Tesla loses bid to overturn $243M Autopilot verdict | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Kirsten Korosec

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A judge has rejected Tesla's attempt to overturn a $243 million verdict linking its Autopilot system to a fatal crash. The court ruled that Tesla's arguments were repetitive and had already been considered, leading to the jury's previous decision. This verdict stems from a 2019 Florida crash where Autopilot was partially at fault, with Tesla being held responsible for one-third of the blame. The case began in August 2023 when a jury awarded $243 million to the families of Naibel Benavides and Dillon Angulo. The driver was found two-thirds responsible, while Tesla faced punitive damages. Tesla's lawyers argued that the driver alone should be held accountable, but the court maintained its stance. This ruling highlights significant implications for product liability in autonomous vehicle technology. It underscores the importance of ensuring such systems operate safely and the potential legal repercussions companies face when systems fail. The outcome may also affect public trust in Autopilot and other driver-assistance features. As tech companies like Tesla innovate, they must navigate stricter scrutiny to avoid similar legal challenges, potentially shaping the future of autonomous driving technology.

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/20/2026