Tesla "Insane Mode" Lawsuit: Federal Employee Critically Injured

A federal employee critically injured during a Tesla Model Y test drive in Arlington, Virginia, has filed a lawsuit seeking over $10 million in damages. Alemzewd Lawgalet, 59, claims she was unaware the vehicle was set to "Insane" acceleration mode, which she states was not disclosed by the salesman. Lawgalet, a database developer at the Federal Reserve Board, had no prior experience with electric cars and was reportedly assured the Model Y operated like a gasoline vehicle.

On September 21, 2024, as Lawgalet pulled away from a red light, the car "lurched forward at an extreme speed," causing her to lose control and crash into the Posh Salon. The impact resulted in her hospitalization with "serious and permanent bodily injuries" and caused the salon to evacuate. The complaint, filed July 22 in Alexandria federal court, asserts Tesla's negligence, while Tesla's defense argues Lawgalet failed to exercise reasonable care.

Lawgalet's lawsuit also highlights the lack of information provided about regenerative braking, which she misinterpreted as brake failure. Activating "Insane" mode requires navigating specific touchscreen menus, a detail noted in the complaint. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has faced prior legal challenges regarding its vehicle's performance and safety features.