by Tragedy with Tesla Model 3 Due to Faulty Door Handles
Tesla is once again in the spotlight due to another lawsuit related to a fatal incident that calls into question the safety of its vehicles.
Key Points of the Lawsuit
Incident Details
The lawsuit, filed last week in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, describes the tragic event that occurred on January 7, 2023. Jeffrey Dennis was driving his Tesla Model 3 with his wife in Tacoma, Washington, when the car suddenly accelerated and hit an electrical pole at the corner of South 56th and South Washington Streets.
Shortly after the collision, the electric vehicle caught fire. According to the plaintiffs, several witnesses tried to open the Tesla’s doors to rescue the couple but were unable to do so because the handles did not function without power from the battery. The lawsuit also states that some witnesses even tried to break the Model 3’s windows with a baseball bat, but this also failed.
First responders eventually managed to extract the couple; however, Wendy Dennis died from her injuries at the scene. Jeffrey Dennis sustained serious burns to his legs.
Liability Issues
The complaint alleges that the Model 3 has a “unique and defective door handle design” that prevented rescuers from freeing the couple. Furthermore, the plaintiffs claim that Tesla was aware of the door handle defect but did not take measures to rectify it and continued to sell the popular electric vehicle.
The lawsuit is not limited to just the door handles. It also states that Tesla’s automatic emergency braking system did not activate as the car approached the electrical pole. Furthermore, the company is accused of using “highly explosive battery chemistry” despite the availability of safer, more practical, and less expensive alternatives.
Jeffrey Dennis is seeking financial compensation for the wrongful death of his wife and his long-term injuries, as well as compensatory and punitive damages under California law.
This case raises important questions about the safety of electric vehicles in emergencies, especially concerning the loss of electrical power. The incident may also influence regulatory requirements for the automotive industry, particularly regarding mandatory mechanical systems that ensure access to the passenger compartment under any conditions. Similar lawsuits often become a catalyst for reviewing safety standards and improving technologies across the entire automotive sector.
