Tesla Under Fire: Cybertruck Door Handles Blamed in Fatal Crash Lawsuits, NHTSA Investigation Underway
Tesla Under Fire: Cybertruck Door Handles Blamed in Fatal Crash Lawsuits, NHTSA Investigation Underway
Families of three teenagers killed in a tragic 2024 Cybertruck crash are suing Tesla, alleging that the vehicle’s electronic door handles trapped their children inside the burning vehicle. This escalating legal challenge coincides with an active National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into Tesla’s door handle designs, prompting the automaker to confirm it is redesigning its handles.
The devastating incident occurred on Thanksgiving Eve 2024 in Piedmont, California, when a Cybertruck carrying four college students crashed into a tree and a wall, subsequently catching fire. The lawsuits claim the vehicle’s electronic door handles failed post-impact, preventing passengers from escaping. While a friend following the vehicle managed to break a window and rescue one passenger, Krystal Tsukahara (19), Jack Nelson (20), and Soren Dixon (19, the driver) tragically died from smoke inhalation. Investigations revealed all three had been under the influence at the time of the crash.
The Tsukahara and Nelson families have filed separate lawsuits in Alameda County, specifically accusing Tesla of product liability due to the Cybertruck’s door handle design. They allege that both the flush exterior handles and the often-obscure interior manual release mechanisms contributed directly to the passengers’ inability to exit the vehicle in an emergency. The Nelson family’s lawsuit further claims that at least one door on Jack Nelson’s side was unobstructed, yet he remained trapped.
Tesla vehicles have faced past criticism for their varied and sometimes complex door handle operations. While the company often boasts high safety scores in crash tests, this case highlights a critical safety concern regarding emergency egress. The ongoing NHTSA probe, alongside Tesla’s acknowledgement of redesigning its handles, underscores increasing scrutiny over these design choices. One of the lawsuits is currently set for trial in February 2027, signaling a prolonged legal battle ahead for the electric vehicle manufacturer.
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