Tesla Settles Lawsuit Over Fatal Crash Involving Autopilot
In a dramatic turn of events, electric car giant Tesla has reached a settlement in a lawsuit stemming from a tragic crash in 2018. The incident claimed the life of Apple engineer Walter Huang after his Model X, operating on Autopilot, collided with a highway barrier.
The highly anticipated case, filed by Huang’s family, was set to go to trial in the California Superior Court this week. The potential trial would have shone a spotlight on Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving technology.
Details of the settlement have not been disclosed, and reports suggest that the agreement is pending approval from a judge. Tesla has not provided immediate comments on the matter when approached by BBC.
Prior to the settlement, Tesla contended that Mr. Huang had misused the system by engaging in a video game just moments before the fatal accident. The company has previously prevailed in California trials by arguing that drivers failed to adhere to instructions to remain attentive while utilizing the technology.
The electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer is currently facing a slew of lawsuits related to crashes allegedly linked to its driver-assistant features. Meanwhile, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to investigate accidents involving Autopilot.
Despite promises to deliver an autonomous vehicle for years, Tesla has yet to introduce one to the market. However, Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently announced plans to unveil a self-driving robotaxi in August.
The resolution with Mr. Huang’s family comes at a challenging time for Tesla, as the company grapples with declining sales. Deliveries plummeted in the first quarter of this year due to a fire at its European factory, global shipping disruptions, and increased competition.
Tesla has responded by slashing prices multiple times in light of competition from companies like BYD, but demand in crucial markets like China has dwindled. As a result, Tesla’s stock value has plunged by nearly a third since the beginning of the year. — BBC
