- A federal employee, Alemzewd Lawgalet, 59, was critically injured after crashing a Tesla Model Y into a hair salon during a test drive in Arlington, Virginia, on 21 September 2024.
- Lawgalet alleges the Tesla salesman set the vehicle's acceleration to “Insane” mode without her knowledge and failed to inform her about the car's unique electric operation or regenerative braking.
- Having never driven an electric car, Lawgalet was reportedly assured by staff that the Model Y operated like a petrol vehicle before being sent on an unaccompanied test drive.
- The lawsuit claims that after stopping at a red light, the car's sudden, extreme acceleration caused her to lose control, resulting in serious and permanent injuries.
- Lawgalet is seeking over $10 million in damages from Tesla, citing the company's alleged negligence, recklessness, and disregard for health and safety.
IN FULL
