Hacker Recovered Tesla Autopilot Data Triggers $243 Million Verdict in 2019 Key Largo Crash
By Hugo Mattson September 3, 2025
Hacker-Recovered Autopilot Data Shaped the Case: A "collision snapshot" recovered from Tesla's computer changed the jury's understanding of the 2019 Key Largo crash.
$243 Million Verdict Against Tesla: The jury found Tesla 33 percent liable, awarding massive damages in a ruling that could be precedent for subsequent Autopilot cases.
Tesla Defies Ruling: The company defies the ruling and has appealed, maintaining an interest in transparency of data and safety of Autopilot.
Hacker-Obtained Data Changes Legal Result
A Miami federal jury held Tesla liable for $243 million after one man was killed and another badly injured in a 2019 Key Largo collision. The case turned when a hacker uncovered a "collision snapshot" from the car's Autopilot system, information Tesla had insisted was not present.
The retrieval showed the system view of what it observed during the last moments before the crash, redefining the case and highlighting the importance of open access to vehicle telemetry.
Jury Finds Tesla Partially Liable
Jurors attributed 33 percent of the crash to Tesla. While the driver admitted to distraction at the moment of the crash, the jury believed that the technology and Tesla's reaction to the crash data matter.
The $243 million damages are one of the highest verdicts involving Autopilot and could have implications for pending lawsuits involving advanced driver-assistance technology.
Tesla Protests the Ruling and Plans to Appeal
Tesla rejected accusations of willful malice, stating that Autopilot requires an engaged driver to remain vigilant and cannot prevent every accident. The company described its processing of data as flawed but not fraudulent.
Tesla has filed a motion to reverse or reduce the verdict and is preparing a formal appeal, arguing the decision is excessive and could potentially chill innovation in driver-assistance technology.