Tesla on Trial

A non-comprehensive tracking website of major Tesla lawsuits, including injury and death cases, class-action lawsuits, and state and federal investigations

Lopez v. Tesla (Gilberto Lopez case)

Location: CA
Year Filed: 2019
Status:
Pending
Categories:
Autopilot/FSD
Plaintiff: Lorena Ochoa, successor interest to Gilberto Lopez
Law Firm: Slavik
Court: Superior Court of CA LA County
Trial Date: 2025-10-01
Crash Details: Gardena, CA, 12/29/19
Case image 1 for Lopez v. Tesla (Gilberto Lopez case)

Case Summary

A Tesla Model S was traveling, with autopilot engaged, at 74 mph when it left a freeway and failed to recognize, and stop at a red light, striking a Honda civic and killing both occupants, including Gilberto Lopez.

Outcome

Despite facing more than seven years behind bars, a judge sentenced him (the driver using autopilot) to probation in June 2023. A Tesla driver to pay $23K in restitution for a 2019 Los Angeles crash that killed 2 people.

https://apnews.com/article/tesla-autopilot-los-angeles-d02769ba359cf6381dc1176c3f5a72a5

https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/southern-california/public-safety/2023/12/16/tesla-driver-to-pay--23k-in-restitution-for-crash-that-killed-2-people