Florida Judge Upholds $243 Million Jury Verdict in Fatal Tesla Crash Lawsuit
Just because a car is more technologically sophisticated, that does not necessarily mean it is safer. Indeed, with the advent of cars claiming “self driving” or similar automation features, there have been a number of questions–and lawsuits–regarding the safety of these vehicles. And in one recent Florida case, a federal jury determined that one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-tech cars was partially to blame for a deadly accident.
Jury Determined “Autopilot” 33 Percent At-Fault for Crash
The accident in question occurred on April 25, 2019, at a T-shaped intersection in Key Largo, Florida. A man was driving a Tesla Model S equipped with “Autopilot,” which is Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance system. Tesla has long advertised its Autopilot as capable of navigating the Model S without the need for driver input.
As the Tesla approached the intersection, the driver dropped his cell phone and bent down to look for it. While he did so, the Tesla collided with a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV parked on the road’s shoulder. This pushed the Tahoe into two men standing beside the vehicle, killing one of them and significantly injuring the other.
The estate of the deceased victim and the surviving victims subsequently sued Tesla, alleging defects in the design and instructions for the Autopilot caused the accident. Tesla denied any liability, arguing the driver was 100 percent at-fault for the fatal crash. A federal jury disagreed, however, and in 2025 returned a verdict holding Tesla 33 percent at-fault for the accident and the plaintiffs’ damages.
And those damages were substantial. The jury awarded $242,570,000 in damages to the plaintiffs. This included $19.47 million in compensatory damages to the estate of the deceased victim and $23.1 million in compensatory damages to the surviving victim. Compensatory damages refer to the combined economic and non-economic losses suffered by the victims, including medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and in the case of the deceased victim, the emotional loss sustained by the surviving family members.
The jury’s verdict also included a $200 million award of punitive damages, which will be split between the plaintiffs.
Not surprisingly, in a post-trial motion Tesla asked the judge to set aside the jury’s verdict and enter judgment for the company “as a matter of law,” or in the alternative order a new trial. But in a February 20, 2026, order, United States District Judge Beth Bloom denied Tesla’s motion and entered judgment on the jury’s verdict. Judge Bloom noted that Tesla’s motion was based on the same arguments previously considered–and rejected–by the jury, and since that evidence “more than supports” the verdict, she saw no reason to grant Tesla relief.
Contact a Pasco County Car Accident Attorney
When determining legal liability for a motor vehicle, it is critical to consider all of the parties whose actions may have been a contributing factor, including the manufacturers of the vehicles involved. An experienced Pasco County car accident lawyer can review your case and advise you on how to proceed in this area. Call Wendy Doyle-Palumbo, Esq., today at (727) 233-2134 to schedule a consultation. We serve clients in Hudson, New Port Richie, and Pasco County.
Source:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.flsd.593426/gov.uscourts.flsd.593426.612.0.pdf