When Electric Vehicles Collide with Motorcycles: What Are Your Rights?

On June 30, 2025, tragedy unfolded on Interstate 805 near Telegraph Canyon Road in Chula Vista. A collision involving a Tesla, a motorcycle, and possibly other vehicles left at least one person dead and several more injured. The Tesla flipped onto its roof, blocking lanes late into the night while investigators worked through the wreckage. What caused the crash remains under investigation, but one question is on the minds of riders and families alike: 

Was the Tesla driver paying attention, or were they ignoring the safety standards we expect on highways? 

When motorcycles and electric vehicles collide, the consequences are rarely minor. Riders have virtually no exterior protection, and even low-speed impacts can turn fatal. But in the aftermath, the legal questions aren’t always straightforward. 

How Is Liability Determined in Motorcycle-EV Accidents?

In any traffic collision, liability hinges on negligence. Who acted carelessly? Who violated traffic laws?  Were any technical failures contributing to the harm?  

Electric vehicles add a layer of complexity. Investigators will consider: 

• Was the Tesla driver speeding, distracted, or relying too heavily on autopilot? 

• Did the Tesla fail to detect the motorcycle due to software limitations? 

• Was the rider lane-splitting safely and legally under California law? 

• Were there contributing factors like low visibility, road debris, or another driver cutting off traffic? 

In cases involving self-driving or semi-autonomous features, liability can expand beyond the driver to include Tesla itself, especially if there’s evidence of a software glitch, sensor failure, or insufficient safety warnings. 

What Compensation Is Available for Injured Riders or Families?

If the motorcyclist wasn’t at fault, their family may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death or personal injury claim. That could include: 

• Medical bills (emergency care, rehab, surgeries) 

• Funeral and burial costs 

• Lost income or future earnings 

• Pain and suffering 

• Loss of companionship or parental guidance 

• Punitive damages (if gross negligence or reckless driving is proven) 

These cases often come down to the details: dashcam footage, eyewitness accounts, data logs from the Tesla, and reconstruction expert analysis. 

“A flipped Tesla and a downed motorcycle is a collision of two vastly different risk profiles,” explains Arthur Dermendjian, J&Y Law’s Pre-litigation Managing Attorney. “When one party has airbags, crumple zones, and a predictive braking system, and the other is a human being exposed to every ounce of impact, the law has to weigh that disparity carefully.” 

Do Manufacturer Recalls or Design Flaws Affect Crash Claims?

Absolutely. If Tesla – or any EV manufacturer – knew of a design flaw (e.g., blind spot detection issues, battery weight distribution affecting rollovers, or autopilot malfunctions), and failed to issue adequate warnings or fixes, they can be held partially liable. 

This turns a car crash into a product liability case, where victims may sue not just the driver, but the corporation that designed or maintained the dangerous tech. Tesla’s vehicles log extensive telemetry, meaning crucial evidence like speed, braking, and lane changes may already be sitting on a server, waiting for discovery. 

What Should You Do If You’re Involved in or Affected by a Motorcycle-EV Crash?

1. Get medical attention first, even if injuries seem minor. 

1. Preserve evidence: photos, videos, vehicle data, and witness info. 

1. Request the police report and find out if the EV has onboard data. 

1. Consult a qualified attorney familiar with motorcycle and EV litigation. 

Crashes like the one on I-805 are devastating, but they’re not just “accidents.” They’re events with causes, and causes have accountability. 

If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle collision with an electric vehicle, call J&Y Law at (424) 453-2310 . We’ll review your case for free and help you understand your options. You don’t have to navigate this alone.