Tesla sued for $10M after 'Insane Mode' test drive accident

A federal employee, Alemzewd Lawgalet, is suing Tesla for over $10 million following a critical injury sustained on September 21, 2024. Lawgalet alleges negligence, claiming Tesla failed to inform her about the Model Y's "Insane Mode" acceleration before her test drive in Arlington, Virginia. As a result, the car "lurched forward at an extreme speed," causing her to lose control and crash into a hair salon. The complaint states Lawgalet, who had no prior experience with electric vehicles, was assured the car drove like a gas vehicle. She was also allegedly not informed about the car's regenerative braking system. The crash caused significant injuries and led to the salon's evacuation. Tesla's response in court suggests Lawgalet failed to exercise reasonable care. The lawsuit, filed on July 22, seeks compensatory and punitive damages for Tesla's alleged recklessness.