Tesla settles wrongful death lawsuit over fatal 2018 Autopilot crash

A Tesla Model X caught fire after crashing on U.S. Highway 101 in Mountain View, California, on March 23, 2018. The family of Walter Huang, an Apple engineer who died in the crash, settled a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla. The National Transportation Safety Board investigated and found that Tesla’s technology, potential driver distraction, and problematic road construction were factors in the collision. Huang’s family sued Tesla for wrongful death, alleging safety and design defects in the company’s driver assistance systems. Tesla executives were criticized for complacency while using Autopilot features. A civil jury trial was scheduled before the settlement agreement. The amount of the settlement remains sealed. The outcome of this case could have set a precedent for product liability suits against Tesla. Elon Musk stated on social media that they would not seek victory in a just case against them, nor surrender in an unjust case. Tesla’s lead attorneys were not available for comment. Huang family’s attorneys did not respond to requests for comment.

Tesla settled a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of Walter Huang, an Apple engineer, who died in a crash involving his Model X SUV with Autopilot engaged in 2018. The National Transportation Safety Board found that Tesla’s technology, driver distraction, and road construction issues were factors in the collision. Tesla’s forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems did not function properly during the crash. The lawsuit alleged safety and design defects in Tesla’s driver assistance systems, with evidence of complacency from Tesla executives and engineers while using Autopilot. A civil jury trial was planned, but Tesla settled before it began. The settlement amount was sealed to prevent it from influencing future cases. Tesla’s attorneys stated that the settlement was reached to end years of litigation. The family’s attorneys did not provide immediate comment. Elon Musk has previously stated that Tesla will not settle unjust cases against them, even if they may lose.

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