Tesla Faces New Lawsuit for Fatal Door Handle Malfunction in Washington State Collision

Tesla is now confronting another serious legal challenge, this time linked to its electronic door handles. A tragic accident near Tacoma last January ended in death when a Model 3 collided with a pole and erupted into flames, trapping occupants Jeffery and Wendy Dennis inside. Despite the efforts of bystanders, the advanced flush handles proved useless once the battery failed. Wendy did not survive, and Jeffery sustained severe burns.

The lawsuit claims Tesla has long been aware that these door mechanisms could become life-threatening in emergencies. Without power, escaping the vehicle is nearly impossible. The concerns extend beyond the handles, touching on risks from lithium-ion battery fires and sudden unintended acceleration.

Incidents like this are not isolated. Reports from Wisconsin, California, and Virginia highlight similar issues: doors that wont open, emergency releases hidden or difficult to access, and first responders struggling with battery fires while victims are trapped inside. Regulatory agencies are now taking notice, with the NHTSA investigating Teslas door designs and potentially expanding the probe. International authorities are also moving to address these hidden-handle designs before further accidents occur.

While other automakers like Ford and VW have faced door-related issues, Tesla has become the focal point. The underlying problem: crash tests evaluate impact survivability but rarely consider whether occupants can exit the vehicle afterward. As cars evolve into complex electronic systems, questions arise about how well manufacturers plan for scenarios where power is lost.

Three years after the Tacoma crash, this lawsuit shines a spotlight on Tesla, examining not only the companys technological innovations but also whether its emphasis on design aesthetics may put lives at risk.

Author: Sophia Brooks