A court of appeal in Florida has capped the damages Tesla could be made to pay in the wrongful death case stemming from a fatal crash. The lawsuit No 4D2023-3034 alleged the automaker misstated its Autopilot capabilities.
The appeals court judge overturned a 2023 ruling that Tesla could be penalized with punitive and compensatory damages in a case lodged by the late Jeremy Banner’s estate. According to the decision, “Tesla’s Autopilot features were ‘state-of-the-art’ and complied with all industry and regulatory standards.” The company could not be made liable for not providing functionality that it did not advertise.
Banner perished in 2019 when his Tesla Model 3 crashed as he drove at full speed before smashing into a tractor-trailer that was crossing the road, completely taking off the roof. Tesla maintained Banner was liable as he ignored warnings about Autopilot’s limitations.
Banner’s attorneys, however, argued Tesla was fully aware of its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) defect. They claimed Autopilot was inadequate on cross-traffic roads and wanted to send a message to companies that put profits before safety with damages.
Punitive damages are calculated based on lost income, medical expenses, and other factors. They are often larger than compensatory damages.
The trial will continue after Tesla’s appeal has been granted.
