Tesla could have avoided $243M Autopilot verdict by paying $60M
What's the story
Tesla, the electric vehicle company owned by billionaire Elon Musk, rejected a $60 million settlement offer in a lawsuit over a fatal 2019 crash involving an Autopilot-equipped Model S. The jury awarded a whopping $243 million verdict in the same case earlier this month. The details of the rejected settlement were revealed by lawyers for the plaintiffs in a filing yesterday.
Legal proceedings
Plaintiffs' lawyers seeking legal fees from Tesla
The plaintiffs' lawyers are seeking legal fees from Tesla, claiming that Florida law entitles them to the costs incurred since May 30, when the settlement was proposed. The trial centered around an April 2019 crash involving a 2019 Model S with Autopilot driver-assistance software. The vehicle crashed into a parked Chevrolet Tahoe while its occupants were standing on the shoulder of the road.
Verdict details
Jury awarded $129M in compensatory damages
The jury awarded a total of $129 million in compensatory damages and an additional $200 million in punitive damages to the estate of Naibel Benavides Leon, who was killed in the crash, and her boyfriend Dillon Angulo. Tesla was found liable for 33% of these compensatory damages (around $42.6 million) and all of the punitive ones. The driver was held liable for 67% but wasn't named as a defendant.
Appeal intentions
Tesla plans to appeal against verdict
Tesla has denied any wrongdoing in this case and said the verdict "only works to set back automotive safety and jeopardize Tesla's and the entire industry's efforts to develop and implement life-saving technology." The company plans to appeal against this decision. Notably, this trial was the first one involving a third-party wrongful death due to Autopilot.