Title: Tesla Found Partially Liable in Crash, Ordered to Pay $42 Million in Damages

In a recent verdict, an Indiana jury has held electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla and one of its employees, Kyle Kaszuba, partially liable for a 2017 crash that resulted in severe injuries to a motorcyclist. The crash involved a company-owned Ford truck driven by Kaszuba, which collided with the victim, causing partial amputation, permanent disfigurement, and a traumatic brain injury.

The Marion County jury ruled that Tesla and Kaszuba must pay over $42 million in damages to the victim, Christopher Dugan. The jury found Dugan to be 30% liable for the accident, resulting in a reduction of the initial sought-after award from $60 million to $42 million. Dugan's legal team had reportedly requested $191 million in damages.

According to the complaint filed by Dugan, the incident occurred when Kaszuba, either with the permission of Tesla or while working as a Tesla employee, carelessly attempted to make a turn into a parking lot near a gas station. Kaszuba allegedly drove the Tesla-owned Ford Super Duty across two lanes of traffic, colliding with Dugan's motorcycle as he was in the right-hand traffic lane after leaving the gas station.

Rowley, an attorney representing Dugan, argued that Kaszuba was rushing to get to work. On the other hand, Tesla's lawyers from Quinn Emanuel contended that Kaszuba was not negligent in his actions and that Dugan's proximity to another vehicle made it difficult for the Tesla employee to see him.

The crash took place near an Indianapolis gas station situated just outside of a ramp to I-465, the ring road encircling the city. Tesla has not yet responded to CNBC's request for comment.

This verdict serves as a significant legal development regarding the liability responsibilities of autonomous vehicle manufacturers, such as Tesla, in road accidents. The outcome may prompt heightened attention to safety protocols and operational guidelines for self-driving technologies.

It remains to be seen whether Tesla will appeal the jury's decision or take any further legal action in response to the verdict. Meanwhile, Christopher Dugan will now receive the awarded damages to help compensate for the devastating injuries he suffered as a result of the accident.