Tesla, under Elon Musk's leadership, has been mandated to shell out a staggering sum of $243 million due to a vehicle collision.
Tesla Faces $243 Million Verdict Over Autopilot in Florida Keys Crash
In a historic ruling, Tesla has been held liable for a 2019 fatal crash in the Florida Keys, marking the first time the company has been hit with damages in a trial over its Autopilot functions.
The jury in Miami determined that Tesla's Autopilot technology failed, contributing to the death of Naibel Benavides Leon and the injury of her boyfriend Dillion Angulo. The crash occurred when a Tesla Model S, driven by a distracted individual, collided with the couple standing beside a parked vehicle at an intersection.
The court found that Autopilot's design and operation were partially to blame for the accident. The system was designed to operate only on controlled-access highways, but was deliberately allowed to be used on roads like the one where the crash occurred. This contradicted Tesla CEO Elon Musk's public claims that Autopilot drives better than humans.
The jury inferred that Autopilot's inability to handle such a situation safely was a critical fault. As a result, Tesla has been ordered to pay $243 million in damages, with $200 million in punitive damages and $43 million in compensatory damages.
Tesla plans to appeal the verdict. In a statement, the company said, "Today's verdict is wrong." Tesla also reminded drivers using Autopilot to be fully attentive while driving and keep their hands on the steering wheel. The company's website states that Autopilot is a driver assistance system, not a fully autonomous vehicle.
Brett Schreiber, an attorney for the plaintiffs, stated that Tesla designed Autopilot only for controlled-access highways but chose not to restrict its use elsewhere. Elon Musk, CEO and largest shareholder of Tesla, was mentioned in the verdict.
The driver of the Tesla was distracted, looking for his phone, at the time of the crash. Tesla maintains that the driver is solely responsible for the crash.
The verdict has raised concerns within the automotive industry. Tesla stated that the verdict sets back automotive safety and jeopardizes the industry's efforts to develop lifesaving technology.
Following the Miami verdict, Tesla's stock plunged 1.83% on the NASDAQ. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in developing and implementing autonomous driving technology.
Edited by: Rana Taha
- The verdict in the Florida Keys crash case against Tesla has highlighted concerns within the general-news media about autonomous driving technology and its safety.
- The automotive industry is monitoring the developments in the Florida Keys crash case closely, as the $243 million verdict may impact the future development of self-driving technology.
- The Miami jury's verdict against Tesla in the 2019 Florida Keys crash case may have far-reaching consequences for the technology, finance, and transportation sectors, given the significance of autonomous driving technology within these industries.
- The Tesla-related accident coverage in media outlets might be amplified as a result of the historic ruling in the Florida Keys crash case, providing both positive and negative perspectives on the company's Autopilot technology.
- The adjudication of the Florida Keys crash case involving Tesla Autopilot technology might have potential implications for the media industry, as it raises questions regarding accountability and responsibility in the portrayal of autonomous driving technology in various media platforms.
