Results for: Tesla Crash

In the case of a Tesla crash involving a radiologist and his family, two doctors have testified that the driver experienced a psychotic episode, while prosecutors contest this claim. The incident, which saw the vehicle driven off a cliff, has resulted in attempted murder charges for the driver, Dharmesh Patel, and a plea for mental health diversion. Prosecutors remain concerned about monitoring and adherence to treatment outside of psychiatrist appointments, while Patel’s attorney has declined to comment on the matter.

A Tesla driver, Carl Hunter, has been charged with vehicular homicide after his vehicle in autopilot mode crashed into a motorcyclist, killing him. The victim, Jeff Nissen, was pronounced dead at the crash site. Investigators say Hunter admitted to drinking prior to the crash but passed field and blood tests. They labeled distracted driving as the cause of the crash, as Hunter was using his phone at the time. Tesla offers a Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature, but recommends drivers remain attentive and avoid complacency. It’s unknown if Hunter was using the trial or had paid for the service. Nissen’s sister urged drivers to put away their phones and pay attention to the road.

A Pasadena radiologist’s mental state has been brought into focus in a hearing to determine whether he will be placed in a mental health diversion program rather than face trial for intentionally driving his Tesla off a cliff near Devil’s Slide, California. The hearing revealed that the radiologist allegedly suffered from delusions about the fentanyl crisis, the war in Ukraine, and the possibility of his children being kidnapped. Prosecutors have questioned the diagnosis, suggesting that the radiologist’s illness more closely resembles schizoaffective disorder. Ultimately, the decision of whether to place the radiologist in the diversion program will depend on the severity of his mental illness and its connection to the alleged crime.