A representative for Tesla sent Ars the following statement: “Today’s verdict is wrong and only works to set back automotive safety and jeopardize Tesla’s and the entire industry’s efforts to develop and implement life-saving technology. We plan to appeal given the substantial errors of law and irregularities at trial. Even though this jury found that the driver was overwhelmingly responsible for this tragic accident in 2019, the evidence has always shown that this driver was solely at fault because he was speeding, with his foot on the accelerator—which overrode Autopilot—as he rummaged for his dropped phone without his eyes on the road. To be clear, no car in 2019, and none today, would have prevented this crash. This was never about Autopilot; it was a fiction concocted by plaintiffs’ lawyers blaming the car when the driver—from day one—admitted and accepted responsibility.”
So, you admit that the company’s marketing has continued to lie for the past six years?
Good!
Even better!
Did you read it tho? Tesla is at fault for this guy overriding the safety systems by pushing down on the accelerator and looking for his phone at the same time?
I do not agree with Tesla often. Their marketing is bullshit, their cars are low quality pieces of shit. But I don’t think they should be held liable for THIS idiot’s driving. They should still be held liable when Autopilot itself fucks up.
The problem is how Musk and Tesla have sold their self driving and full self driving and what ever name they call the next one.
Should be a class action lawsuit by Tesla owners and damages in tens of billions rather than millions tbh. I’m just saying that this particular case can’t be seen as Tesla’s fault by anyone being objective.
On the face of it, I agree. But 12 jurors who heard the whole story, probably for days or weeks, disagree with that.
Maybe the 12 jurors just really hate Felon Husk and/or Tesla’s lawyers.