Two separate families have taken legal action against Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle maker, over a door design that they claim hindered their children’s escape from a burning Cybertruck after a crash in November last year. The parents of Krysta Tsukahara, 19, and Jack Nelson, 20, have filed separate lawsuits in a California court, alleging that Tesla’s electric door handles malfunctioned and prevented their college-aged children from escaping the vehicle.
According to the lawsuits, both Tsukahara and Nelson were involved in separate single-vehicle accidents in their Tesla Cybertrucks. In both incidents, the vehicles caught fire and the doors’ electric handles failed to open, trapping the young adults inside. The lawsuits claim that the faulty door design resulted in severe injuries and emotional distress for both Tsukahara and Nelson.
The incident involving Tsukahara occurred on November 5th, 2020, in San Jose, California. She was driving her Tesla Cybertruck when it suddenly veered off the road and crashed into a tree. The impact caused the vehicle to catch fire, and Tsukahara was unable to open the door due to the malfunctioning electric handle. She suffered severe burns and other injuries before being rescued by emergency services.
Similarly, Nelson’s accident happened on November 23rd, 2020, in Mountain View, California. He was driving his Tesla Cybertruck when it collided with a concrete barrier, causing the vehicle to catch fire. Just like Tsukahara, Nelson was unable to escape the burning vehicle due to the nonfunctional door handles. He suffered severe burns and other injuries before being rescued by bystanders.
The lawsuits allege that Tesla’s electric door handles are a safety hazard and put the lives of drivers and passengers at risk. The plaintiffs argue that the door handles are prone to malfunction, especially in high-impact crashes, and can prevent occupants from escaping in emergency situations. They also claim that Tesla was aware of the issue but failed to take appropriate action to address it, putting their customers’ safety at risk.
In response to the lawsuits, Tesla has stated that they have not yet received the legal complaints and cannot comment on pending litigation. However, the company has previously faced similar lawsuits over the design of their electric door handles. In 2019, a Florida man filed a lawsuit against Tesla, claiming that the door handle on his Model S failed to open during a crash, trapping him inside the burning vehicle. The lawsuit was later settled for an undisclosed amount.
This recent incident involving the Cybertruck has reignited concerns over the safety of Tesla’s electric door handles and has led to calls for the company to address the issue. Some experts have suggested that Tesla should consider implementing a manual override option for the door handles, which could allow occupants to open the doors in case of an emergency.
The lawsuits filed by the parents of Tsukahara and Nelson seek damages for their children’s injuries, medical expenses, and emotional distress, among other claims. They are also calling for Tesla to address the issue and ensure the safety of their customers in the future.
Tesla is known for its innovative and cutting-edge technology, and its electric vehicles have gained a significant following worldwide. However, incidents like these highlight the importance of prioritizing safety over technological advancements. As more and more people turn to electric vehicles, it is crucial for companies like Tesla to ensure the safety of their customers and address any potential safety hazards promptly.
In conclusion, the recent lawsuits against Tesla over the design of their electric door handles serve as a reminder that safety should always be a top priority. While Tesla has not yet responded to the legal complaints, it is essential for the company to take appropriate action to address the issue and ensure the safety of their customers. Let us hope that this incident leads to necessary changes and improvements in the design of Tesla’s electric vehicles, making them even safer for everyone on the road.
