Tesla driver’s family can seek punitive damages over fatal crash

The judge found the deceased driver’s widow presented sufficient evidence of misconduct and negligence that she should be allowed to ask a jury to punish the electric-car maker if the panel concludes the wreck was Tesla’s fault. — AFP

Tesla Inc’s trial over a 2019 fatal crash blamed on Autopilot will include a claim against the company for punitive damages, a Florida judge ruled, citing evidence that shows chief executive officer Elon Musk and staff engineers knew its driver-assistance system was defective.

The judge found the deceased driver’s widow presented sufficient evidence of misconduct and negligence that she should be allowed to ask a jury to punish the electric-car maker if the panel concludes the wreck was Tesla’s fault.