Tesla Ordered to Pay Over $200 Million After Jury Finds Partial Liability in Fatal Autopilot Crash

A federal jury in Florida has determined that Tesla shares partial responsibility for a 2019 crash in Key Largo that resulted in the death of 22-year-old Naibel Benavides. The incident involved Tesla's Autopilot driver-assist system, and the company has been ordered to pay $200 million in punitive damages and approximately $43 million in compensatory damages.

The case centered on whether Tesla's Autopilot feature contributed to the crash, which occurred when Tesla owner George McGee, while driving, bent down to retrieve a dropped phone and collided with Benavides' vehicle. McGee testified that he believed Autopilot would protect him and prevent a serious accident if he made a mistake, according to statements reported by The New York Times.

Tesla's Autopilot is designed to assist with steering and braking, but the company has faced criticism and regulatory scrutiny over how it markets the system's capabilities. The California Department of Motor Vehicles has previously accused Tesla of misleading advertising regarding its Autopilot and Full-Self Driving features.

In response to the verdict, Tesla stated, "Today’s verdict is wrong and only works to set back automotive safety and jeopardize Tesla’s and the entire industry’s efforts to develop and implement life-saving technology." The company has indicated it will appeal the decision.