Tesla has settled with the family of Apple engineer Walter Huang, who died in a 2018 crash while using Autopilot. The terms including the settlement amount remain specific.
The circulation avoids a high-profile court dispute that could have shed light on Tesla’s motive power-assisted technology and advertising and marketing practices. Huang’s own family blamed the Autopilot malfunction, while Tesla argued that Huang was likely distracted by his cell phone.
The National Transportation Safety Board had previously determined that both Autopilot and distracted driving contributed to the crash.
Both parties agreed to keep details of the settlement non-public. A judge will evaluate the agreement on April 11, at which point the California Department of Transportation will have an opportunity to object.
This case raises questions about the skill and driving force duty of the autopilot. Tesla says Autopilot is a resource, no longer a substitute for careful use. The Huang family’s lawsuit could also potentially be aimed at holding Tesla responsible for misleading advertising.
While the settlement brings closure to the Huang family, the general public remains in the dark about the specifics of the accident and the related technology.
