Miami jury awards $243 million in Autopilot crash case against Tesla

A Miami federal jury verdict awarding about $243 million in damages in a 2019 fatal crash case involving a Tesla Autopilot-equipped Model S followed a settlement offer the automaker rejected earlier this year. Plaintiffs’ lawyers disclosed that Tesla had been offered a roughly $60 million settlement before trial, a figure the company’s representatives have not publicly commented on in connection with the filing. The case centers on an April 2019 crash in which a Tesla vehicle, with Autopilot engaged, struck a parked Chevrolet Tahoe while the occupants of the Tahoe stood nearby; one person was killed and another seriously injured.

Jurors found that Tesla bore some responsibility for the damages award, while the driver of the Tesla was found responsible for a larger share of the compensatory damages. The verdict included a substantial punitive component against Tesla, reflecting the jury’s assessment of risk and corporate conduct relevant to Autopilot’s safety profile. Tesla has said it will appeal the verdict, arguing that there were significant legal errors and irregularities at trial. Plaintiffs’ counsel, meanwhile, emphasized Florida law allows them to seek attorney’s fees...