Study Finds Tesla Has the Highest Fatal Accident Rate of All Car Brands

National Legal Representation for Families Harmed or Killed in Tesla Crashes

A newly released study has revealed that Tesla vehicles are involved in more fatal crashes per mile than any other car brand in America. According to data compiled by iSeeCars from the U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), Tesla vehicles from model years 2018 through 2022 have a fatal crash rate of 5.6 per billion miles driven, a rate double the national average of 2.8. This places Tesla at the top of the fatality rankings, followed by Kia and Buick.

This alarming statistic is not just a data point—it is a public safety concern. Families across the country have suffered devastating losses in collisions involving Tesla vehicles, many of which involved high speeds, over-aggressive driving behaviors, or potential distraction due to the vehicle’s touchscreen interface.

Tesla has built its brand on high performance, lightning-fast acceleration, and sleek driver technology. However, when marketing emphasizes “insane” speed and instant torque, some drivers respond by pushing these vehicles to dangerous limits. The result is a disturbing spike in traffic deaths—and a growing number of families are now seeking accountability.

If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a Tesla-related crash, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit. Our law firm is currently investigating fatal Tesla crashes across the country and offering free legal consultations.

Understanding the Fatality Rate Behind the Tesla Brand

The fatal crash rate associated with Tesla vehicles is not speculation—it’s documented. According to the iSeeCars analysis of FARS data, Tesla’s fatality rate of 5.6 deaths per billion miles leads the industry. For comparison:

• Kia ranks second with a rate of 5.5.
• Buick follows with a 4.8 rate.
• The national average across all car brands is just 2.8.

This data is based on actual crash outcomes between 2017 and 2022, involving model year 2018–2022 vehicles. The metric focuses only on crashes that resulted in occupant fatalities, which makes these numbers especially meaningful for those evaluating brand safety.

While Tesla vehicles are structurally sound and engineered with crash protection systems, the behavioral patterns surrounding Tesla ownership and usage appear to be contributing to this elevated death toll. These patterns may include:

• High-speed driving prompted by extreme acceleration features
• Risk-taking behavior encouraged by performance marketing
• Over-reliance on semi-autonomous features
• Distraction from centralized touchscreen controls

When fatal accidents occur, the legal question is not just whether the vehicle performed well in crash tests—it’s whether the vehicle’s design, features, or marketing played a role in creating or worsening the crash.

Performance Culture and High-Speed Driving Risks

Tesla has transformed the automotive industry, not only through electrification but also by creating a culture around ultra-high-performance driving. Their “Ludicrous Mode,” “Plaid Mode,” and acceleration-focused branding have marketed speed as a selling point—placing extreme torque at the fingertips of everyday drivers.

Many Tesla vehicles can go from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds. That level of acceleration is typically reserved for race cars, yet it’s available in a consumer vehicle with minimal training or limitations.

For some drivers, this feature becomes a dangerous temptation. Aggressive takeoffs at intersections, high-speed highway maneuvers, and recreational speeding on public roads can—and often do—lead to deadly collisions.

Speed-related crashes are more likely to result in fatal injuries due to:

• Increased impact forces
• Reduced reaction times
• Loss of vehicle control
• Greater likelihood of rollover or ejection

Even if a Tesla is technically crashworthy, the design and promotion of its features may increase the likelihood of a crash occurring in the first place. This distinction is at the heart of many legal claims involving Tesla-related fatal accidents.

Distraction and Interface Design Issues

Beyond speed, another growing concern is the centralized touchscreen interface used in Tesla vehicles. Unlike most vehicles, which retain physical controls for climate, navigation, and driving modes, Tesla relies on a large center screen to operate virtually all in-cabin functions.

This design may increase the cognitive load on the driver and draw attention away from the road, particularly when navigating menus or settings. While formal studies are ongoing, many drivers and safety advocates have pointed to this layout as a potential contributor to distracted driving and delayed response times.

Distraction-related crashes are among the most deadly, especially when they occur at high speeds. If an interface or design choice creates a distraction that contributes to a fatal accident, it may be grounds for legal liability.

Legal Options for Families Harmed by Tesla Crashes

When a fatal crash occurs, grieving families deserve answers—and legal rights may provide a path to justice. If your loved one died in a Tesla-related collision, a wrongful death lawsuit may hold the company or other responsible parties accountable.

Legal action may be based on the following:

• Negligent marketing of dangerous features (e.g., speed modes)
• Failure to provide adequate driver training or warnings
• Interface design that promotes distraction
• Malfunctioning safety systems or over-promised autonomous features

In some cases, liability may also extend to fleet owners (such as rental companies) who failed to properly warn users or dealerships that misrepresented vehicle capabilities.

Eligible family members may seek compensation for:

• Medical and funeral costs
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of future earnings
• Loss of companionship
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

If you survived a Tesla crash but were seriously injured, a personal injury lawsuit may also provide compensation for long-term medical care, lost income, and emotional trauma.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Affected

If you or a loved one was involved in a Tesla crash that resulted in death or serious injury, consider taking the following steps:

1. Request the Crash Report – Obtain the police report and any available dashcam or security footage. These documents are crucial for establishing cause and fault.
2. Review Vehicle Data – Tesla vehicles store detailed performance and crash data. Our legal team can assist in obtaining and analyzing this data to determine how the vehicle was being operated prior to the accident.
3. Preserve Evidence – Avoid repairs or vehicle modifications. The condition of the Tesla may provide key insights into system failure, driver inputs, and mechanical issues.
4. Contact Our Legal Team – We offer free consultations and case evaluations. If we believe your case qualifies, we will handle all aspects of the investigation, filing, and litigation.

Parker Waichman LLP: National Tesla Crash Injury & Wrongful Death Attorneys

At Parker Waichman LLP, we represent individuals and families nationwide who have suffered due to dangerous or defective vehicles. Tesla’s position at the top of the fatal crash rate rankings is a cause for serious concern. If you lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a Tesla accident, we may be able to help.

Our legal team is currently accepting cases related to:

• High-speed Tesla crashes
• Tesla Autopilot or Full-Self Driving failures
• Distraction from touchscreen operation
• Fatalities linked to performance modes or aggressive marketing

Let us investigate whether Tesla’s features, design, or lack of warnings played a role in your loss. We handle every case with care and pursue maximum compensation for our clients.

Was your loved one killed or seriously injured in a crash involving a Tesla? You may have the right to pursue a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit. The data shows that Tesla leads all car brands in fatal accident rates—and your case could help uncover the cause and secure monetary compensation.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

Call Parker Waichman LLP at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) now for a free, confidential consultation. We are accepting Tesla crash cases nationwide. There is no cost unless we win compensation for your family. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.