Tesla Seeks Dismissal of $243 Million Damages Award in Deadly Crash Case
NEW YORK (AP) — Tesla has requested a federal judge in Miami to dismiss a $243 million damages award linked to a fatal crash involving its Autopilot technology, arguing that the jury was misled during the trial.
The case centers on the death of 22-year-old Naibel Benavides, who was killed after being thrown from a Tesla driven by George McGee, 23, who was distracted by his cellphone. A jury found McGee primarily at fault but determined that Tesla’s technology was also responsible due to its failures.
Tesla claims that opposing lawyers introduced irrelevant evidence that prejudiced the jury, including allegations that the company concealed video data. It acknowledged a mistake in not presenting the evidence earlier but insisted it was unintentional.
In a twist, plaintiff lawyers had previously offered to settle for $60 million, which Tesla rejected. Now, the company is seeking either a new trial or a significant reduction of the damages awarded to the families of Benavides and her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo.
The case has gained attention as automakers accelerate developments in autonomous driving technology, with fears about future liability should courts hold manufacturers accountable for crashes involving driver distraction.
Tesla’s terminology, such as “Autopilot,” has drawn criticism for potentially misleading consumers about the technology’s capabilities compared to other manufacturers, who opt for less suggestive terms like “driver assist.”
An administrative judge in California is reviewing Tesla’s marketing practices related to Autopilot amid scrutiny over driver safety and technology reliability.
As this case unfolds, Tesla’s stock saw a nearly 3.5% decline, following concerns over their European sales figures.
Originally Published: August 29, 2025, at 7:28 PM EDT