Jury Finds Tesla 33% Liable in Fatal Autopilot Crash

A federal jury in Miami found Tesla 33% responsible for a fatal 2019 crash involving its Autopilot system, ordering the company to pay over $240 million, including substantial punitive damages, to the family of Naibel Benavides Leon and survivor Dillon Angulo. The case focused on whether Tesla's Autopilot misled drivers about its capabilities and failed to disengage when driver George McGee was distracted by his cellphone. Plaintiffs argued that Tesla's marketing and failure to restrict Autopilot's use on unsuitable roads contributed to the tragedy, while Tesla insisted the crash was solely due to McGee’s distraction and misuse. The jury's decision reflects concerns about Tesla overstating Autopilot's abilities and not providing adequate safeguards against misuse. The verdict, delivered in federal court, may expose Tesla to further liability regarding its self-driving technology. Tesla has announced plans to appeal, maintaining that the verdict could hinder automotive safety advancements.