Tesla Autopilot plaintiffs seek $345 million in damages over fatal crash in Florida

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is facing a significant trial regarding the safety of its Autopilot system, stemming from a fatal crash in 2019, marking the first time the company has been in front of a jury in federal court on such allegations [1][9]. Group 1: Trial Details - The trial began on July 14, 2025, in the Southern District of Florida, with plaintiffs seeking approximately $345 million in damages, which includes $109 million in compensatory damages and $236 million in punitive damages [2]. - The case revolves around a crash involving a Tesla Model S driven by George McGee, who was using the Enhanced Autopilot system at the time of the incident [3][4]. Group 2: Incident Overview - During the crash, McGee was distracted while trying to retrieve his dropped phone, believing that the Autopilot would automatically brake for obstacles, leading to a collision at over 60 miles per hour [4]. - The crash resulted in the death of 22-year-old Naibel Benavides and serious injuries to her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, who is also seeking compensation for his medical expenses and suffering [5][6]. Group 3: Legal Arguments - Plaintiffs argue that Tesla's Autopilot system had known defects and that the company failed to limit its use to safe conditions, while also claiming that Tesla and Musk misrepresented the safety and capabilities of the Autopilot system [7]. - Tesla's defense contends that the company provided adequate communication regarding the use of Autopilot and that McGee's actions were the primary cause of the accident [8]. Group 4: Previous Legal Context - The Benavides family had previously settled a lawsuit against McGee, who faced charges of careless driving but did not contest them [9]. - The judge's ruling allowed the case to proceed to trial, despite Tesla's history of settling similar cases or moving them to arbitration [9][10].