Tesla Inc. was ordered to pay $243 million after a federal jury in Miami found the company partially responsible for a 2019 Autopilot-related crash.
Details of the Case
The trial lasted three weeks, during which the jury deliberated for less than a day before determining Tesla was 33% liable for the collision that resulted in one death and another serious injury. The jury awarded $42.5 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages.
Tesla's Response
Tesla immediately announced plans to appeal the verdict, claiming, 'Today's verdict is wrong and only works to set back automotive safety.' They intend to challenge the decision due to 'substantial errors of law and irregularities at trial.'
Statements from Participants
The driver of the Tesla, George McGee, testified that he activated Autopilot but was distracted looking for his phone which had fallen in the car. He stated, 'I knew I was completely responsible for operating the car. But I expected Autopilot to assist me in the event I made a mistake. In that case, I do feel like it failed me.'
The verdict represents a significant blow to Tesla, which previously achieved favorable outcomes in similar cases. This incident raises concerns about the safety and accountability of autopilot technologies.
