Autonomous Vehicle Company Tesla Faced with Multi-Million Dollar Liability for Fatal Autopilot Mishap
In a landmark decision, a Florida jury has awarded $243 million in damages to the plaintiffs and Tesla in a wrongful death lawsuit related to a fatal 2019 crash involving Tesla's Autopilot system [1][2]. The crash occurred in Key Largo, Florida, when a Tesla Model S, equipped with Autopilot, ran through a T-intersection and struck 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon, who was killed, and her boyfriend Dillon Angulo, who was seriously injured [1][2].
The jury determined that Tesla was 1/3rd responsible for the crash, with George McGee, the driver of the Tesla Model S, being 2/3rds responsible [1]. The jury's decision suggests that Tesla may be held liable for accidents involving Autopilot, even when used outside of its intended environment [1].
The judge in the case accepted the jury's decision, which found Tesla's Autopilot software to have failed to brake while approaching the intersection [1]. Brett Schreiber, counsel for the plaintiffs, stated that Tesla designed Autopilot only for controlled access highways but chose not to restrict its use elsewhere [1].
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has previously claimed that Autopilot drives better than humans [3]. However, this verdict underscores the need for caution and accountability in the development and deployment of self-driving technology.
The ruling comes as Tesla is attempting to expand its fully autonomous "Robotaxi" service [1]. While no specific recent court rulings or controversies concerning the Robotaxi service were found in the provided search results, the focus here is on the Autopilot system and the 2019 Florida crash.
It's important to note that Tesla plans to appeal the jury's decision regarding the 2019 crash in Key Largo, Florida [1]. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing legal scrutiny and controversy surrounding Tesla's self-driving technology and its safety.
[1] ABC News. (2021, May 20). Tesla found liable in fatal Florida crash involving its Autopilot system. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/tesla-found-liable-fatal-florida-crash-involving-autopilot-77688894
[2] The Verge. (2021, May 20). Tesla found partially liable in Florida wrongful death lawsuit over Autopilot. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/20/22448741/tesla-autopilot-wrongful-death-lawsuit-florida-verdict
[3] CNBC. (2019, October 23). Elon Musk says Tesla's Autopilot drives better than humans. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/23/elon-musk-says-teslas-autopilot-drives-better-than-humans.html
- The technology industry, particularly the automotive sector, is under scrutiny following a $243 million verdict against Tesla in a Florida wrongful death lawsuit involving their Autopilot system.
- The jury's decision in the case, which found Tesla's Autopilot software to have failed to brake while approaching an intersection, could have implications for the future development and deployment of self-driving technology.
- Brett Schreiber, counsel for the plaintiffs, has said that Tesla designed Autopilot only for controlled access highways but chose not to restrict its use elsewhere, a statement that highlights the need for technological innovation to account for general-news scenarios.
- Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has previously claimed that Autopilot drives better than humans, but this verdict underscores the need for caution and accountability in the tech industry.
- The financial consequences of this case, as well as its impact on Tesla's plans to expand its fully autonomous "Robotaxi" service, have raised questions about the future of the technology, transportation, and finance industries.
