LOS ANGELES - In the first trial related to a crash involving Tesla's Autopilot feature, jurors stated that the automaker had clearly warned drivers that the partially automated driving software was not a self-piloted system, and that driver distraction was to blame. The California state court jury ruled in favour of Tesla, stating that the Autopilot feature did not fail to perform safely, and awarded the plaintiff zero damages.

This decision is important as Tesla faces more trials related to the semi-automated driving system later this year. The outcome of this trial can help Tesla and plaintiffs' lawyers hone their strategies. The plaintiff had sued Tesla, claiming her Model S swerved into a curb while on Autopilot, causing severe injuries. Tesla denied liability for the 2019 accident.

Jurors stated that Autopilot is not a self-driving car, but an auto assist system that requires drivers to always be aware. The trial featured testimony from three Tesla engineers and lasted three weeks. The plaintiff's attorney argued that the warning to put hands on the wheel came less than a second before the crash, but the jurors believed that the plaintiff was distracted.

Although the jurors sympathized with the plaintiff, they ultimately determined that the accident was not Autopilot's fault. They felt that the accident would not have occurred if the plaintiff had been more attentive, which they said was a mistake that anyone could make. Some jurors said that they would never use Autopilot or even cruise control, while others stated that they would like to have Autopilot features in their own cars, but the technology is an assistive feature that drivers must use responsibly.

The trial's outcome is not legally binding in other cases, but it serves as a bellwether to help Tesla and other plaintiffs' lawyers refine their strategies. A Tesla representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment.