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Key Largo Today
By the People, for the People
Judge Upholds $243 Million Verdict Against Tesla in 2019 Fatal Autopilot Crash
Elon Musk's company faces another setback as it pushes to expand its robotaxi ambitions.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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A federal judge in Miami refused to overturn a $243 million jury verdict against Tesla Inc. over a 2019 fatal crash in Florida involving the EV maker's Autopilot system. The judge ruled that the "evidence admitted at trial more than supports the jury verdict" and rejected Tesla's bid for a new trial.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing legal and regulatory challenges Tesla faces as it works to develop and deploy its autonomous driving technologies. The verdict could impact Tesla's robotaxi ambitions and put further pressure on the company to address safety concerns around Autopilot.
The details
The crash occurred when Tesla owner George McGee was driving his Model S using the company's Enhanced Autopilot system. McGee testified that after dropping his phone, he believed the system would brake if it detected an obstacle. Instead, the vehicle accelerated through an intersection at just over 60 mph, striking a parked car and a couple standing nearby, killing 22-year-old Naibel Benavides and severely injuring her boyfriend Dillon Angulo. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that Autopilot's design and Tesla's representations about its capabilities contributed to the deadly outcome.
- The crash occurred in 2019 in Key Largo, Florida.
- A jury reached the $243 million verdict against Tesla last year.
- The federal judge upheld the verdict on February 21, 2026.
The players
Tesla Inc.
An American electric vehicle and clean energy company founded by Elon Musk.
George McGee
The owner of the Tesla Model S involved in the 2019 fatal crash.
Naibel Benavides
A 22-year-old woman who was killed in the 2019 crash.
Dillon Angulo
The boyfriend of Naibel Benavides who was severely injured in the 2019 crash.
Judge Beth Bloom
The U.S. District Judge who upheld the $243 million verdict against Tesla.
What they’re saying
“Evidence admitted at trial more than supports the jury verdict.”
— Judge Beth Bloom, U.S. District Judge (Benzinga)
What’s next
The judge's ruling is a setback for Tesla as it continues to face legal and regulatory challenges around its Autopilot system. The company may appeal the decision or take other steps to address the verdict.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing safety concerns and liability issues surrounding Tesla's Autopilot technology, which could impact the company's efforts to expand its robotaxi ambitions. It underscores the need for rigorous testing, oversight, and transparency as autonomous driving systems become more prevalent.
