KEY LARGO, Fla. — A Florida jury has awarded $329 million in damages to plaintiffs in a case linked to a fatal crash involving a Tesla vehicle using its Autopilot driver assistance system. The incident took place in 2019, resulting in the death of 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon and severe injuries to her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo.
Following the jury’s decision, Tesla maintained its stance of no wrongdoing and announced plans to appeal the verdict. The company issued a statement critical of the jury’s findings, asserting that the ruling could hinder advancements in automotive safety and obstruct progress in developing life-saving technology. Tesla emphasized that the driver’s actions, including speeding and momentarily taking his focus from the road to recover a cellphone, were pivotal factors in the collision, which occurred when the Tesla Model S struck a parked SUV.
The crash unfolded as the driver activated the Autopilot feature but subsequently lost focus while reaching for a cellphone. This lapse in attention led to the car colliding with the SUV, where both Leon and Angulo were standing nearby.
Angulo has previously expressed the devastating impact the accident has had on their lives, insisting that the vehicle was unsafe. He emphasizes the need for accountability from Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. The legal team representing the plaintiffs has alleged that Tesla engaged in efforts to suppress evidence pertinent to the incident, claiming the automaker did not disclose all relevant data following the crash. An expert for the plaintiffs identified previously undisclosed information from the vehicle, contradictory to Tesla’s assertion that it had provided all relevant details.
During the trial, Tesla admitted to not being aware of the absent data until the plaintiffs’ expert had brought it to light. This finding raised further questions about Tesla’s transparency and commitment to rider safety, igniting discussion about the responsibilities of manufacturers in the development and promotion of autonomous driving technologies.
The crash case is not the first incident drawing scrutiny to Tesla’s Autopilot system. Critics argue that the marketing of the technology encourages drivers to misuse it, potentially trusting it more than they should. The jury’s decision reflects growing concerns in legal and public circles regarding the balance between advancing automotive innovation and ensuring the safety of consumers.
As the legal process continues, the case highlights ongoing debates over automated driving features and raises questions about accountability within the auto industry. The implications of this verdict may set crucial precedents for future cases involving driver assistance technologies.
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