A Miami federal jury has ordered Tesla to pay $329 million in damages for a fatal crash involving its Autopilot driver-assist system. The jury found the company significantly responsible for the incident, determining its technology failed to prevent the accident, even though the driver admitted to being distracted by a cell phone. The crash killed a young couple who were stargazing. This verdict marks a major legal and reputational setback for Tesla, particularly as CEO Elon Musk prepares to launch a driverless taxi service across several U.S. cities. The case, which spanned four years, is notable for reaching a jury trial—unlike many similar lawsuits that were either dismissed or quietly settled by Tesla. The decision could pave the way for additional legal challenges regarding the safety claims of Tesla’s autonomous technologies. Jury says Tesla must pay $329 million for a deadly crash involving Autopilot
The incident occurred in April 2019 when a Tesla Model S, operating at nearly 70 mph, ran multiple traffic signals and hit a parked Chevrolet Tahoe, killing university student Naibel Benavides Leon and severely injuring her boyfriend. The plaintiffs contend Tesla’s Autopilot failed to recognize and respond to road hazards, while Tesla attributes the crash to distracted driving, as the driver was reaching for a dropped phone. The driver has settled separately. The case is notable because the judge permitted the pursuit of punitive damages, citing possible reckless disregard by Tesla in prioritizing product development and profit. Tesla, which denies liability, maintains that drivers must always be ready to take control, per its user manuals. The case could impact public trust as Tesla prepares to launch robotaxis across the U.S. Past incidents and regulatory scrutiny have questioned the reliability of Tesla’s driver-assistance technologies, especially in low-visibility conditions. While Tesla has updated its systems, concerns about safety and overreliance on automation persist. The outcome of this rare jury trial could have significant implications for Tesla’s self-driving future. Tesla’s Autopilot system is in the spotlight at a Miami trial over a student killed while stargazing
In closing arguments, plaintiffs’ attorneys requested the jury to award damages of around $345 million, including $109 million in compensatory damages and $236 million in punitive damages. They argued that Tesla’s partially automated driving systems, marketed as Autopilot at the time, had dangerous defects, which should have been known and fixed by the company, and that use of Autopilot should have been limited to roads where it could perform safely. They also argued that Musk and Tesla made false statements to customers, shareholders and the public, overstating the safety benefits and capabilities of Autopilot, which encouraged drivers to overly rely on it. Tesla attorneys countered in court that the company had communicated directly with customers about how to use Autopilot and other features, and that the driver’s behavior was to blame for the fatal crash. They said in closing arguments that Tesla works to develop technology to save drivers’ lives, and that a ruling against the EV maker would send the wrong message. Tesla Autopilot plaintiffs seek $345 million over fatal Florida crash
This case is one of many lawsuits against Tesla that question the safety of the company’s driver-assistance systems and accuse the company of exaggerating their capabilities. But few of these cases have actually gone to trial, with Tesla often settling claims outside the courtroom. A lawsuit against Tesla and its driver-assistance technology goes to trial in Florida
The verdict could have significant implications for Tesla’s self-driving future, as the company prepares to launch robotaxis across the U.S. Past incidents and regulatory scrutiny have questioned the reliability of Tesla’s driver-assistance technologies, especially in low-visibility conditions. While Tesla has updated its systems, concerns about safety and overreliance on automation persist. Tesla’s Autopilot system is in the spotlight at a Miami trial over a student killed while stargazing