A Miami jury has ruled that Tesla was partly responsible for a deadly crash involving its Autopilot driver assist technology, ordering the company to pay over $240 million in damages. The verdict comes after four years of litigation and marks a significant shift in the case.
The plaintiffs alleged that Tesla’s technology failed and that the company did not provide adequate warnings or disengagement protocols for drivers. They also claimed that Tesla allowed drivers to use Autopilot on smaller roads where it was not designed, increasing the risk of accidents.
Tesla had argued that the driver’s reckless behavior, including speeding through flashing lights and failing to keep his eyes on the road, was the primary cause of the crash. However, the jury found that Tesla bore significant responsibility for the accident, citing its failure to prevent the driver from becoming distracted and its lack of transparency regarding its technology.
The verdict is notable not only because it marks a significant victory for the plaintiffs but also because it highlights the challenges faced by companies developing autonomous vehicles. The auto industry has been watching the case closely, as a finding of liability could pose significant legal risks for other companies in this space.
Tesla plans to appeal the verdict, which may reduce the amount it pays due to a pre-trial agreement limiting punitive damages to three times compensatory damages. However, the company’s reputation on safety remains a concern, with many experts warning that the incident could have far-reaching consequences for the industry as a whole.
Source: https://fortune.com/2025/08/02/tesla-autopilot-crash-jury-trial-verdict-243-million-shock-waves-industry