Tesla Loses Autopilot Fatality Lawsuit; $243 Million Payout Set

In a fatal 2019 crash in Florida, a driver became distracted while retrieving his phone after activating Tesla’s Autopilot, resulting in one death and one serious injury. In August 2025, a jury found Tesla 33% liable and ordered the company to pay $243 million in damages, including $200 million in punitive damages. Tesla had previously rejected a $60 million settlement offer and later attempted to overturn the verdict, but a federal judge denied the motion, ruling that sufficient evidence supported the original judgment. Tesla has since settled multiple lawsuits related to Autopilot incidents and was compelled by a California court to discontinue using the term “Autopilot” after it was deemed misleading, in order to avoid a sales ban. The company has stated it will appeal, but the substantial award now stands.