Tesla Prevails in Second Autopilot Lawsuit, Strengthening Defense Against Liability Claims
-
Tesla prevailed in lawsuit over 2019 Autopilot accident that killed Model 3 owner Micah Lee. Jury found Tesla not at fault by 9-3 vote.
-
Lawsuit alleged Autopilot defects caused Model 3 to veer off highway at 65 mph and crash into tree, killing Lee. Tesla argued it wasn't liable and unsure if Autopilot was engaged.
-
Case is second Autopilot lawsuit Tesla has won. In April, Tesla won case brought by driver hurt when Tesla allegedly swerved onto curb.
-
Tesla accounts for over 70% of automated driver assist accidents logged by NHTSA but has avoided liability in two cases now.
-
Legal experts said first case could be bellwether; with second jury siding with Tesla, precedent seems to be forming in its favor.
