Irritability and mood swings – Common in TBI and pain-related trauma

These emotional effects are often overlooked, but they carry legal weight under California law. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering include mental distress—and we make sure those impacts are factored into your claim.

How Compensation Is Calculated in a Tesla Accident Case

Not all Tesla accident claims are equal. The compensation you may receive depends on multiple factors—from the severity of your injuries to how much the vehicle’s technology contributed to the crash.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we break down the claim into two key damage categories: economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Damages

These are tangible, documented financial losses.

• Medical expenses: ER visits, imaging, surgeries, rehab, prescriptions
• Future medical costs: Ongoing treatment or future surgeries needed
• Lost wages: Income you missed while recovering from your injuries
• Reduced earning capacity: If your ability to work long-term is affected
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation, home care, assistive devices

We work with economists and healthcare experts to project future losses, not just current bills.

Non-Economic Damages

These are less measurable but just as real.

• Pain and suffering: Daily physical discomfort, limited mobility, and long recovery
• Emotional trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, and depression post-crash
• Loss of enjoyment of life: When your ability to work, drive, or socialize is impacted
• Loss of consortium: If your injury has affected your relationships or family life

We gather personal journals, therapy records, and expert testimony to show how deeply the crash has changed your life.

Punitive Damages (When Applicable)

If Tesla—or another party—acted with gross negligence, such as ignoring a known software defect or failing to warn users about Autopilot limitations, courts may award punitive damages. These go beyond compensation to punish wrongdoing and prevent future harm.

Prestige Law Firm P.C. fights for every dollar you deserve—by presenting hard facts, expert analysis, and a courtroom-ready strategy.

What To Do After a Tesla Accident in Los Angeles

What you do after a Tesla crash can shape your entire case. From preserving data to avoiding early mistakes, following the right steps helps protect your health and your legal rights.

1. Prioritize Safety and Call 911

Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible. If you or anyone else is injured—or if the Tesla’s battery appears damaged—call emergency services immediately. Stay clear of smoke or chemical smells, as battery fires can be hazardous.

2. Get Prompt Medical Care

Even if injuries aren’t obvious, visit a hospital or your doctor within 24 hours. Delayed symptoms—especially for head or spine injuries—are common. Medical records also become vital legal evidence.

3. Don’t Admit Fault

Speak respectfully to police, but stick to the facts. Don’t speculate or accept blame. Saying things like “I should have braked earlier” can hurt your case later. Let the investigation determine fault.

4. Document Everything

Take photos of:

• All vehicles and damage, especially near Tesla cameras or sensors
• Road conditions, signs, traffic lights, skid marks
• License plates and VINs
• Any injuries
• Contact details for witnesses

Also ask nearby businesses or residents if they have surveillance footage.

5. Preserve Tesla Data

If you were in the Tesla, report the crash through the car’s interface or Tesla customer support. Do not wipe or reset any systems. If you were not the Tesla driver, your lawyer can request data logs and issue legal holds to prevent deletion.

6. Start a Claim File

Keep all documents in one place:

• Police report
• Hospital bills
• Repair estimates
• Work absence records
• Journal of physical pain or emotional distress

This helps your lawyer build a clear, well-supported claim.

7. Avoid Speaking to the Other Party’s Insurer

Notify your own insurer, but don’t give recorded statements to the other side. Don’t accept early settlement offers. Tesla accidents are complicated, and claims adjusters often don’t understand the tech involved.

8. Contact a Tesla Accident Lawyer Immediately

Tesla claims require fast, strategic action—especially to secure technical evidence. At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we act quickly to preserve logs, subpoena relevant records, and begin building your case.

How Our Tesla Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Tesla accident cases aren’t typical fender benders. They involve advanced software, sensitive data, and aggressive defense teams. At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we’ve built a legal process tailored to handle the complexity of Autopilot crashes and system failures.

Free Legal Consultation

We begin every case with a no-cost review. We’ll examine your situation, outline your options, and answer your questions—clearly and directly. If you choose to move forward, we take immediate steps to protect your rights.

Fast, Technical Evidence Recovery

Tesla vehicles generate critical digital data: steering angles, braking logs, Autopilot engagement, speed profiles, and more. We coordinate with forensics experts to gather this information before it’s lost or deleted. This is often the most important step in proving your case.
We also retrieve:

• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Crash reports
• Witness statements
• Prior software update records

Handling the Insurance Battle

Tesla accidents often involve multiple insurers—from the driver’s policy to corporate coverage for manufacturers, mechanics, or rideshare operators. Our team handles all communication, shielding you from pressure while we negotiate for maximum compensation.
Because we’ve worked on both sides of personal injury cases—including for insurers—we know their tactics and how to fight back.

Medical Coordination and Support

Don’t have insurance? Unsure where to go for care? We connect clients with top medical providers across Los Angeles, from orthopedic surgeons to neurologists. We also help track and document your treatment to strengthen your claim.

Trial-Ready Litigation

Some Tesla accident claims settle quickly. Others require courtroom action. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—from day one. That pressure often leads to better settlements, and when it doesn’t, we’re ready to win in front of a jury.

Why Choose Prestige Law Firm P.C. for Your Tesla Accident Case?

Not every personal injury firm is equipped to handle the unique challenges of Tesla accidents. At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we combine legal expertise, technical fluency, and a relentless client-first approach to ensure your claim is positioned for success.

Proven Record in Tesla-Related Litigation

From sudden Autopilot disengagements to faulty braking systems, our attorneys have handled high-stakes Tesla cases involving software failures, design defects, and complex liability battles. We’re not afraid to take on major corporations—and win.

Tesla-Specific Legal Insight

We understand how Tesla’s systems work, including Full Self-Driving (FSD), sensor networks, and firmware updates. When crashes happen, we know what data to demand, how to interpret it, and how to use it to build a case.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Strategies

Lead attorney Paul Aghabala has worked on both sides of the courtroom. As a former insurance defense lawyer, he knows how insurers think—and how to outmaneuver delay tactics, lowball settlements, and blame-shifting.

Direct Access to Your Lawyer

When you work with Prestige Law Firm P.C., you’re never left guessing. Clients communicate directly with their attorney—not through case managers or assistants. You’ll receive regular updates, honest guidance, and personal attention.

Capable of Handling High-Stakes and Complex Claims

We take on cases that many other firms avoid, including those involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and product liability. Whether your claim is large or small, we apply the same level of trial preparation and strategic planning.

Full-Service Post-Accident Support

From connecting you with top-tier medical specialists in Los Angeles to helping coordinate transportation, rentals, and records, we handle the logistics so you can focus on recovery—not paperwork.

Multilingual, Immigrant-Friendly Representation

We proudly serve clients from all backgrounds and immigration statuses. No matter your situation, your rights matter—and we’ll protect them with dignity and skill.

Recognized Excellence

Our attorneys have earned distinctions like Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, and Avvo Client Choice awards, reflecting both legal skill and dedication to client success.

No Recovery, No Fee—Guaranteed

You pay nothing unless we win. We cover all upfront costs, so there’s no financial risk to seeking justice.

Serving Los Angeles County, including Van Nuys, Palmdale, and surrounding areas, Prestige Law Firm P.C. is ready to take on Tesla and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Let Prestige Law Firm P.C. Maximize Your Recovery and Protect Your Rights

If you’ve been injured in a Tesla accident in Los Angeles—whether due to Autopilot failure, software malfunction, or a distracted driver—don’t wait to get the help you need.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we understand that Tesla crashes often raise more questions than answers. That’s why we move quickly to secure onboard data, protect your legal rights, and build a case that reflects the full extent of your losses.

With us, you get:

• Immediate access to legal guidance
• Proven experience with Tesla accident claims
• Personal service and consistent communication
• The confidence of knowing your case is in trial-ready hands

We proudly serve all of Los Angeles County, including Van Nuys, Palmdale, and nearby communities.

Serving Clients Across Los Angeles County

Including Van Nuys, Palmdale, and surrounding areas

Call Now for a Free Case Review

(818) 788-0808 or (661) 341-3939

Email Attorney Paul Aghabala Directly

paul@prestigelaw.com

No Fee Unless We Win — Guaranteed

You focus on recovery. Let us handle everything else.

Paul Aghabala

Founding Member

Written by Paul Aghabala, Reviewed by Todd Greenberg, J.D.