&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Tesla found partly guilty in deadly 'autopilot' crash, jury awards $242 million")
A Florida jury on Friday ordered Tesla to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to plaintiffs who blamed a deadly 2019 crash on the company's "Autopilot" driver assistance technology.
The jury found Tesla's system partly responsible for a crash in Key Largo that killed Naibel Benavides Leon and injured her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, according to attorney Darren Jeffrey Rousso, a partner at the law firm that represented Angulo and Leon's family.
The plaintiffs had alleged that Autopilot was to blame when driver George McGee's Tesla careened into a Chevrolet sport utility vehicle, killing Leon and injuring Angulo.
The jury awarded $200 million in punitive damages, plus $59 million in compensatory damages to Leon's family and $70 million in damages to Angulo, according to court records.
Since the jury assigned one-third of the blame to Tesla, the compensatory damages will be reduced, Rousso said, with the total impact of the jury award totalling $242 million after these reductions.
"Justice was done," Rousso said. "The jury heard all the evidence and came up with a fair and just verdict on behalf of our clients."
Trending Stories
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Half-tank rule’: Does keeping your fuel tank full improve mileage?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Norwegian newspaper sparks controversy over 'racist' cartoon of PM Modi: 'Internet calls it 'colonial mindset’
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Automatic cars vs manuals’: Which uses more fuel?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does regular servicing actually improve your car’s fuel economy?
)
What is Cockroach Janta Party? Viral movement takes over social media after CJI’s remarks
)
Indian diplomat found dead inside mission in Bangladesh, investigation underway
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Loved Off Campus? Stream these 6 romance dramas next on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
WATCH | 'That would be breaking news': Starmer's 'slip of the tongue' on North Korea goes viral, leaves Commons in stitches
)
'King Charles III passed away': UK radio station’s ‘technical error’ message goes viral, apology follows
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Next set of UFO Files: Pastors say 'translucent beings' and alien abductions part of new tranche
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much fuel does a car AC use in 1 hour?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does driving with the AC on waste too much fuel?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Idling vs. restarting': Does turning your engine off at red lights really save fuel?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Do wider tires decrease fuel mileage?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Cockroach Janata Party v/s National Parasitic Front’: Which viral parody manifesto is more absurd?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
International Tea Day 2026: Which countries produce the most tea in the world?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much fuel do frequent gear changes really waste?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Delhi-NCR 'chakka jam': 4 lakh autos, cabs to stay off roads as transport strike begins. All we know
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who introduced tea to India? The fascinating story behind 'chai': All you need to know
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does parking in the shade prevent fuel evaporation in the summer?
)
Ram Charan praises Peddi co-star Divyenndu: 'He has got a swag that I would like to develop'
)
Saif Ali Khan gives warm tribute to his father at Tiger Pataudi Memorial Lecture 2026: 'He instilled self belief in Indian players’
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Melodi’ selfie and dinner: PM Modi shares Colosseum pictures with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni; social media erupts
)
Karoline Leavitt to be US Vice President when Usha Vance gives birth? JD Vance says...
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Which nations produce most honey? Top 7 countries leading global production
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does cruise control really save fuel?
)
After AK-47 training on TV, Iran arranges mass weddings for those ready to 'sacrifice life' | IN PICS
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
What is the ideal car speed for maximum fuel savings?
)
'I’ll go and run for prime minister...': Trump claims to have 99% approval in Israel amid tense call with Netanyahu | VIDEO
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Petrol vs diesel: Which car engine really saves more money in daily driving?
)
New UAE oil pipeline circumventing Hormuz 50% complete, says CEO Sultan Al Jaber
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (May 18-24, 2026): System, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Desi Bling- 6 movies and shows coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Norwegian journalist in heated MEA exchange says Instagram, Facebook suddenly suspended: What’s happening?
)
'Bibi's hair was on fire': Trump, Netanyahu call turns tense over new Iran peace proposal, claims report
Tesla will appeal the decision, according to its defense attorneys.
"Today's verdict is wrong and only works to set back automotive safety and jeopardise Tesla's and the entire industry's efforts to develop and implement life-saving technology," Tesla said through its legal team.
"The evidence has always shown that this driver was solely at fault because he was speeding, with his foot on the accelerator -– which overrode Autopilot –- as he rummaged for his dropped phone without his eyes on the road," Tesla said.
"To be clear, no car in 2019, and none today, would have prevented this crash. This was never about Autopilot."
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.