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More than six years after losing Naibel Benavides León in an accident caused by a Tesla in autopilot, his mother and sister broke their silence in an exclusive testimony following the recent legal victory that aims to draw attention to the limits of technology and corporate responsibility.
"It is justice," said Marilin León, the young woman's mother, referring to the verdict that partially holds Tesla responsible andordered it to pay more than 240 million dollars.
“That the technology be reviewed so that no other family has to sadly go through what we are experiencing”, she added in statements to Telemundo 51.
Marilin did not speak from resentment, but from the pain of a loss that—she explained—still resonates in her home.
"She was studious, hardworking, a person who always radiated joy, and even on days when you felt down, she would brighten it up with her humor. I come home and hear her laughter, and it's very sad," she confessed through tears.
The sister of the young woman who passed away, Neima Benavides, was even more direct in questioning Tesla's actions.
"That night, the technology failed," he stated. "Tesla had the information and they always denied it. We knew it wasn't going to be easy," he added firmly.
Neima reported that the company concealed key data about the vehicle, including records and recordings captured seconds before the accident.
"That night, technology could have prevented this accident from happening or at least made it less severe," he insisted.
The accident: What the images reveal
The family's statements align with recently revealed evidence: the accident video published by Reuters, which shows how the Tesla Model S -in autopilot mode- is heading directly towards the victims' parked vehicle, without braking or swerving, after passing through an intersection.
The authenticity of the video was confirmed by authorities through the analysis of the roadway, signage, and visible posts in the recording, which match satellite and archival images. The date was also verified.
That audiovisual fragment became a central piece of the trial that, after years of litigation, concluded with an unprecedented ruling.
The ruling: A legal precedent against Tesla
A federal jury in Miami concluded that Tesla was partially responsible for the accident that occurred in 2019 in the Florida Keys, when Naibel and his partner, Dillon Angulo, were outside their Chevrolet Tahoe, which was stopped on the shoulder.
The Tesla Model S struck them while operating in assisted driving mode.
The resolution included:
-129 million dollars in compensatory damages.
-200 million dollars in punitive damages.
For compensatory damages, Tesla will have to cover 33%, which amounts to 42.6 million dollars
The rest of the responsibility was attributed to the driver of the Tesla, George McGee, who is not formally charged. He will not have to pay his share of the verdict.
Tesla's defense: Appeal and denial
Tesla stated that the accident was not due to Autopilot, but rather to driver distraction.
In statements following the verdict, the company indicated that it will appeal the decision, arguing that no vehicle—neither in 2019 nor today—could have avoided the accident.
“Today's verdict is incorrect and only serves to delay automotive safety and jeopardize the efforts of Tesla and the entire industry to develop and implement life-saving technology,” the company stated in a press release sent to media outlets.
A case that could mark a turning point
What sets this case apart from others is that it was neither dismissed nor settled outside of court. The trial concluded after three weeks of public hearings, which is uncommon in lawsuits against Tesla.
According to lawyer Miguel Custodio, who is not involved in the case, the ruling will "open the floodgates" for new legal actions.
In addition to the legal impact, the case has implications at a critical moment for Elon Musk, who plans to soon launch an autonomous taxi service in several cities.
While the company insists that the autopilot is safe, images from the accident and the testimonies of the Benavides family stand as a warning about the limits of that promise.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tesla Accident on Autopilot in Florida
What was the verdict of the trial against Tesla for the accident in Florida?
The verdict declared Tesla partially responsible for the accident and ordered it to pay more than 240 million dollars in compensatory and punitive damages. Tesla will have to cover 33% of the compensatory damages, amounting to 42.6 million dollars.
What role did Tesla's autopilot play in the accident?
The autopilot was activated when the accident occurred, and it was argued that the system failed to prevent the collision. The lawsuit accused Tesla of design defects and inadequate warnings about the risks of its Autopilot system.
Why is the trial against Tesla considered a legal precedent?
The case was neither dismissed nor resolved outside of the courts, making it an important precedent for future lawsuits related to Tesla's autopilot. The ruling could pave the way for similar legal actions.
What additional legal actions could Tesla face following this verdict?
The verdict could encourage a wave of similar lawsuits, as it was determined that Autopilot was a “significant factor” in the accident. This could lead to greater scrutiny over the technology and how Tesla communicates the risks associated with its use.
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