Automobile & Autonomous Vehicle Liability

Automobile Vehicle Liability

Tyson & Mendes’ attorneys are experienced at trial and as counsel on general tort litigation matters, including including personal injury defense in cases arising out of automobile accidents and premises liability matters. Our automobile defense work covers the spectrum, from soft tissue injuries to catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.

We also specialize in defending “damages only” cases. These cases have included admitted liability wrongful death matters and catastrophic injury cases with multi-million dollar demands against some of the foremost plaintiff’s attorneys in the country.

In addition to the defense of insureds for several leading international insurance companies, Tyson & Mendes has directly represented numerous manufacturers, dealers, trucking companies, national automobile and trucking rental companies, and other transportation and corporate clients. We have also been involved in the investigation and defense of fraudulent automobile insurance claims.

Autonomous Vehicle Liability

Some experts predict autonomous vehicles will take over personal transportation by 2030, but the reality is they are here now, and are changing the way many industries do business. Tyson & Mendes’ Autonomous Vehicles Liability Litigation practice group offers clients deep automotive liability litigation experience and knowledge about the ever-changing regulation and legislation arising in response to more autonomous vehicles on the road.

Despite the enhanced safety features autonomous vehicles provide, they inevitably still cause damage –and personal injury lawsuits related to autonomous vehicles will increase over time. Tyson & Mendes understands the challenges and liabilities presented to insurers and manufacturers, and defends related cases in federal and state courts.

Automobile & Autonomous Vehicle Liability Articles:

Arizona Court of Appeals Finds Using Cell Phone May Support a Claim for Punitive Damages

Author: Leah McKeever | January 13, 2022 8:40am

The Arizona Court of Appeals found using a cell phone while driving at the time of an accident resulting in a wrongful death or severe injuries can support a claim for punitive damages. Plaintiffs must establish evidence of cell phone use and other evidence the driver was “consciously pursuing a course of conduct knowing it creates a substantial risk of significant harm to others.”

Federal Judge Throws Out Portion of Coverage Lawsuit in Nevada

Author: Christopher Lund | December 3, 2021 9:00am

a recent ruling out of Nevada involving a case in which a plaintiff alleged bad faith, a judge opined a bad faith allegation did not survive Rule 12(b)(6) scrutiny. Rule 12(b)(6) pertains to a pre-trial motion for “failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.” In Sahinov v. Geico Advantage Ins. Co., the court deemed it “difficult for the court to sufficiently analyze whether one party was acting in bad faith” based on the details provided.

Jury Awards Full Defense Verdict in $22 Million Airport Shuttle Case: Tyson & Mendes Law Firm Successfully Defends Airline Coach Service, Inc.

May 2, 2019 9:32am

SAN FRANCISCO (April 18, 2019) – Following a 5-week jury trial, a San Francisco County jury on April 18, 2019, found an airport shuttle service and one of its drivers not liable for injuries the plaintiff alleged he suffered while riding on an airport shuttle. Attorneys in Tyson & Mendes LLP’s Northern California office, Partner Jim Sell and Senior Counsel Brian Johnson, represented the two defendants and secured a full defense verdict in a case in which the injured plaintiff sought $22 million in damages. “We successfully framed this trial around responsibility,” Mr. Sell said. “By acknowledging and accepting our client’s responsibility for providing accessible safety features in our vehicles, we exposed plaintiff’s refusal to accept any of his own responsibility for his injuries.”

Jury Awards Full Defense Verdict in $7.4 Million Multi-car Accident Case: Tyson & Mendes Law Firm Successfully Defends Chino Hills Ford

April 18, 2019 9:02am

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (April 17, 2019) – Following a three-week trial, a San Bernardino County jury on April 10, 2019, found Chino Hills Ford not liable for a serious car accident which allegedly caused seizures to a child. Tyson & Mendes LLP attorneys Kristi Blackwell and Christopher Schon represented Chino Hills Ford and secured a full defense verdict in which the injured plaintiff sought more than $7.4 million in damages.

Arizona Choice of Law Provision: UM/UIM Claims

Author: Sitar Bhatt | July 30, 2017 10:09am

Arizona is a popular destination for out of state residents to enjoy the beauty and warmth the state has to offer. We especially see an increase in visitors from October to May. Many of these individuals stay in Arizona for a period of multiple months. Unfortunately, some experience an auto accident during their stay in Arizona. Typically, the out of state resident maintains an auto insurance policy issued in their home state. As a part of their policy, they may have personal insurance protection (“PIP”) or medical payments coverage. Under these coverages, the carrier will likely pay for the initial medical expenses or other losses that may qualify due to the accident. Also, the visitor may settle with the other driver involved, and depending on the damages, file an uninsured (“UM”) or underinsured motorist claim (“UIM”).