A newly filed lawsuit accuses Tesla of negligence causing a 2018 fatal crash through “Sudden Uncommanded Acceleration”.
The suit alleges that the Model 3 surged to full power for several seconds without warning, causing the driver to swerve and avoid traffic. The evasive action led the Model 3 to strike a telephone pole at a high speed, with the emergency braking system never activating. After the impact, the Model 3 caught fire, and without battery power, bystanders could not open the doors or remove the occupants.
Eventually, first responders were able to get the doors open and remove the husband and wife from the burning wreck. The wife passed away at the scene, while the husband, the driver, suffered severe burns and multiple traumatic injuries.
The suit claims a few separate issues with the couple’s Model 3:
- Tesla failed to address “Sudden Uncommanded Acceleration” issues and the suit raised multiple NHTSA reports citing similar issues in the past.
- Tesla’s battery pack design leaves the cells vulnerable to thermal runaway during a frontal impact.
- Tesla’s failure to add a fail-safe mechanical lock or push button release for doors, in case the vehicle has no power.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages and financial relief related to the wrongful death and serious injuries. Tesla has yet to respond to the lawsuit.
