Tesla ordered to pay millions for fatal Autopilot crash

MIAMI: A jury in Florida on Friday found Tesla partly liable for a fatal crash in 2019 involving its "Autopilot" driver assistance system and ordered the company to pay a hefty penalty.

The US electric carmaker was ordered to pay a US$200 million (RM855.5mil) fine.

The verdict also includes US$129 million (RM551.8mil) in damages awarded to the family of a woman killed in the 2019 accident and her boyfriend, who was seriously injured - of which Tesla will have to cover one-third.

Tesla plans to appeal the decision.

The ruling marks a rare courtroom defeat for Elon Musk's company.

The crash occurred when a Tesla Model S, operating on the company's so-called "Autopilot" technology, slammed into a parked vehicle on the roadside.

The woman and her boyfriend were standing nearby when they were struck.

The Tesla driver had been distracted, looking for his mobile phone after it had fallen to the floor.

In court, Tesla argued the driver alone was responsible for the accident.

The company has long maintained that "Autopilot" is merely an assistance feature, requiring drivers to remain attentive and ready to take control at all times.

According to the jury's verdict, the family of the deceased woman will receive US$59 million (RM252.4mil) and her boyfriend $70 million (RM299.4mil).

Tesla has been ordered to pay 33% of the total amount, with the remaining liability falling to the driver.

Tesla said it intends to appeal, citing what it described as errors and irregularities in the trial proceedings.

In previous cases involving "Autopilot" accidents, Tesla was either acquitted or reached settlement agreements with the plaintiffs.