NJ Man Sues Tesla After Fatal Crash on Garden State Parkway

Tesla logo on the back of a car

NJ Man Sues Tesla After Fatal Crash on Garden State Parkway

Tesla logo on the back of a car

Staff

The family of three people killed in a crash last year is suing the Tesla, claiming its self-driving technology failed, causing the deadly wreck.

The wrongful death suit, filed Monday in federal court, alleges the 2024 Model S had a defective design that caused it to veer off the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge on Sept. 14, 2024.

David Dryerman, 54, was driving. His wife, Michele, 54, and daughter, Brooke, 17, were passengers. All three were wearing seat belts and returning home from a concert.

The suit was filed by the couple’s son, Max Dryerman, who was away at college during the crash. It seeks unspecified damages.

According to the complaint, Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features failed to keep the car in its lane or apply emergency braking. It also cites defects in forward collision warning and lane departure systems.

Tesla has said its systems require driver attention and do not make vehicles autonomous.

The crash happened around 11:55 p.m. near milepost 131.1. The car hit a sign, guardrail, and concrete bridge support.

The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.