Judge Upholds $243 Million Verdict Against Tesla in Autopilot Fatality Case

A federal judge has affirmed a major legal defeat for Tesla, leaving the automaker liable for $243 million in damages related to a fatal 2019 Autopilot crash. U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom, in a ruling issued Friday, denied Tesla's motion to overturn a jury verdict reached last August.

Judge Bloom stated the evidence presented at trial sufficiently supported the jury's conclusion that Tesla bore partial responsibility. She noted the company introduced no compelling new arguments to challenge the outcome. The verdict orders Tesla to pay compensatory and punitive damages to the victims.

The case stems from a 2019 incident in which a Tesla Model S, operating with Autopilot engaged, struck a parked SUV on a highway shoulder. The driver had reportedly been reaching for a fallen phone. Naibel Benavides Leon, who was standing beside the SUV, died in the collision. Dillon Angulo sustained serious injuries.

Tesla has not issued a public statement on the ruling. Legal observers widely expect the company to appeal to a higher court. During the trial, Tesla's legal team argued the vehicle and its systems were not defective, placing responsibility solely on the driver.

This ruling arrives as Tesla's driver-assistance systems, Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, remain under scrutiny. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues multiple investigations into the technologies.

Source: Engadget