Tesla sued over Virginia test‑drive crash that destroyed a hair salon

A 59‑year‑old federal employee, database developer Alemzewd Lawgalet of the Federal Reserve Board, test‑drove a Tesla Model Y Performance at a dealership in Arlington, Virginia on 21 September 2024. The vehicle was set to Tesla’s “Insane” acceleration mode, the most aggressive setting, and Lawgalet, who had never driven an electric vehicle before, was not instructed on regenerative braking. The car accelerated sharply, crossed the road and collided with the Posh Salon, igniting a fire, causing severe, lasting injuries to the driver and forcing the salon’s evacuation.

Lawgalet filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, seeking at least $10 million in damages plus $350,000 in punitive damages. Tesla has denied liability, arguing that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care. The case revives debate over how manufacturers allow inexperienced drivers to test high‑performance electric SUVs.