Tesla Faces Lawsuit Over 2024 Fatal Motorcycle Crash Involving Autopilot Feature
STANWOOD, WA – A lawsuit has been filed against Tesla following a fatal motorcycle accident involving a Tesla vehicle using its Autopilot feature on March 12, 2024.
According to the lawsuit, filed by the family of Jeffrey Nissen, a 28-year-old Stanwood resident who died in the collision, Tesla’s technology is accused of contributing to the crash. Jeffrey Nissen’s father, Jeff Nissen, alleges the company misled consumers regarding the capabilities of its self-driving technology.
The accident occurred when a Tesla driver, reportedly distracted by his phone, enabled the Autopilot feature approximately two minutes before the crash. Data showed the driver’s hands were off the steering wheel for over a minute. Although the driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide, no criminal charges were filed.
The family seeks damages and has called for Tesla to suspend the sale of the Autopilot feature until it is proven safe.
Tesla is currently involved in several legal disputes related to its Autopilot technology. In a 2025 trial, the company faced scrutiny for an earlier incident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has investigated multiple incidents involving Autopilot, noting 11 crashes leading to 17 injuries and one fatality.
As of this reporting, Tesla has not issued a statement regarding the lawsuit.
This is a developing story; further updates will be provided as they become available.