Tesla Ordered to Pay $243 Million in Landmark Autopilot Crash Case

A Florida jury has found Tesla liable for a fatal crash in 2019, leading to a $243 million payout for the victims' families. The incident, involving a Model S equipped with Autopilot, marks a significant legal challenge for Tesla as it faces growing scrutiny over its self-driving technology.

This trial stands out as the first concerning a third-party wrongful death linked to Autopilot, with jurors awarding $129 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages. Legal experts suggest this verdict could embolden future litigants to pursue claims against Tesla, potentially inflating the costs of settlements for the electric vehicle giant.

The crash occurred when driver George McGee, distracted by his dropped cellphone, ran a stop sign, striking the victims' vehicle. Experts argue that the jury's decision implies a defect in the Autopilot system. Tesla plans to appeal the verdict as the ruling poses challenges to its vision of autonomous driving leadership.

(With inputs from agencies.)