Albuquerque NM Tesla Accident Attorney | Skilled Legal Help for Tesla Crash Injury Claims

Given the rising costs of fuel across the country, many drivers are switching to electric or hybrid vehicles to save. According to a recent presentation to the New Mexico legislature, the state had almost 15,000 electric vehicles in 2024’s first quarter. Bernalillo County, which includes Albuquerque, had about 6,700 registered electric vehicles for the same time period, the highest number of any county in the state. Teslas are popular electric options that also include driver-assistance features, meaning accidents can raise complex questions about liability. If you were recently injured in a Tesla crash in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the expert attorneys at Carabin Shaw will hold all negligent parties accountable. Whether the other driver, a defective system/software, or Tesla itself was the cause of the collision, victims deserve justice and compensation.

Our law firm has represented countless clients over 30 years and has won millions on their behalf. The Albuquerque Tesla crash lawyers at Carabin Shaw are familiar with these difficult cases and will thoroughly investigate any potential liability. We will fight for the money you need to cover medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Contact Carabin Shaw 24/7 online or by phone at 1-800-862-1260 as soon as possible to schedule your FREE CASE REVIEW and learn how our attorneys can get you the compensation you deserve. No money owed unless we win.

A sincere challenge in Tesla crash cases is determining what role the vehicle’s self-driving/driver-assistance technology played in the accident, a central issue being the legal classification of those technologies. According to Section 18.24.1.7 of the New Mexico Administrative Code, an autonomous vehicle has “hardware and software that are collectively capable of performing the entire dynamic driving task on a sustained basis.” Tesla’s programs are thus generally classified as Level 2 driver-assistance technologies instead. Drivers must therefore monitor the vehicle and maintain responsibility for it. This distinction can affect who is held liable for the accident (the driver, Tesla, both).

Every case is unique, so it’s important to speak with an Albuquerque Tesla accident lawyer about your claim as soon as possible to evaluate your legal options.

Tesla’s software adds complexities to an injury or wrongful death claim. If the following systems were employed during an accident, determining what caused the crash will require a thorough investigation.

1. Autopilot: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer
2. Enhanced Autopilot: automatic lane changes, highway navigation assistance, Autopark, and Summon
3. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) (FSD): making turns, responding to traffic lights and stop signs, and following navigation

A Tesla accident injury lawyer will examine whether a system malfunction or defect contributed to your case. Your lawyer will also evaluate whether the driver responded to the technology appropriately.

In addition to evidence essential to any personal injury or wrongful death case, like photos, video, police reports, medical records, witness statements, physical evidence, employment records, and more, Tesla accident cases may require additional documentation. The vehicle's driver-assistance systems, software, or safety features may have contributed to the crash, so your Tesla Autopilot accident lawyer may also examine the following:

• Investigations for similar Tesla crashes
• Investigations for defects in Tesla's software, sensors, or safety systems
• Tesla recalls
• Vehicle data (Autopilot or FSD, vehicle speed, braking, steering, warnings, and driver response)

Laws and regulations vary from state to state. Although the following statutes generally apply to Albuquerque cases, special circumstances and exceptions may exist. Be sure to consult with a local attorney who understands how these laws and more may apply to your specific situation.

• Driverless/autonomous vehicles must comply with federal vehicle safety requirements and New Mexico traffic laws.
• Parties in personal injury cases are responsible for damages in proportion to their percentage of fault.
• Personal injury cases must be filed within three years from the date a claim arises.
• Wrongful death cases must be filed within three years of the person’s death.

If you were recently injured in an Albuquerque Tesla wreck resulting in serious injuries and/or damages, Carabin Shaw’s skilled New Mexico attorneys can help. Whether you were another driver, a passenger, a biker, or a pedestrian, you deserve justice and compensation for your pain and suffering.

First, read our law firm’s client reviews to learn about our compassionate service and personalized support. Then contact us online or by phone at 1-800-862-1260 to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation consultation. Representatives are available in English and Spanish to assist you. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case!

For more information:

• New Mexico Legislature
• N.M. Code R. § 18.24.1.7
• NHTSA
• NMSA
• Chapter 41. Torts § 41-3A-1. Several liability
• Chapter 37. Limitation of Actions; Abatement and Revivor § 37-1-8
• Chapter 41. Torts § 41-2-2