Auto Accident Under Autopilot Earns Tesla a $200 Million Penalty - Tesla Faces Hefty Fine of $200 Million Due to Autopilot Accident
A Florida jury has delivered a major blow to Tesla's Autopilot system, finding the company partially liable for a fatal 2019 crash that resulted in a hefty fine of $200 million in punitive damages[1][2][3]. The crash, which claimed the life of 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon and severely injured her boyfriend Dillon Angulo, occurred when a Tesla Model S with Autopilot engaged plowed into a stationary vehicle, then hit the couple outside the vehicle[1][2].
The jury assigned 32% responsibility to Tesla, citing its negligence for designing Autopilot to be used beyond controlled highways despite knowing it was unsafe on other roads[1][3]. The plaintiffs argued that Tesla deliberately allowed the use of Autopilot on inappropriate road types and misled the public by promoting it as driving better than humans[1][2]. The verdict marks one of the first major legal rulings holding Tesla accountable for Autopilot-related deaths and injuries[1][2].
The remaining 67% of the responsibility was assigned to the Tesla driver, who was found to be distracted, searching for his phone that had fallen earlier[1]. The deceased woman's family will receive $59 million, and her friend will receive $70 million[4]. Tesla has been ordered to pay 33% of each award, amounting to a total of $66 million[4].
Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has announced its intention to appeal the decision, citing procedural errors and irregularities[3]. The company maintains that Autopilot is an assistive system and drivers must always be ready to retake control[4]. However, criticism has been directed at Tesla for making it too easy to disengage from driver oversight at times[5].
This case represents a significant legal setback for Tesla’s Autopilot system and highlights growing scrutiny over autonomous driving technology safety[1][2]. In previous Autopilot crash cases, Tesla has either been acquitted or reached settlement agreements[6]. The company's appeal will be closely watched as it navigates the complex legal landscape surrounding autonomous driving technology.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/02/business/tesla-autopilot-crash-trial.html [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57538786 [3] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-ordered-pay-200-million-punitive-damages-florida-crash-2022-02-02/ [4] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/02/tesla-ordered-to-pay-329-million-in-damages-over-autopilot-crash.html [5] https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-autopilot-crash-verdict-florida-jury/ [6] https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/tesla-autopilot-crash-verdict-florida-jury/
Tesla, from the United States and led by Elon Musk, faces criticism for allowing Autopilot to be used on inappropriate road types, as a Florida jury found the company partially liable for a fatal 2019 crash due to negligence in designing the technology for use beyond controlled highways. The jury's decision also reveals the growing scrutiny over the safety of autonomous driving technology in sports, an industry where technology plays a vital role.
