Archive · 2 Aug 2025
Tesla Liable in Fatal Autopilot Crash, Ordered to Pay $329M
A jury decided Tesla needs to pay a lot of money because of a 2019 car accident where their Autopilot system was used.
A Tesla car hit two people in Florida: one person died and another was severely injured.
The jury said Tesla was partly to blame.
Tesla is appealing the decision and says the driver was distracted.
The case brings up questions about how safe and reliable Tesla's self-driving systems are, especially since they plan to start a driverless taxi service soon.
Tesla was found partially responsible for a 2019 crash involving its Autopilot system.
The crash occurred in Florida and resulted in the death of Naibel Benavides Leon and severe injuries to Dillon Angulo.
A jury ordered Tesla to pay $329 million in damages: $129 million in compensatory and $200 million in punitive.
Tesla argues the driver was responsible due to distracted driving and intends to appeal the ruling.
The case raises questions about Tesla's Autopilot technology and its future driverless taxi service.
- Who
- Tesla, a jury, Naibel Benavides Leon, Dillon Angulo, and George McGee.
- What
- A jury found Tesla partially responsible for a fatal 2019 crash and ordered the company to pay $329 million.
- When
- 2019
- Where
- Florida
- Why
- The lawsuit was filed after a crash involving Tesla's Autopilot system that resulted in a death and injuries.
Plaintiffs' Perspective
Tesla's Perspective
Cause of the Crash
Plaintiffs' Perspective
Tesla's Autopilot technology failed, contributing to the crash.
Tesla's Perspective
The driver was primarily responsible for the accident due to distraction.
System Capabilities
Plaintiffs' Perspective
Tesla misrepresented the capabilities of its Autopilot system.
Tesla's Perspective
Tesla maintained Autopilot functioned as designed, blaming human error.
- Damages Awarded
- $329 million
- Crash Date
- 2019
- Vehicle Involved
- Tesla Model S
- Victims
- Naibel Benavides Leon and Dillon Angulo
- Technology Involved
- Autopilot
- Driver
- George McGee
Sources
Tesla Fined Rs 2,000 Crore: What Led to the Massive Penalty on Elon Musk’s Company?
Tesla found partly guilty in deadly 'autopilot' crash, jury awards $242 million
In the 'Autopilot' disaster case, Musk's Tesla was penalized more than $240 million
