A Verdict That Sent Shockwaves: $329 Million Against Tesla
When a jury in Miami recently handed down a $329 million verdict against Tesla, it wasn’t just a headline—it was a wake-up call. And our own Merick Lewin, Managing Partner at Good Guys Law, made sure that message reached the public loud and clear in his recent Miami Herald letter to the editor.
In his letter, Merick warns that flashy tech terms like “Autopilot” or “Full Self-Driving” can give drivers a false sense of security—sometimes with tragic results. These phrases sound futuristic and foolproof, but in reality, they can give drivers a false sense of security—sometimes with devastating consequences. The case at the center of the verdict involved a 2019 crash where a young woman was killed and her fiancé was permanently injured. Despite detecting a stopped vehicle ahead, Tesla’s system failed to apply the brakes.
Why Misleading Tech Labels Put Everyone at Risk
The jury found that Tesla oversold its safety features, but as Merick points out, this isn’t just about Tesla—it’s about every company marketing “smart” or “autonomous” features. From delivery drones to ride-share apps to the latest dashboard tech, consumers deserve clear, plain-English explanations of what these systems can and cannot do. Without strict standards and honest labeling, our roads could become dangerous testing grounds for unfinished technology, with ordinary people paying the price for corporate overreach.

At Good Guys Law, we know the courtroom is where victims fight for justice, but public awareness and legislative action are where real change happens. Merick’s call for consistent labeling, honest marketing, and stronger consumer protections is exactly the kind of advocacy we stand for—because protecting people doesn’t stop at winning cases.
How You Can Speak Up and Protect Yourself
If you’ve ever felt misled about what a product can do—whether it’s your car, an app, or a piece of tech—Merick shares exactly where you can report it and why lawmakers need to act now.
Read the Full Letter in the Miami Herald
Read his full letter in the Miami Herald here: Tesla verdict — Miami Herald Letter to the Editor




