The latest lawsuit, filed last week, concerns a 2018 Tesla Model 3 whose electric door handles allegedly failed after a collision and fire, trapping one person inside and leading to their death.

Scene of the Tesla Model 3 accident. Photo: USDistrictCourt

The complaint, filed with the US District Court for the Western District of Washington on 7/1/2023, states that Jeffrey Dennis was driving his Tesla Model 3 with his wife in Tacoma, Washington, when the vehicle reportedly accelerated suddenly and crashed into a utility pole at the intersection of South 56th and South Washington.

Immediately after the impact, the electric vehicle caught fire. Several witnesses attempted to open the Tesla's doors to rescue the couple but were unsuccessful because the doors could not be opened due to power loss. The lawsuit claims some witnesses even tried to smash the Model 3's windows with a baseball bat, but failed.

Ultimately, rescue teams extricated the couple, though Wendy Dennis died at the scene from severe injuries. Jeffrey Dennis suffered severe burns to his legs.

The complaint alleges that the Model 3 has a unique and defective door handle design that prevented rescuers from opening the doors. Tesla is also accused of being aware of the door handle defect but failing to fix it, continuing to market and sell the popular electric vehicle.

The lawsuit extends beyond the door handles. It further alleges that Tesla's automatic emergency braking system failed to activate as the vehicle sped towards the utility pole. Additionally, the complaint claims the automaker used "an explosive battery chemical" despite the availability of safer, more practical, and less expensive alternatives.

Jeffrey Dennis is seeking compensation for the wrongful death of his wife and his own injuries, as well as statutory damages under California law.

This lawsuit adds to a lengthy list of legal actions worldwide over stuck Tesla vehicle door handles causing fatalities, which have occurred over several months. This trend has made hidden electric door handles a topic of discussion in the automotive industry, with many manufacturers moving away from this type of handle and reverting to mechanical ones.

Minh Vu (according to Carscoops)