A high-stakes federal trial in Miami is testing Tesla’s liability in a 2019 fatal crash involving its Autopilot system. George Brian McGee, distracted while driving a Tesla, struck and killed Naibel Benavides and injured Dillon Angulo. The victims' families are suing Tesla, claiming the company shares blame for the crash.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Brett Schreiber argues Tesla was grossly or intentionally negligent, misleading drivers into over-relying on Autopilot and turning the public into unwilling participants in a “beta test.” He criticizes the company’s “hubris” and profit-driven motives, citing Musk’s marketing and federal warnings urging Tesla to increase driver-safety measures.
Tesla denies responsibility, calling McGee a reckless driver who overrode the system by pressing the gas and speeding. Their legal team insists the technology wasn’t defective and that drivers must remain attentive.
Though Elon Musk isn’t in court, his public image and statements loom large. Jurors were screened for strong opinions about him. The case could significantly affect Tesla’s stock, reputation, and the future of self-driving car regulation
