NHTSA Reviewing Fatal Tesla Cybertruck Crash in Northern California

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently reviewing details of a tragic Tesla Cybertruck crash in Piedmont, California, that claimed the lives of three young adults and left a fourth critically injured. 

The incident occurred on November 27, 2024, and has raised new concerns over Tesla’s vehicle safety, particularly in relation to high-speed impacts and fire risks.

Details of the Crash

The accident took place just after 3 a.m. on Hampton Road and King Avenue, a residential area in Piedmont, California, a small city within Oakland. According to Piedmont Police Chief Jeremy Bowers, the Cybertruck was traveling at a high rate of speed when it collided with a retaining wall and subsequently crashed into a tree, igniting a fire.

A good Samaritan driving behind the Cybertruck at the time of the crash was able to pull one survivor from the burning wreckage, but three passengers tragically lost their lives at the scene.

The victims were identified as:

  • Jack Nelson – Student at the University of Colorado
  • Soren Dixon – Student at the University of Southern California (USC)
  • Krysta Tsukahara – Student at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta

The lone survivor, 20-year-old Jordan Miller, a student at the University of Wisconsin, remains hospitalized and undergoing surgery.

NHTSA’s Involvement and Vehicle Safety Concerns

The NHTSA confirmed on December 4 that it is currently gathering information from Tesla and law enforcement agencies regarding the circumstances of the crash. However, the agency has not yet launched a formal investigation.

Authorities have not found any evidence that the Cybertruck’s lithium battery contributed to the fire, nor have they determined if mechanical issues played a role. However, Tesla’s vehicle safety, particularly in high-speed crashes and fire risks following impact, is once again under scrutiny.

This comes amid multiple federal probes into Tesla’s self-driving technology and crash risks, including an investigation into the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Actually Smart Summon features.

How Tesla Owners Can Take Back Control

While no recall has been issued yet, many Tesla owners are frustrated by ongoing safety concerns related to high-speed crashes and vehicle fire risks. If issues persist, further legal action could follow, highlighting the importance of protecting consumer rights.

If you struggle with vehicle troubles and feel cornered against big vehicle brands, remember it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your car is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.