Tesla is facing a new wrongful death lawsuit alleging that a defective electronic door design trapped a young driver inside a burning 2021 Tesla Model Y, ultimately causing his death.
The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts federal court by Andrew D. Nebenzahl, Esq. of The Nebenzahl Law Group PC, claims that Tesla knowingly designed its vehicles with electronic door handles that fail during crashes or power loss, leaving occupants unable to escape in emergencies, particularly during electric vehicle fires involving lithium-ion batteries.
According to the complaint, 20-year-old Samuel Tremblett was driving alone in the early morning hours of October 29 when his Tesla Model Y struck a tree in Easton, Massachusetts. The vehicle immediately caught fire.
Although Samuel survived the impact, he became trapped inside the car as the fire intensified. He called 911, telling dispatchers he could not breathe, that the car was on fire, and that he believed he was going to die. The lawsuit alleges that despite rapid police response, officers were unable to open the vehicle or suppress the blaze.
The fire reportedly caused multiple explosions and burned intensely for hours. Firefighters ultimately needed approximately four hours to extinguish the fire and recover Samuel from the vehicle. He died from catastrophic thermal injuries and smoke inhalation, according to the complaint.
The wrongful death lawsuit alleges that Tesla’s electronic door handles do not function when the vehicle loses power, including after serious crashes, precisely when occupants must escape quickly.
While Tesla vehicles include a manual door release, the lawsuit asserts that:
- The release is unmarked and difficult to locate
- It is not intuitive for panicked occupants
- Rear-seat exits require a multi-step process involving hidden panels and cables
- Not all Tesla Model Y vehicles include rear manual releases at all
The complaint includes images from Tesla’s electronic-only owner’s manual, which describes a complicated, three-step method to manually open rear doors, an unrealistic expectation during a post-crash fire.
The lawsuit alleges that Samuel Tremblett’s death is part of a larger pattern complaint identifies at least 17 prior incidents since 2016 in which Tesla occupants were trapped inside vehicles following crashes, many of which resulted in death or catastrophic injuries.
The lawsuit alleges Tesla prioritized sleek, electronic door designs over basic mechanical safety, despite internal warnings and the known dangers of lithium-ion battery “thermal runaway,” where fires spread rapidly and are extremely difficult to extinguish.
The six-count complaint asserts claims for Negligence, Wrongful death, Breach of warranty, and Violations of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. The suit seeks compensatory and treble damages, along with interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees.
The case is one of many Tesla wrongful death and product liability lawsuits currently pending across the country, including claims involving Tesla’s newer models such as the Cybertruck. In response to mounting concerns, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) recently introduced legislation that would require all electric vehicles to use standardized door handles, calling it a basic safety measure that could save lives.
As electric vehicles become more common, escape-after-crash safety is not optional, it is essential. Vehicles must be designed so occupants can exit quickly when seconds matter.
At Anzalone & Doyle Trial Lawyers, we represent individuals and families harmed through no fault of their own, including those injured during motor vehicle accidents, by defective products and/or unsafe vehicle designs, and as the result of corporate negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident, vehicle fire, electric vehicle crash, or incident involving failed door mechanisms, our attorneys are available to help you understand your legal options.
Contact Anzalone & Doyle Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation.
