Tesla rejected $60M settlement before losing $243M in deadly Autopilot crash case | Latest Tech News
Billionaire Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company Tesla rejected a $60 million settlement proposal in a lawsuit over the 2019 deadly crash of an Autopilot-equipped Model S before a jury this month awarded a $243 million verdict in the case.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs disclosed the settlement proposal in a submitting on Monday in the federal court in Miami, as half of a request for legal charges from Tesla.
They said Florida law entitles them to the legal charges the plaintiffs accrued since May 30, when the settlement was proposed.
Neima Benavides, whose sister died in a Florida crash involving Tesla’s Autopilot driver help technology, speaks to reporters on Aug. 1. AP
Tesla and a lawyer representing the company in the case didn’t immediately reply to requests for remark. Attorneys for the plaintiffs had no quick remark.
The trial centered on an April 2019 crash involving a 2019 Model S that includes Autopilot driver-assistance software program. The driver’s Tesla struck the victims’ parked Chevrolet Tahoe as they had been standing beside it on a shoulder.
Jurors awarded the property of Naibel Benavides Leon, who was killed, and her boyfriend Dillon Angulo, who was severely injured, a mixed $129 million in compensatory damages, plus $200 million in punitive damages. Tesla was held liable for 33% of the compensatory damages, or $42.6 million, and all of the punitive damages.
Jurors discovered the driving force liable for 67% of the compensatory damages, but he was not a defendant.
Jurors awarded the property of Naibel Benavides Leon, who was killed, and her boyfriend Dillon Angulo (above), who was severely injured, a mixed $129 million in compensatory damages, plus $200 million in punitive damages. AP
Tesla has denied any wrongdoing, 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.” Tesla has said it can appeal.
The plaintiffs’ legal professionals have said the trial was the first involving the wrongful death of a third celebration ensuing from Autopilot.
Elon Musk’s Tesla has denied any wrongdoing and said it can apeeal. via REUTERS
Tesla has confronted comparable lawsuits over its autos’ self-driving capabilities, but they’ve been resolved or dismissed without getting to trial.
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