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Hacker uncovers ‘missing' Tesla Autopilot data in deadly crash, triggering $243M verdict to victims' families
TeslaTesla(US:TSLA) New York Post·2025-09-01 16:22

Core Points - A Miami jury has ordered Tesla to pay $243 million for a fatal 2019 Autopilot crash, marking a significant legal setback for the company [1] - The jury found Tesla partially liable for the crash that resulted in the death of 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon and serious injuries to her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo [1][5] - Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Tesla's systems recorded a "collision snapshot" just before the crash, contradicting the company's claims that such data was missing [2][9] Legal Findings - The jury sided with the plaintiffs, who accused Tesla of misleading them about the availability of crucial data related to the crash [5][14] - Tesla's defense argued that the crash was solely the fault of the driver, who was using Autopilot and distracted by his cellphone [5][11] - The verdict is seen as a rare defeat for Tesla's Autopilot technology, which has previously seen the company win or settle other cases [11][14] Implications - The ruling has broader implications, as it has already been cited in a Texas shareholder lawsuit alleging that Tesla defrauded investors regarding its autonomy claims [14] - Another trial related to a fatal crash involving Autopilot is scheduled for this fall in California, with plaintiffs seeking damages exceeding one billion dollars [14] - Tesla has indicated plans to appeal the Miami verdict, arguing that the data dispute was irrelevant to the case [14]