Core Viewpoint - Tesla has reached a conditional settlement in a lawsuit related to a fatal crash involving its Autopilot system, avoiding a jury trial just weeks before it was set to begin [1][2]. Group 1: Settlement Details - The settlement documents were filed in Alameda County Superior Court, and the specifics of the settlement remain confidential as per the family's attorneys [2]. - The lawsuit involved a 15-year-old boy who was killed in a 2019 collision when a Tesla Model 3 rear-ended his father's pickup truck while Autopilot was engaged [8][9]. Group 2: Previous Legal Context - This settlement follows a recent Florida federal jury verdict that found Tesla partly responsible for a separate Autopilot-related crash, resulting in $329 million in total damages, with Tesla liable for $242.5 million [3]. - Tesla's legal team has criticized the Florida verdict, arguing that the driver, not the Autopilot system, was responsible for the crash [4]. Group 3: Autopilot Technology - Tesla's Autopilot system allows vehicles to steer, switch lanes, brake, and accelerate independently, but the company emphasizes that it is intended for use with an attentive driver ready to take control [5]. - The California lawsuit accused Tesla of negligence and design defects in its Autopilot technology, while Tesla contended that the driver was responsible for the vehicle's operation [9][10]. Group 4: Legal History - Tesla has faced multiple lawsuits regarding its Autopilot system and has settled several cases, including a wrongful-death lawsuit from the family of an Apple engineer who died in a 2018 crash while using Autopilot [11].

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]

Core Points - A civil trial is set to begin regarding a fatal crash involving a Tesla Model S, where the driver was using the Autopilot feature at the time of the incident [2][10] - The lawsuit claims that Tesla's Autopilot system is defective and unsafe, alleging that the company exaggerated its capabilities while downplaying its deficiencies [9][11] - The judge overseeing the case has allowed claims of design defect and failure to warn against Tesla to proceed, while dismissing claims of manufacturing defect and negligent misrepresentation [10][12] Group 1: Incident Details - The crash occurred in 2019, resulting in the death of Naibel Benavides Leon and serious injuries to Dillon Angulo [1][2] - The Tesla driver, George McGee, stated he was distracted by his phone when the crash happened, impacting the parked Chevrolet Tahoe at approximately 60 miles per hour [2][3] Group 2: Legal Proceedings - The trial is expected to last about three weeks, with Tesla's safety features under scrutiny [3] - The plaintiffs have the potential to seek punitive damages if the jury finds Tesla liable [10][11] - The judge indicated that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that a defect in the Autopilot system was a significant factor in the injuries sustained [11] Group 3: Tesla's Defense - Tesla's legal team argues that the driver was solely responsible for the crash, emphasizing that Autopilot is intended for use by attentive drivers [12][13] - The company maintains that while Autopilot can assist in driving, it does not make the vehicle autonomous and requires driver oversight [12][13] Group 4: Broader Context - Tesla has faced multiple lawsuits regarding its Autopilot software and has been under increased regulatory scrutiny [14] - In previous cases, Tesla has successfully defended itself against claims of liability related to Autopilot, arguing that human error was the primary cause of accidents [15][16]