Tesla quietly settles over Model 3 Autopilot fatal crash
Tesla settles Model 3 Autopilot fatal crash case in California
Tesla quietly settles over Model 3 Autopilot fatal crash
Tesla reached a confidential settlement over a 2019 California Model 3 Autopilot fatal crash. Learn what it signals for driver liability and EV market.
2025-09-27T17:20:10+03:00
2025-09-27T17:20:10+03:00
2025-09-27T17:20:10+03:00
Tesla has reached a confidential settlement over a fatal crash that occurred in August 2019 in California involving a Model 3. The accident happened when the car, with Autopilot engaged and traveling at 111 km/h, struck a Ford Explorer Sport Trac that was changing lanes. The Ford overturned, and a 15-year-old passenger who was not wearing a seat belt died.The lawsuit named Tesla, the Model 3’s driver, Romeo Yalung, and his wife, who was in the vehicle. The case stretched on for four years, and a month before trial the parties settled on undisclosed terms.In most similar cases, Tesla has successfully argued that responsibility lies with the driver rather than Autopilot. But in 2023 a Florida jury found the company partially liable in another crash and ordered a $242 million payment.Analysts see the California settlement as a strategic move by Tesla to avoid the risk of another unfavorable verdict. For buyers, the episode underscores a familiar dilemma: the draw of advanced driver-assistance features is strong, yet the burden of judgment remains with the person behind the wheel. In a market enamored with cutting-edge tech, that balance is becoming as decisive as any spec sheet number.
Tesla settlement, Autopilot, Model 3, fatal crash, California, driver liability, ADAS, lawsuit, Romeo Yalung, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, jury verdict, 2019 crash, EV market
2025
Michael Powers
news
Tesla settles Model 3 Autopilot fatal crash case in California
Tesla reached a confidential settlement over a 2019 California Model 3 Autopilot fatal crash. Learn what it signals for driver liability and EV market.
Michael Powers, Editor
Tesla has reached a confidential settlement over a fatal crash that occurred in August 2019 in California involving a Model 3. The accident happened when the car, with Autopilot engaged and traveling at 111 km/h, struck a Ford Explorer Sport Trac that was changing lanes. The Ford overturned, and a 15-year-old passenger who was not wearing a seat belt died.
The lawsuit named Tesla, the Model 3’s driver, Romeo Yalung, and his wife, who was in the vehicle. The case stretched on for four years, and a month before trial the parties settled on undisclosed terms.
In most similar cases, Tesla has successfully argued that responsibility lies with the driver rather than Autopilot. But in 2023 a Florida jury found the company partially liable in another crash and ordered a $242 million payment.
Analysts see the California settlement as a strategic move by Tesla to avoid the risk of another unfavorable verdict. For buyers, the episode underscores a familiar dilemma: the draw of advanced driver-assistance features is strong, yet the burden of judgment remains with the person behind the wheel. In a market enamored with cutting-edge tech, that balance is becoming as decisive as any spec sheet number.
