alleged
Jovani Maldonado, 15, California: family alleged Tesla Autopilot defects in fatal crash
A Tesla Model 3 travelling at about 69 mph with Autopilot engaged struck a Ford Explorer that had changed lanes in front of it on Interstate 880. The Explorer rolled and hit the centre barrier, and 15-year-old Jovani Maldonado was ejected and killed. His family's lawsuit alleged Autopilot defects.
- Status
- Alleged, not proven
- Deaths
- 1
- Date
- 24 August 2019
- Place
- Alameda County, California, United States
- AI system
- Tesla Autopilot, Model 3
- Developer / operator
- Tesla
- Named
- Jovani Maldonado
Why this case is “alleged”
No court, coroner or official investigation has yet found that Tesla Autopilot, Model 3 caused or contributed to this death. The case is listed because it meets our standard for a credible allegation. It will move to the confirmed count only if an official body makes such a finding.
Legal status
Wrongful-death suit in Alameda County Superior Court settled on confidential terms in September 2025, about a month before a scheduled jury trial.
Sources
- Tesla Settles Another Fatal Crash Lawsuit Ahead of Jury Trial
- Tesla settles two California Autopilot suits after recent Florida loss