Derrick Monet is suing Tesla after a 2019 accident where the Tesla Model 3 he was driving slammed into the rear of a firetruck in Putnam County, Indiana.
The Model 3 was running on Autopilot at the time of the accident. The suit alleges that the Autopilot system failed to prevent the accident.
His wife, Jenna Monet, died in the accident. At the same time, Derrick suffered multiple fractures in his neck, ribs and femur.
According to the police report, the Tesla failed to take any evasive action. However, the plaintiff says Tesla and multiple unnamed entities that manufactured the Model 3 caused the crash, injuries and damages.
In addition, the lawsuit references a government investigation opened in August 2021 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reports CarComplaints.
The NHTSA opened the investigation after several accidents between Tesla’s on Autopilot and parked emergency vehicles. In total, there have been 12 reported accidents.
Moreover, Tesla provided an over-the-air software update to help Autopilot systems detect flashing emergency lights on parked vehicles.
Tesla, for its part, notes that it is the driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive safely and be in control of the vehicle at all times.
The company is also working with the NHTSA on their active investigation.
Tesla did not comment on the pending suit filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California (Derrick Monet, v. Tesla Inc., et al.)