My 2022 Rivian R1T Was Totaled After Being T-Boned on the Driver’s Side, But Walking Away Without Injury Is a True Testament to Rivian's Incredible Engineering in Design and Safety

You never really know how much you trust your vehicle until the moment something goes wrong. Most days, we think about EVs in terms of range, features, or performance, but there’s a much more important question hiding beneath all the specs: how well does it protect you when everything goes sideways? That question became very real for Rivian owner Tony Chavez, who recently shared that his 2022 Rivian R1T was T-boned on the driver’s side while stopped at a red light in the "RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion" Facebook group. And despite the violent impact, he walked away without any problems, which is a moment that speaks volumes about Rivian’s commitment to real-world safety and structural engineering.

Here’s what Tony wrote:

“Deeply saddened to report that my 2022 R1T was struck by a vehicle. I got TBoned into my driver’s side door while I was sitting at a red light. Never had this type of impact and was extremely fortunate to walk away without injury. A true testament to the incredible engineering in design and safety. While I wait for Tuesday’s insurance report, all initial and unofficial reports indicate this will be a total loss with the frame being badly bent/damaged. I loved this vehicle and took extremely good care of her for 31 months (VIN 11,000s). Reaching out to see if anyone has had a similar total loss experience and re-purchased? Being a non-fault insurance write off, I’ll get the loan paid and added cash value I’d like to put down towards a replacement. Just curious to see how that process may best be planned and if anyone has recommendations. Thank you Rivian Community.”

It’s easy to talk about torque, battery size, or range when we think about EV trucks like the R1T. But sometimes, what matters most is how a vehicle protects you in the moment you least expect. Tony’s story is a sobering reminder that Rivian’s commitment to structural safety, crumple zones, and cabin integrity isn’t just hype. It’s lifesaving.

Why Safety in EVs Isn’t Optional

The Rivian R1T, despite being one of the newer entries in the electric truck world, was designed from the ground up with both performance and safety in mind. The chassis, rigid battery frame, and reinforced cabin structure give it an inherent advantage when it comes to absorbing and distributing crash energy. The fact that Tony took a direct hit to the driver’s door and still walked away without injury is incredible. That kind of structural resilience reflects the same design language seen across stories like the owner whose Rivian R1T conquered 49 states in under a year, proving not only endurance, but dependability too.

The Emotional Side of a Total Loss

It’s not just about the numbers, though. Tony had owned this R1T for over 31 months, cared for it meticulously, and clearly formed an emotional bond with his truck. Seeing a vehicle you’ve grown attached to end up with a bent frame and an uncertain insurance verdict is heartbreaking. For many owners, the R1T isn’t just transportation, as it’s a lifestyle, an identity, and in Tony’s case, a proven guardian.

In the comment section of his post, other Rivian owners quickly rallied around him to offer support and share real-world advice.

Elizabeth CB Malayter wrote, “So sorry to hear of your accident, but glad to know you are well, and that the truck protected you.” Her response echoes the sentiment shared by the majority of us. Vehicles can be replaced, but your health cannot. The top priority is always safety.

Scott Hunt, however, raised a practical point about insurance: “There is no guarantee you will get loan pay off and added cash. They will pay what they deem is current market value. Gap insurance covers losses.”

This is a key issue for owners, especially as depreciation, shifting incentives, and fluctuating used EV market values can complicate payouts. Total loss scenarios often catch people off-guard, especially if they assume they’ll be handed enough cash to cover the balance and more.

Aldo Zampatti offered a timely piece of advice: “I'd get a lease ASAP with the current incentives (~13 to 14k), and then when you get your cash settlement, maybe pay-off the lease if possible or save that cash towards the payoff at the end of the lease. Remember that the $7500 tax credit automatically discounted from the lease will end in September.”

Aldo’s approach is a savvy one. In today’s market, Rivian is offering notable lease incentives, so locking in a lease before the tax credit expires could help offset some of the financial pain. This flexibility is especially valuable for owners who still want a Rivian in the driveway but need to reconfigure their budget after a sudden loss.

When a Vehicle Protects You, It Earns Your Loyalty

For many owners who’ve faced similar experiences, getting another Rivian isn’t even a question. Some are even selling their Rivian R1T to buy next year’s version, not because they were unhappy, but because they believed in the brand so deeply they wanted the latest refinements.

Or the former Lexus loyalist who chose Rivian over the RZ 550e after owning an LC 500, which is just another sign that the company is winning hearts across the board.

Tony’s experience may be different, but the gist is clear: when a vehicle protects you in the worst-case scenario, it builds trust that no spec sheet or promotional video can replicate.

It’s stories like this that really solidify why I’m so drawn to covering the EV space. We spend so much time talking about acceleration numbers, over-the-air updates, or charging curves, but none of that matters if your vehicle can’t protect you when it counts. Tony’s R1T did exactly what it was designed to do, and in doing so, it proved Rivian isn’t just chasing innovation, they’re also prioritizing protection.

And in a world where vehicle safety is often buried beneath flashy features, that’s something worth spotlighting. It makes me wonder how many more Rivian owners out there have similar stories that haven’t been told yet.

Key Takeaways from Tony’s Crash and Community Response

• Rivian’s structural safety is no gimmick: Tony walked away from a serious T-bone crash with no injuries, validating the company’s engineering claims.
• Emotional attachment to EVs is real: Owners aren’t just fans of the specs, they’re connected to the brand’s mission and product philosophy.
• Insurance payouts can be unpredictable: Never assume a full loan payoff or equity return unless you have gap coverage or plan around market value.
• Leasing might be the smart next step: With Rivian’s current lease incentives and the $7500 tax credit still active, this could be a strategic bridge option.
• Community support makes a difference: The Rivian owner network continues to be one of the strongest and most helpful spaces in the EV world.
• Even when a Rivian goes in for service and the loaner fails too, it’s Rivian’s customer support that saves the experience, reinforcing the trust owners place in the brand.

Join The Conversation

Have you ever experienced a serious accident in your car? Or a moment where the vehicle’s safety features truly protected you?

And if you’ve had to navigate a total loss situation with insurance, how did it play out in your case? What would you recommend to other owners in Tony’s shoes?

We would love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Rivian’s gallery