Archive · 2 Aug 2025
Tesla Ordered to Pay $243M for Fatal Autopilot Crash
A jury decided Tesla was partially responsible for a 2019 car crash involving its Autopilot system in Florida.
The crash resulted in the death of Naibel Benavides Leon and injury to Dillon Angulo.
The jury awarded $243 million to the victims.
The plaintiffs' lawyer stated that Tesla designed Autopilot only for controlled-access highways yet chose not to restrict drivers from using it elsewhere.
Tesla, which will appeal, said the verdict is wrong and may jeopardize the development of life-saving technology.
A jury found Tesla liable for a 2019 Autopilot-involved crash.
The verdict involves a fatal crash of a Model S in Florida.
The jury awarded $243 million in damages to the victims.
Tesla was held liable for 33% of the compensatory damages.
Tesla plans to appeal the verdict.
- Who
- Tesla, the estate of Naibel Benavides Leon, Dillon Angulo, and the jury.
- What
- A jury found Tesla liable for a 2019 Autopilot-involved crash.
- When
- The crash occurred in 2019; the verdict was recently announced.
- Where
- Miami federal court.
- Why
- To determine Tesla's responsibility for the crash.
Plaintiffs' View
Tesla's View
Autopilot Functionality
Plaintiffs' View
Tesla designed Autopilot only for controlled-access highways yet chose not to restrict drivers from using it elsewhere.
Tesla's View
The company stated the verdict is wrong and may jeopardize the development of life-saving technology.
- Event
- Tesla Autopilot crash trial
- Location
- Miami, Florida
- Damages Awarded
- $243 million
- Technology Involved
- Tesla Autopilot
- Plaintiffs
- Estate of Naibel Benavides Leon and Dillon Angulo
- Defendant's Stance
- Will appeal the verdict
Sources
Tesla on trial: Jury to decide Tesla’s fate in fatal Florida crash, plaintiffs seek $345 million in damages
Jury orders Tesla to pay more than USD 200 million in Autopilot crash case
Tesla Ordered To Pay $242 Million In 2019 Fatal Autopilot Crash
Florida jury finds Tesla at fault in 2019 Florida crash, orders to pay $242 million
Tesla ordered to pay $243 million in Autopilot crash case
Elon Musk's Tesla fined over ₹1,996 crore in Florida autopilot crash case; jury flags ‘responsibility’ amid tech failure
Jury orders Tesla to pay more than $240 million in Autopilot crash case
