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Key Largo Today
By the People, for the People
US Judge Upholds $243M Verdict Against Tesla Over Fatal Autopilot Crash
Ruling confirms Tesla's 33% liability in 2019 Florida crash that killed 22-year-old woman
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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A federal judge has upheld a $243 million jury verdict against Tesla over a 2019 fatal Autopilot crash in Florida. The judge rejected Tesla's request to overturn the verdict, which found the company 33% responsible for the crash that killed a 22-year-old woman and severely injured her boyfriend. The verdict included $19.5 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages.
Why it matters
This ruling is significant as it is the first federal jury verdict concerning a fatal accident involving Tesla's Autopilot self-driving technology. It raises ongoing questions about the safety and liability of autonomous driving systems, as well as Tesla's responsibility for crashes involving its vehicles.
The details
The crash occurred in April 2019 in Key Largo, Florida, when the driver of a Tesla Model S, George McGee, crashed into an SUV parked on the shoulder while he was looking for his dropped phone. The jury found Tesla 33% responsible for the crash, in addition to the driver's negligence. The verdict included $19.5 million in compensatory damages to the victim's estate and $200 million in punitive damages.
- The crash occurred on April 25, 2019.
- The $243 million jury verdict was reached in August 2025.
- The federal judge upheld the verdict on February 20, 2026.
The players
Tesla
An American electric vehicle and clean energy company, led by CEO Elon Musk, that has faced numerous lawsuits over its Autopilot self-driving technology.
Naibel Benavides Leon
A 22-year-old woman who was killed in the 2019 crash involving a Tesla Model S with Autopilot engaged.
Dillon Angulo
The boyfriend of Naibel Benavides Leon, who was severely injured in the 2019 crash involving a Tesla Model S with Autopilot engaged.
George McGee
The driver of the Tesla Model S who crashed into the SUV, killing Naibel Benavides Leon and injuring Dillon Angulo.
Judge Beth Bloom
The U.S. District Judge who upheld the $243 million jury verdict against Tesla.
What they’re saying
“The evidence at trial more than supported the August 2025 verdict, and Tesla raised no new arguments to set the verdict aside.”
— Judge Beth Bloom, U.S. District Judge (Reuters)
What’s next
Tesla is expected to appeal the judge's decision to uphold the $243 million verdict.
The takeaway
This ruling underscores the growing legal and safety concerns surrounding Tesla's Autopilot technology, and the company's potential liability for crashes involving its self-driving features. It sets an important precedent for future lawsuits against Tesla and other autonomous vehicle manufacturers.
