Family of woman killed after Tesla crashes into her home sues company, driver

The family of Martha Avila, a 76-year-old Texas woman who died after a Tesla on autopilot crashed into her home, has filed a lawsuit against both the electric vehicle manufacturer and the driver involved. The incident occurred when Michael Butler, the driver, crashed his Tesla Model 3 into the front room of Avila's residence, pinning her inside.

Avila's daughter, Jennifer Barbour, and her husband, Justin Barbour, lodged the lawsuit in Harris County District Court. They allege a "design defect" and a failure to warn on Tesla's part, asserting that the Autopilot system has a "history of known danger." The lawsuit reportedly references a 2023 Washington Post analysis that identified at least 17 fatal incidents linked to Tesla's Autopilot system.

The lawsuit also names the driver, Michael Butler, as a defendant, alleging negligence. According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, Butler was cooperative and showed no signs of intoxication. Investigators confirmed the Tesla entered the residence at a high rate of speed. The family is seeking more than US$1 million in damages.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk commented on the incident via X, expressing skepticism about the Autopilot's involvement, stating, "FSD (Full Self-Driving) drives slowly through neighborhood streets and this was a high-speed crash!" The Harris County Sheriff's Office has stated that the investigation is active and ongoing, with all gathered evidence to be presented to the District Attorney's Office to determine if charges are appropriate.

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This makes no sense. FSD (Full Self-Driving) drives slowly through neighborhood streets and this was a high-speed crash!