Tesla Verdict: A Reckoning for Autopilot Technology

A Miami jury handed down a significant verdict, holding Tesla partly accountable for a fatal crash involving its Autopilot technology. The jury awarded over USD 200 million in punitive damages to the victims.

The ruling emphasized that Tesla's technology failure contributed to the crash, despite the driver admitting to being distracted by a cell phone. This decision is a critical moment as Elon Musk pushes for driverless taxis in American cities.

This case, which concluded after four years, could inspire more lawsuits. Tesla faced allegations of concealing evidence, a charge the company denies, though it acknowledged errors once proof was presented. Tesla claims improved technology since the 2019 crash.

(With inputs from agencies.)