Tesla Could Have Avoided That $242.5M Autopilot Verdict, Filings Show
Months before a Miami jury handed down a staggering $242.5 million verdict against Tesla, the company had the chance to settle for just $60 million. Tesla could have avoided that $242.5M Autopilot verdict, filings show, but the automaker rejected the settlement offer. The details surfaced in new court documents first reported by Reuters.
The settlement proposal, made in May 2025, asked Tesla to resolve claims tied to a fatal 2019 crash involving its Autopilot system. According to filings, the automaker failed to respond within the required 30 days—legally classifying it as a rejection.
“Both Proposals for Settlement were served in compliance with and pursuant to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.442 and Fla. Stat. § 768.79,” the filing stated. “Tesla did not accept Plaintiffs’ Proposals for Settlement within thirty (30) days of service. Therefore, Tesla rejected the Proposals for Settlement by operation of the rule and statute.”
Fatal 2019 Crash at the Center of the Case
The case stems from a 2019 crash in which a Tesla Model S, operating with Autopilot engaged, drove through an intersection and slammed into a Chevrolet Tahoe. The collision killed Neima Benavides Leon and severely injured her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, who were standing nearby.
While the driver of the Tesla was separately sued, the jury ultimately decided Tesla bore partial responsibility for the accident. The verdict assigned two-thirds of the blame to the driver and one-third to Tesla, leading to the $242.5 million damages award.
Why Tesla Rejected the Settlement
Court documents reveal Tesla could have avoided that $242.5M Autopilot verdict by accepting the proposed $60 million settlement. Instead, the company let the 30-day window lapse without action. Legal experts say such decisions often hinge on confidence in trial outcomes, but this time the gamble proved costly.
What Happens Next for Tesla
Tesla has not disclosed whether it will appeal, but legal analysts expect the automaker to fight the ruling. The verdict adds to mounting scrutiny of Tesla’s Autopilot system, which has been linked to multiple federal investigations and ongoing safety concerns.
If Tesla had agreed to the earlier settlement, the financial and reputational damage could have been far less severe. For now, the company faces both the massive payout and renewed questions about its handling of driver-assist technology.
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