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Tesla Triumphs in Landmark US Autopilot Trial Following Fatal Crash
Updated: Jan 8
In a groundbreaking verdict, Tesla has emerged victorious in the first-ever US trial involving a fatal crash allegedly caused by its Autopilot driver assistant feature.
The outcome represents a significant win for the electric vehicle manufacturer, which is currently facing multiple lawsuits and federal investigations related to the same technology.
This latest triumph marks Tesla's second major legal victory this year, as juries have now twice declined to find the company's software defective. Tesla has been actively testing and deploying its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which CEO Elon Musk considers crucial to the company's future. However, these advancements have attracted regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges.
The civil lawsuit, filed in Riverside County Superior Court, claimed that the Autopilot system was responsible for a tragic accident that resulted in the death of Micah Lee, the owner of a Tesla Model 3. According to court documents, Lee's vehicle veered off a highway near Los Angeles, struck a palm tree and burst into flames, causing fatal injuries to Lee and serious harm to his two passengers.
During the trial, thejury was presented with gruesome testimony regarding the injuries sustained by the passengers. The plaintiffs sought $400 million in damages, alleging that a manufacturing defect in the Autopilot system caused the crash.
However, Tesla vehemently denied any liability, arguing that Lee had consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel and that it was unclear whether Autopilot was engaged at the time of the accident. The company maintained that the ultimate responsibility for road safety lies with the drivers themselves.
After four days of deliberation, the 12-member jury delivered a verdict in favor of Tesla, ruling that the vehicle did not have a manufacturing defect. The vote was 9-3 in favor of the automaker. While the plaintiffs' attorney expressed disappointment in the outcome, he acknowledged that the prolonged deliberation indicated lingering uncertainty surrounding the verdict.
Tesla has previously won a similar trial in Los Angeles, where it successfully argued that its technology requires human monitoring despite the names "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving." The company's disclaimers and warnings to drivers have been instrumental in its legal defense.
The outcome of these trials highlights the importance placed by juries on the presence of a human driver in the vehicle. Legal experts suggest that Tesla's strong emphasis on driver responsibility has been a key factor in its courtroom victories.
While this victory is undoubtedly significant for Tesla, the company still faces ongoing challenges. It is currently under criminal investigation by the US Department of Justice regarding claims that its vehicles can operate autonomously. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is scrutinising the performance of Autopilot following a series of accidents involving Tesla vehicles colliding with stationary emergency vehicles.
In conclusion, Tesla's win in the first US Autopilot trial involving a fatal crash is a major milestone for the company. The verdict reinforces Tesla's argument that drivers bear the ultimate responsibility for road safety. However, the legal battles and regulatory scrutiny surrounding Tesla's autonomous driving technology are far from over.
Tesla emerges victorious in the first US trial over Autopilot's alleged role in a fatal crash
The jury rules in favor of Tesla, stating that the vehicle did not have a manufacturing defect
Tesla's emphasis on driver responsibility proves crucial in the courtroom
Source: REUTERS