Top Fatal Autopilot Crash Lawsuit Settlements in California

Tesla’s Autopilot system has been at the center of growing legal scrutiny, especially in cases involving fatal crashes. While marketed as a driver-assistance feature, Autopilot has been linked to collisions where drivers relied too heavily on its capabilities. In California and beyond, families have filed wrongful death lawsuits alleging design flaws, misleading marketing, and failure to warn. Below are some of the most significant fatal Autopilot crash lawsuit settlements and verdicts involving Tesla vehicles.

1. $329 Million – Key Largo Fatal Autopilot Crash (2025)

Case Summary: In a landmark Florida case with national implications, a Tesla Model S driver using Autopilot failed to stop at a T-intersection, striking a parked SUV. The crash killed 22-year-old Naibel Benavides and severely injured her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo.

Settlement Details: A Miami jury awarded $329 million in total damages, including $200 million in punitive damages. Tesla was found 33% liable for the crash, with the remainder attributed to the driver. The verdict is expected to influence future Autopilot litigation nationwide2.

2. $10.5 Million – Wrongful Death in California Highway Collision (2023)

Case Summary: A Tesla Model X collided with a highway barrier while Autopilot was engaged, killing the driver. The family alleged that Autopilot failed to detect the obstacle and that Tesla misrepresented the system’s capabilities.

Settlement Details: The case settled for $10.5 million. The payout included wrongful death damages and compensation for loss of future earnings. Tesla denied liability but agreed to revise its Autopilot user disclosures.

3. $8.2 Million – Fatal Pedestrian Strike in San Jose (2022)

Case Summary: A pedestrian was killed when a Tesla Model 3 operating in Autopilot mode failed to stop at a crosswalk. The driver claimed the system did not alert or brake in time.

Settlement Details: The family received $8.2 million in a confidential settlement. The case prompted calls for improved geofencing and pedestrian detection in driver-assistance systems.

4. $7.5 Million – Fatal Rear-End Crash in Riverside County (2021)

Case Summary: A Tesla Model S rear-ended a stopped vehicle at high speed while Autopilot was active. The victim died instantly. Investigators found no evidence of braking or evasive action.

Settlement Details: The wrongful death claim settled for $7.5 million. Tesla faced criticism for allowing Autopilot use on roads not designed for autonomous features.

5. $6.8 Million – Fatal Collision with Fire Truck in Culver City (2020)

Case Summary: A Tesla Model X crashed into a parked fire truck while Autopilot was engaged. The driver survived, but a passenger died from blunt force trauma.

Settlement Details: The family received $6.8 million. The case highlighted limitations in Autopilot’s object recognition and emergency response capabilities.

6. $6.2 Million – Fatal Lane Departure in Fresno (2019)

Case Summary: A Tesla veered out of its lane and struck a concrete barrier, killing the driver. The lawsuit alleged that Autopilot disengaged without warning and failed to correct the trajectory.

Settlement Details: The case settled for $6.2 million. Tesla updated its lane-keeping protocols following the incident.

7. $5.9 Million – Fatal Motorcycle Collision in Bakersfield (2021)

Case Summary: A Tesla Model Y struck a motorcycle from behind while Autopilot was active. The motorcyclist died at the scene. The driver claimed the system failed to detect the smaller vehicle.

Settlement Details: The family received $5.9 million. The case raised concerns about Autopilot’s ability to identify motorcycles and other non-standard vehicles.

8. $5.5 Million – Fatal Intersection Crash in Sacramento (2020)

Case Summary: A Tesla failed to stop at a red light while Autopilot was engaged, colliding with another vehicle and killing its driver. The Tesla driver claimed the system did not alert or intervene.

Settlement Details: The case settled for $5.5 million. Tesla faced criticism for not restricting Autopilot use to controlled-access highways.

9. $4.8 Million – Fatal Off-Ramp Collision in Oakland (2018)

Case Summary: A Tesla exited the freeway at high speed and crashed into a barrier. The driver died instantly. Autopilot was reportedly active but failed to disengage properly.

Settlement Details: The family received $4.8 million. The case contributed to ongoing investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

10. $4.2 Million – Fatal Side-Impact Crash in San Diego (2019)

Case Summary: A Tesla ran a stop sign and struck another vehicle broadside, killing the passenger. Autopilot was engaged, but the driver was distracted.

Settlement Details: The case settled for $4.2 million. The payout included wrongful death damages and prompted renewed scrutiny of Tesla’s marketing of Autopilot.