Verdict

Tesla failed to steer clear of responsibility in the courtroom. 

The case centered around a 2019 crash that killed a 22-year-old and seriously injured her boyfriend. The couple had parked a Chevy Tahoe to look at the stars when it was hit by a Tesla Model S; the driver ran a stop sign and a flashing red light while reaching for his fallen cellphone before crashing into the couple’s car at 62 mph.

The eight-person jury found Tesla was 33% to blame because its Autopilot software failed to engage the brakes, ordering the company to pay $243 million in damages. 

Plaintiffs argued Tesla was negligent in its design and marketing of Autopilot. Tesla—which argued no car can prevent a “reckless” driver from crashing—promised to appeal, saying the verdict “only works to set back automotive safety.”

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Earthly justice has limits, and even the best technology can’t fix what’s broken in the world. But our hope isn’t in perfect systems—it’s in a perfect Savior who promises lasting peace and restoration. 

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” 
Revelation 21:4 (CSB) (read full passage)