The parents of a 19-year-old college student, Krysta Tsukahara, who lost her life in a Tesla Cybertruck accident, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla Inc. The lawsuit claims that the electronic door design of the vehicle was responsible for their daughter’s demise.
Accident Details
The accident occurred in November in Piedmont, California, when the Cybertruck Tsukahara was traveling in collided with a tree and burst into flames. According to the lawsuit, Tsukahara survived the initial impact but succumbed to smoke inhalation and burns after being trapped inside the vehicle.
Alleged Defects in Door Design
The lawsuit asserts that Tesla’s electronic door system, which relies on a 12-volt battery, can malfunction during accidents, making it impossible for passengers to electronically open the doors. Additionally, the manual door releases are said to be challenging to find and use, particularly in emergency situations.
Rising Safety Concerns
This lawsuit adds to the growing safety concerns surrounding Tesla’s door designs. In September, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated an investigation into the 2021 Model Y vehicles of Tesla following reports of electronic door handles malfunctioning and trapping children inside.
Implications for Tesla
The Tsukahara family’s lawsuit, which seeks unspecified punitive damages, comes at a time when Tesla is already facing several legal challenges related to its vehicle safety designs. These concerns could significantly impact the company’s reputation and customer trust if not addressed promptly and effectively. Furthermore, the lawsuit adds to the legal challenges that Tesla is currently dealing with, which could potentially affect its financial stability and market position.
Conclusion
The lawsuit underscores the need for Tesla to address the safety concerns surrounding its vehicle designs, particularly its door systems. As the company faces growing legal challenges, it must prioritize the safety and trust of its customers to maintain its position in the market.