HOUSTON — The family of a 76-year-old woman who died after a Tesla crashed into a home in Katy plans to sue the vehicle’s driver and Tesla Inc., the family’s attorneys said Monday.
Houston-based law firm Zehl & Associates said it represents the family of Martha Avila, who died after a Tesla Model 3 crashed into a residence in the 21300 block of Rose Hollow Lane on Friday night.
A spokesperson for the firm said attorneys expected to file the lawsuit by Tuesday. No lawsuit had been filed as of Monday afternoon.
According to the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office, the driver told authorities he was using Tesla’s autopilot mode at the time of the crash.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said Avila suffered injuries in the crash and was flown to a hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead.
In a news release, the sheriff’s office said the driver reported that an automated driving assistance system was engaged when the crash occurred.
Investigators said the driver failed to maintain a single lane, left the roadway and struck the residence. Authorities also said the driver showed no signs of intoxication and cooperated with investigators.
Officials transported the driver to a hospital following the crash.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said investigators are continuing to examine the incident and will submit evidence to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
Houston Public Media did not identify the driver because authorities had not filed criminal charges as of Monday, according to court and jail records.
A GoFundMe campaign established for Avila’s family had raised more than $27,000 as of Monday. The fundraising page states that Avila was visiting a relative’s home when the crash occurred and that the residence has become uninhabitable because of the damage and the ongoing investigation.
