01 Aug 2025, 21:16
Court orders Tesla to pay $329 million for Autopilot crash
- The court found that Tesla was partially liable for the accident
- The plaintiffs received compensation for the death and injuries
- This ruling may lead to new lawsuits against Tesla
In Miami, the court ruled that Tesla must pay $329 million to the victims of a fatal crash that occurred in 2019 while in Autopilot mode. This verdict opens the possibility for further lawsuits against the company, which could impact its reputation.
The court acknowledged that Tesla bears partial responsibility for the accident, as its technology did not function properly. The jury established that the driver, who was distracted, also contributed to the crash. During the incident, 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon was killed, and his friend Dillion Angulo sustained serious injuries.
The trial lasted three weeks and was a significant test for the safety of Autopilot technology. Plaintiffs' attorneys argued that Tesla had prioritized its system's capabilities, which allowed the distracted driver to veer off the road. Meanwhile, Tesla representatives insisted that the company clearly informs about the need for driver supervision while using Autopilot.
The verdict was reached after seven hours of deliberation, and this is the first similar ruling that forced Tesla to go to court. Previously, many similar lawsuits were either dismissed or settled before reaching a court agreement.
Tags: USA/Automotive