Tesla has been ordered to pay over $240 million (approximately ₹1,996 crore) in damages following a deadly 2019 crash in Florida involving its Autopilot driver-assist technology. A Miami jury found Tesla partially responsible for the accident, despite the driver admitting to being distracted by his phone when the crash occurred.
The case marks a rare trial verdict against Tesla, which typically settles or wins similar lawsuits. The jury’s decision underscores concerns over Tesla’s Autopilot system, which the plaintiffs’ lawyers argued was misleadingly marketed and allowed dangerous use on roads it was not designed for.
Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk is currently promoting self-driving capabilities as part of plans to launch a driverless taxi service, making this verdict especially significant for the company’s reputation.
Tesla said it plans to appeal the verdict, calling it “wrong” and warning it could hinder advancements in automotive safety technology. The company also noted that pre-trial agreements may limit the total punitive damages payable.
The crash left 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon dead and her boyfriend Dillon Angulo severely injured. The plaintiffs accused Tesla of withholding key evidence, which Tesla denied but later admitted an oversight after it was uncovered.
Legal experts say this case could encourage more lawsuits against Tesla and other automakers developing autonomous vehicle technologies.
