Tesla Autopilot Crash Injures Dallas Man

By Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP on September 13, 2016

driverless car dashboard

On Aug. 7, a Tesla Model S that was in autopilot mode on Highway 175 in Kaufman crashed into a guardrail at 80 miles per hour, injuring the occupant and throwing his dog into the back seat.

The occupant stated that he reached down to pet his dog and to grab a rag and when he looked up the accident occurred.

He was knocked unconscious and woke up later surrounded by airbags. He was treated for bruising, cuts and a concussion and is grateful that he and his dog are alive.

While the occupant believes that the car saved his life, he also thinks that the car caused the accident and is speaking out about the dangers of self-driving cars in hopes of saving other people’s lives.

This is the latest in a series of self-driving Tesla vehicle collisions, including a fatal crash in May, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is still investigating.

Although the autopilot feature is touted by some Tesla salespeople as a way to avoid having hands glued to the steering wheel, Tesla describes autopilot as a ‘hands-on experience.’

The victim of the most recent Tesla crash agrees as he believes the autopilot feature can give people a ‘false sense of security and reiterates that drivers must keep their hands on the steering wheels and their feet on the pedals. He is not suing the manufacturer and he still drives a Tesla but not in autopilot mode.

Tesla recently announced that it is improving autopilot by incorporating updated radar signal processing in an attempt to reduce self-driving vehicles from crashing.

If you have been injured because of a self-driving car, contact the skilled auto accident attorneys in Ft Worth at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP today. A Fort Worth injury attorney from our firm can fight for maximum compensation for the damages you have suffered.

Contact us today by calling (817) 920-9000 or filling out a Free Case Evaluation form.

Fact Checked Icon

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.

Recent Blog Posts

Oil derricks.

Oilfield Contractors vs. Operators: Who Can Be Sued After an Accident?

December 20, 2026

After a Fort Worth oilfield accident, you may be able to sue the contractor, the operator, or another company. Still, liability depends on who controlled the work, who created the dangerous condition, and whose conduct caused your injury. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we know how complex oilfield accidents can...

Read Article
Woman at grocery store.

Why Grocery Store Slip and Fall Accidents Are More Serious Than People Think

December 12, 2026

Grocery store slip and fall accidents are more serious than people think because they can cause serious injuries that may seem negligible at first. A sudden fall onto a hard floor can damage your head, spine, hips, joints, and other parts of your body, even when the fall initially looks...

Read Article
Highway pileup accidents.

Common Injuries from Multi-Vehicle Accidents on Highways

December 05, 2026

Multi-vehicle highway accidents in Fort Worth can cause serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, internal injuries, and severe soft tissue damage. You can be struck more than once as vehicles collide, increasing the force placed on the body. These crashes can occur on major highways...

Read Article

Request a Free Case Evaluation

Tell us about your accident and your injuries. An injury lawyer from our team will call and provide you with a free evaluation of your case. If we can help, and you are unable to travel, we will come to your home, office, or hospital. It’s easy – let’s get started.

Footer Call Icon

Give Us A Call

We are always available to discuss your case. Give us a call at (817) 920-9000.

Footer Mail Icon

Email Us Anytime

Email us anytime and we will get back to you.

Footer Map Icon

We’ll Come To You

Our attorneys will come to your home, office or hospital at your convenience.

Footer Calender Icon

Available 24/7

Our team is ready and waiting to help you today.

Fort Worth, TX Office

4200 W Vickery Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Directions