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Judge Upholds $243M Verdict Against Tesla in Fatal Crash

2/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Judge Beth Bloom upheld a $243 million verdict against Tesla in a fatal 2019 crash involving an Autopilot-equipped Model S, the first federal jury verdict in a fatal Autopilot case.
Bloom said the evidence supported Tesla's 33% responsibility.
The crash occurred in Key Largo, Florida, as the driver George McGee searched for his phone.
Tesla plans to appeal, arguing McGee was solely at fault and the verdict was unreasonable.

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Story summary

Judge Beth Bloom upheld a $243 million verdict against Tesla in a fatal 2019 crash involving an Autopilot-equipped Model S, the first federal jury verdict in a fatal Autopilot case.
Bloom said the evidence supported Tesla's 33% responsibility.
The crash occurred in Key Largo, Florida, as the driver George McGee searched for his phone.
Tesla plans to appeal, arguing McGee was solely at fault and the verdict was unreasonable.