Tesla found partially liable for fatal accident by the jury
In a landmark ruling, a Miami federal jury has found Tesla partly liable for a fatal 2019 crash involving its Autopilot self-driving software, ordering the company to pay over $242 million in damages. This marks a significant expansion of legal liability for Tesla related to its Autopilot system.
The incident occurred in April 2019 when Tesla driver George McGee, using Autopilot in a 2019 Model S, crashed into a parked Chevrolet Tahoe. The crash resulted in the death of Naibel Benavides and severe injuries to her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, who was also a plaintiff in the lawsuit.
The jury attributed 33% of compensatory damages to Tesla based on flaws in the Autopilot software, while the driver was deemed 67% responsible but not financially liable due to defendant status. The verdict awarded a total of $329 million in damages: $129 million compensatory and $200 million punitive. However, Tesla indicated that punitive damages will be capped at three times the compensatory amount by state law, potentially limiting their liability to about $170 million.
Mary Cummings, an expert on autonomous driving technology, testified that Autopilot was defective because it failed to react to obstacles and failed to ensure McGee kept his eyes on the road. Brett Schreiber, representing the plaintiffs, accused Tesla of a "misinformation campaign" that exaggerated Autopilot's capabilities.
Tesla has faced other lawsuits over its Autopilot system, but prior ones were settled or dismissed before trial. This verdict may signal a shift in how courts view corporate responsibility for partially automated driving systems, especially as Tesla expands offerings like its robotaxi service.
The jury's decision comes at a time when Tesla is testing autonomous taxis in Austin, Texas. This case has important implications for Tesla’s liability exposure related to its self-driving technology. It demonstrates a growing legal recognition that manufacturers can share blame when software flaws contribute to crashes, not just the driver. The case is among the first where a jury substantially held Tesla accountable for Autopilot-related crash outcomes, and it could influence future litigation, regulatory scrutiny, and Tesla's approach to self-driving safety and transparency.
Tesla has announced it will appeal the verdict. Despite this, the ruling serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with the development and deployment of advanced self-driving technology.
References:
- CNN Business
- The Verge
- In light of the recent verdict against Tesla, there might be a new wave of legal scrutiny within the automotive industry, particularly for businesses developing and utilizing autonomous driving technology.
- This landmark case against Tesla, which resulted in a $242 million settlement for a crash involving its Autopilot system, highlights the growing accountability of technology companies in transportation, potentially impacting the finance and insurance sectors as well.
- The verdict, which substantially holds Tesla responsible for an Autopilot-related crash, signals a shift in industry norms, prompting firms in the technology and transportation sectors to reassess their self-driving safety measures and provide clearer information to the public about their technologies.
