Elon Musk’s Tesla has turned down a $60 million settlement offer linked to a lawsuit stemming from a deadly crash involving an autopilot-equipped vehicle. This situation has gained attention, especially with an upcoming court date.
The lawyers for the plaintiffs revealed the settlement proposal during a request for legal fees from Tesla in federal court in Miami on Monday. They noted that Florida law permits them to seek legal costs since May 30, the date the settlement was suggested.
This case centers on an incident from April 2019, where a Tesla model collided with a parked Chevrolet Tahoe. The driver was positioned next to the vehicle’s shoulder during the crash.
A judge ordered Tesla to be responsible for 33% of the compensatory damages, amounting to $42.6 million, alongside any punitive damages. The judge also ruled that the driver accounted for 67% of these damages, although he wasn’t the one being sued.
Despite the judgment, Tesla has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that this verdict could undermine vehicle safety and impede advancements in technology aimed at saving lives. They have indicated plans to appeal the decision.
The plaintiffs’ legal team argued that the trial fundamentally revolved around the unlawful deaths of individuals linked to the autopilot feature.
Tesla has faced similar lawsuits regarding its autonomous driving technology, many of which have ended in resolution or dismissal before reaching trial.
