MIAMI — A federal jury has determined that Tesla is partially liable for a fatal crash involving its Autopilot technology, awarding over $240 million in damages to the victims’ families. The ruling highlights significant concerns about the safety of autonomous driving systems, as the automaker prepares to launch a driverless taxi service across several U.S. cities.
The jury found that while the driver admitted to being distracted by his cellphone at the time of the incident, Tesla’s technology also played a critical role in the crash. The decision marks a notable outcome in a case that has spanned four years, particularly given that many similar lawsuits against the company have been dismissed or settled out of court to avoid the public eye.
Legal experts believe this verdict could encourage more individuals to pursue cases against the company. Miguel Custodio, a car crash attorney not associated with the case, remarked that the ruling could act as a catalyst for others seeking justice in similar situations.
The lawsuit involved allegations from the family of 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon, who lost her life in the crash, as well as her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, who was severely injured. Their attorneys accused Tesla of either obscuring or misplacing crucial evidence related to the crash, including data and video recordings captured moments before the collision. Tesla admitted it had overlooked some data but insisted it had no malicious intent.
Dillon Angulo spoke to reporters outside the courthouse, expressing relief that the truth about the car’s defects had finally come to light. “Justice was achieved,” stated Neima Benavides, Naibel’s sister, emphasizing the loss felt by their family.
Tesla has faced scrutiny for its data-sharing practices, with critics arguing the company has been reticent to provide essential information following crashes involving its vehicles. In this case, the plaintiffs hired a forensic expert who found evidence Tesla had claimed not to possess.
In response to the jury’s decision, Tesla expressed strong disagreement, arguing that the verdict could hinder automotive safety advancements. The company maintains that the driver’s admission of fault should exonerate it from liability.
The jury awarded a total of $243 million, which includes $200 million in punitive damages and $43 million in compensatory damages. Financial analysts indicate this ruling may reverberate through the automotive industry, as it establishes a precedent regarding liability in cases where drivers admit negligence.
Tesla announced its intention to appeal the decision, asserting that a pre-trial agreement limits punitive damages to a figure significantly lower than what was awarded. The company contends that, based on their calculations, they could ultimately be liable for $172 million.
The case sheds light on ongoing discussions regarding the safety of autonomous vehicle technology, especially in light of recent improvements in Tesla’s systems since the 2019 incident. The lead attorney for the plaintiffs argued that Tesla’s terminology—specifically the term “Autopilot”—misleads drivers into over-relying on the technology, suggesting alternative terminology like “driver assist” could clarify the limitations of the system.
The jury’s ruling raises questions about trust and responsibility in an era where vehicles are becoming increasingly automated. During the trial, it was highlighted that the driver, George McGee, was using the autopilot feature recklessly and ultimately admitted that he placed undue trust in the technology.
The ramifications of this case will likely influence how automakers approach safety features and communicate their capabilities to consumers, as the auto industry watches closely for broader implications stemming from the verdict.
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