A Florida jury has ordered Tesla to pay more than $200m to the victims of a 2019 crash involving its Autopilot driver-assist technology. The verdict, delivered on Friday, found the car company bore significant responsibility for the accident, which killed a 22-year-old woman and injured her boyfriend.
The crash occurred when driver George Brian McGee, distracted by his phone, hit a parked Chevrolet Tahoe at 62mph. The vehicle belonged to the victims, Benavides Leon and Angulo, who were stargazing. Leon was thrown 75 feet into nearby woods and died; Angulo suffered broken bones and a traumatic brain injury.
The jury apportioned 33% of the blame to Tesla and 67% to McGee. It awarded $129m in compensatory damages—of which Tesla must pay 33%—and $200m in punitive damages. Tesla plans to appeal, arguing that no car could have prevented the crash and that the driver was reckless.
Plaintiffs’ lawyer Brett Schreiber accused Tesla of exaggerating Autopilot’s capabilities and knowing it increased driver distraction. The case also revealed that Tesla had initially denied possessing key data, which a forensic expert later recovered. Tesla claimed it was an honest mistake.
Legal experts say the verdict could open the door to more lawsuits against Tesla, challenging its safety reputation as it prepares to launch a driverless taxi service. Tesla’s statement called the verdict “wrong” and said it would set back automotive safety.
