Tesla Faces $242M Verdict in Fatal Autopilot Crash, Settlement Talks Revealed
MIAMI – Lawyers representing victims of a fatal Tesla crash have disclosed a settlement proposal in a federal court filing in Miami, Florida. The disclosure came as part of their request for legal fees, which they say are owed under Florida law since May 30, when the settlement was first proposed.
The case stems from an April 2019 crash in which a Tesla Model S, operating with Autopilot driver-assistance software, slammed into a parked Chevrolet Tahoe. Standing beside the Tahoe at the time were Naibel Benavides Leon, who was killed, and her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, who was seriously injured.
A Florida jury awarded Leon’s estate and Angulo $129 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages. Under the verdict, Tesla was found responsible for 33% of the compensatory damages—amounting to $42.6 million—as well as the entire $200 million in punitive damages. The driver of the Tesla was found liable for the remaining 67% of compensatory damages but was not a defendant in the case.
Tesla has denied wrongdoing, arguing that the verdict could hinder automotive safety innovation. The company confirmed it plans to appeal, stating the outcome “jeopardizes efforts to develop life-saving technology.”
Attorneys for both sides have not publicly commented on the settlement discussions. According to the plaintiffs’ lawyers, this was the first U.S. trial over a third-party wrongful death linked to Tesla’s Autopilot system.
While Tesla has faced multiple lawsuits related to its self-driving features, previous cases have either been dismissed or settled before reaching trial.
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