Tesla Inc., the innovative electric car manufacturer led by Elon Musk, is currently embroiled in a federal jury trial in Miami. The court will determine whether the company bears responsibility for a 2019 collision in South Florida, involving a vehicle utilizing its Autopilot technology, which resulted in the death of a young woman.
The wrongful death lawsuit aims to hold Tesla accountable for a traffic accident in Key Largo on April 25 of that year. This tragic incident led to the death of 20-year-old Naibel Benavides León and severe injuries to her boyfriend Dillon Angulo, as reported by EFE news agency.
The accident unfolded when George McGee, driving a 2019 Tesla Model S, activated the Autopilot feature while distracted by searching for his cell phone. This lack of attention resulted in a collision with another car, which subsequently struck Benavides and Angulo.
At the time of the crash, the victims were beside a parked Chevrolet Tahoe on the shoulder. McGee was traveling at 62 miles per hour (about 100 km/h) when the vehicle veered off course, ignored a stop sign and a red light, and collided with the parked SUV, causing it to hit Benavides and Angulo.
Benavides was thrown approximately 75 feet, dying instantly, while Angulo sustained critical injuries.
Autopilot Design and Warning Deficiencies
In the case titled Benavides v. Tesla Inc., the families of Benavides and Angulo accuse Tesla of design flaws and failing to adequately warn about the dangers of its Autopilot system, which was active during the crash. According to a court document cited by EFE, the plaintiffs also allege that Tesla obstructed the crash investigation by preventing the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) from accessing vehicle data that could demonstrate the Autopilot system's role in the accident.
The lawsuit presents evidence that Tesla recalled more than two million vehicles in 2024, addressing a safety issue with its Autopilot system. A letter sent to owners acknowledged the defect and promised corrective measures for all vehicles.
Judge Allows Trial to Proceed
Federal Judge Beth Bloom of the Southern District of Florida refused Tesla's motion to dismiss the case, allowing the federal jury trial to commence this week. In her 98-page ruling, Bloom found sufficient grounds for the case to move forward.
While McGee admitted to unsafe driving, his testimony is pivotal, as he expected the Autopilot to prevent a collision. The judge noted that this expectation complicates attributing sole responsibility to the driver. "The plaintiffs provided substantial evidence that Autopilot defects were a 'substantial factor' in the tragic incident," Bloom stated.
Tesla has consistently argued that its Autopilot system does not render its cars fully autonomous, emphasizing that drivers must remain "fully attentive" and keep their hands on the wheel at all times. The company asserts that its features are designed to assist, not replace, human drivers. However, how Tesla communicates these risks is a central issue in the lawsuit.
Judge Bloom pointed out that the user manuals, accessible only via the Model S's touchscreen, may hinder users from fully understanding the Autopilot's limitations. This aspect strengthens the claim of inadequate warnings, suggesting Tesla did not sufficiently explain the inherent dangers of using Autopilot.
The trial, one of the first in which the automaker confronts a civil jury, is tentatively slated for a verdict on July 31. Tesla Inc. has faced mounting scrutiny over Autopilot issues.
As reported by EFE, a class-action lawsuit involving approximately 10,000 Australian drivers emerged last month, seeking compensation from the company for a problem with automatic braking. Additionally, in June, U.S. authorities requested information from Musk's company regarding incidents during the initial hours of the robotaxi service trial in Austin, Texas. Users shared videos on social media showing these vehicles exceeding speed limits or driving against traffic.
In 2024, Tesla Inc. settled a lawsuit over a 2018 accident in California involving one of its semi-autonomous vehicles, which resulted in the driver's death.
Common Questions About Tesla's Autopilot Issues
What is the main issue in the Tesla trial in Miami?
The trial aims to determine whether Tesla is liable for a fatal crash involving its Autopilot system, which allegedly failed to prevent a collision, resulting in the death of Naibel Benavides León.
How has Tesla responded to allegations about its Autopilot system?
Tesla maintains that its Autopilot does not make cars fully autonomous and insists that drivers remain attentive at all times. The company argues that its systems are designed to assist rather than replace human drivers.