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US court upholds $243 million verdict against Tesla over fatal Autopilot crash
A US court upheld a $243 million jury verdict against Tesla over a 2019 Autopilot crash in Florida that killed a woman and injured her boyfriend. The court found Tesla 33% responsible, and the company has announced plans to appeal.
In 2019, a Model S driven by George McGee crashed into an SUV in Key Largo, Florida while McGee was distracted, killing a 22-year-old woman and severely injuring her boyfriend.
A jury found Tesla 33% responsible for the crash and awarded $243 million in damages. U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom refused to overturn the verdict on 20 February 2026.
Reported impact
The crash resulted in the death of a 22-year-old woman and severe injury to her boyfriend.
Index analysis
The case highlights ongoing concerns about Tesla's Autopilot safety and company accountability in autonomous vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
Governance controls
Tesla plans to appeal the decision, arguing the Model S was not defective and the company should not be liable for reckless driving by the vehicle's operator.