Milestone Ruling: Tesla Ordered to Pay $329 Million for Autopilot Crash, Paving the Way for Potential Legal Repercussions in Autonomous Vehicle Tech

MIAMI — A federal jury has ordered Tesla to pay $329 million in damages linked to a deadly 2019 incident involving its Autopilot system. This ruling could significantly alter the trajectory of autonomous vehicle regulations and the legal responsibilities of manufacturers and drivers alike. The case stands out as an unusual loss for Tesla, which often resolves disputes before they reach trial. The verdict brings to light the complexity surrounding accountability in self-driving technology, suggesting that both companies and users must share responsibility for the outcomes of automated driving systems. It’s a shift that could … Read more

Tesla Ordered to Pay $329 Million in Landmark Autopilot Crash Case: A Wake-Up Call for Autonomous Vehicle Accountability

A Florida jury has ordered Tesla Inc. to pay $329 million in damages linked to a tragic crash in 2019 involving its Autopilot system. The verdict, issued on August 1, 2025, stems from a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Naibel Benavides Leon, who lost her life when a Tesla Model 3, driven by her boyfriend Dillon Angulo, veered off the road and collided with a tree while the semi-autonomous feature was engaged. The jury determined Tesla was 37% liable for the incident, placing the bulk of the blame on Angulo, who was … Read more

Orleans Parish Sheriff Faces Contempt Ruling for Failing to Transport Inmates as Ordered

NEW ORLEANS — Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has been found in contempt of court following allegations that she failed to transport inmates to court as mandated. The ruling came after a contentious court hearing where Judge Tracey Flemings-Davillier addressed non-compliance with a June 18 order for weekend and holiday transports. During the hearing, it was clarified that the sheriff’s office did not facilitate the required transports that were supposed to begin last weekend. The sheriff’s argument centered around a staffing shortage, noting that an additional 12 deputies would be necessary to comply fully with … Read more

Man Ordered to Pay $500K Following Assault on Officer Linked to Capitol Riot Tragedy

Washington, D.C. — A jury has granted a sizable judgment against a man found liable for assaulting a police officer, an incident linked to significant trauma experienced by the officer following the Capitol riot. The jury ruled that the defendant must pay $500,000 in damages to the officer’s estate. The assault occurred during the chaotic events of January 6, 2021, when a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in a failed attempt to overturn the presidential election results. In the aftermath, Officer Jeffrey Smith, who was among those responding to the insurrection, later took his own … Read more