[BeetleB]

>Doesn't your statement admit that Tesla is at least partially at fault? Something their lawyers would probably never allow.

IANAL so take with a grain of salt. I once talked to a lawyer who used to work for a big hospital and handled the malpractice lawsuits against them. Three takeaways from the discussion:

1. Implying that a possibility exists that the hospital was at fault has no legal ramifications whatsoever.

2. The studies show an apology and admission has a significant impact on the amount paid to the patient if there is a settlement (in favor of the hospital).

3. Despite knowing 1 and 2, he and other lawyers advise their clients to deny wrongdoing all the way to the end.

[loceng]

Trust is the final layer of competition, trust comes with accountability, taking responsibility. If Tesla et al don't have this fear driving them to do right, then they will lose our respect and our hearts.

[ScottBurson]

Fascinating. Did he explain #3?

[SilasX]

Yes, professionals often times equate domain expertise with expertise outside the domain, and don't pay attention to the boundary. e.g., a doctor:

"Don't smoke, ever."

'Oh, really? How did you model the benefits to me? By what margin did the costs exceed the benefits?'

"There are no benefits to smoking."

'You mean, no health benefits?'

"What's the difference?"