Manslaughter Case Has a Strange Twist: Tesla That Killed Couple Was on Autopilot

A manslaughter case is about to start in Los Angeles later this month, involving a fatal crash caused by a car that had the company's controversial autopilot feature turned on.

It is the first case of its kind and could set a precedent for future crashes involving cars and driver-assistance software.

The crux is that the man who was behind the wheel of the car is facing manslaughter charges, but has pleaded not guilty, setting up potentially novel legal arguments about culpability in a deadly collision.

Edward Walters, an associate professor at the Georgetown University, asked who was at fault in an interview. It will be difficult for the state to prove the guilt of the human driver because some parts of the task are being handled by the electric car company.

There will be a trial about a fatal collision in 2019. A couple on their first date were killed in a crash when a man ran a red light and slammed into their car.

The data shows that Riad had a hand on the steering wheel. The autopilot feature was on when the crash happened.

Prosecutors argue that his actions were reckless.

Lawyers for Riad have argued that he shouldn't be charged with a crime, but haven't made any public statements about the cause of the accident.

The upcoming trial won't implicate the electric car maker and they aren't facing charges.

Next year, there will be a trial involving the family of one of the dead.

Donald Slavik, the family's attorney, told the news agency that the driver was not at fault, but that the autopilot feature of the company encouraged drivers to be less attentive.

He said that people are going to use autopilot in dangerous circumstances.

Drivers must remain attentive to the road at all times, despite the fact that the features of the Full Self-Driving software do not make the vehicle self- driving.

Critics argue that the marketing ofTesla is misleading and that it is only leading to more accidents.

A recent survey shows that 42 percent of the people who use the autopilot feature feel comfortable with it.

The regulators are paying attention. The news comes a week after it was reported that the Department of Justice is looking into the issue of autopilot.

Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced an investigation of accidents in whichTeslas have smashed into emergency response vehicles that were pulled over.

The chance of setting a precedent is very high. Was it the fault of the person or was it the fault of the company?

It's up to a jury to decide the answer.

The question of man vs machine is at the center of the trial.

A survey shows that 42% of drivers think their cars can drive themselves.