Judge upholds $243M Autopilot verdict against Tesla, rejecting new-trial bid

Judge Beth Bloom in Miami rejected Tesla's bid to overturn a $243 million jury verdict in a fatal Autopilot crash case on February 19-20, 2026. She said Tesla's arguments were ones already considered and rejected. Tesla is appealing to the 11th Circuit, so the verdict is not final.

• Total verdict $243M; the jury put one-third of the fault on Tesla
• Judge Beth Bloom denied Tesla's post-trial motion (order dated February 19)
• Tesla's arguments were 'virtually the same' as those already rejected
• Appeal pending at the 11th Circuit