A federal judge in Miami has ruled that a lawsuit against Tesla Inc. can proceed to trial. The lawsuit is related to a fatal car crash involving a Tesla Model S, equipped with Autopilot, that crashed into a parked Chevrolet Tahoe in Key Largo, Florida, in April 2019.
Background of the Incident
The incident resulted in the death of Naibel Benavides Leon, and her former boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, is among the plaintiffs. The lawsuit claims that Tesla is responsible for design defects and failure to warn, which led to the fatal crash.
Judge’s Decision
The judge’s decision allows the plaintiffs to seek punitive damages. The trial is scheduled to start on July 14.
Implications for Tesla
This lawsuit is significant for Tesla, as the company has long been under scrutiny for the safety of its self-driving technology. Tesla has emphasized that its Autopilot features are meant for fully attentive drivers and do not make its vehicles autonomous.
Recent Safety Concerns
Earlier this month, Tesla faced safety questions from regulators as it prepared to launch its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. The regulators were concerned about the performance of Tesla’s self-driving technology in challenging weather conditions.
Other Incidents
In a separate incident, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Tesla in New Jersey over a 2024 crash involving a Model S that claimed three lives. The lawsuit alleges that the crash was due to the car’s defective and unreasonably dangerous design.
Stock Performance
Tesla’s stock closed at $323.63, down 0.66% for the day, and a slight dip of 0.28% was seen in after-hours trading, amounting to $322.71.
Conclusion
The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for Tesla and its self-driving technology. As the company continues to face safety concerns and lawsuits, its stock performance will likely be affected.