Angulo v. Tesla (Naibel Benavides case)
Case Summary
A Tesla Model S, with autopilot engaged, failed to recognize, and stop at a cautionary light and stop sign at the end of the roadway, continuing off the road and striking Angulo and his companion, Naibel Benavides, who were standing next to their parked vehicle, killing Benavides and severely injuring Angulo.
Outcome
Jury found Tesla’s Autopilot system defective and awarded $243 million in damages ($129M compensatory, $200M punitive).
The jury determined that Tesla was 33% at fault for allowing Autopilot use on roads it wasn’t designed for and failing to adequately monitor driver attention. Driver George Brian McGee — who was speeding, distracted by a dropped phone, and overriding Autopilot with the accelerator — was found 67% at fault. He had previously settled with the victims and was cited for careless driving.