Vehicle fires remain a major cause of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the Federal Emergency Management Association, “Each year, from 2014 to 2016, an estimated 171,500 highway vehicle fires occurred in the United States, resulting in an annual average of 345 deaths; 1,300 injuries; and $1.1 billion in property loss. These highway vehicle fires accounted for 13 percent of fires responded to by fire departments across the nation.” Most people are able to escape if their vehicle catches fire.
Still several Tesla owners have been locked inside of their vehicles and injured or killed when those vehicles caught fire. Part of the problem is that Tesla vehicles are reliant on power to operate. When the battery dies or there is a malfunction, the doors may not open properly. Any person injured after becoming trapped in their vehicle may have legal recourse. The Georgia product liability attorneys at Butler Khan are here to assist you. We are committed to getting injury victims the medical and financial support that they are owed under the law and holding Tesla accountable for their negligence. You can reach out to us anytime at 678-940-1444.
Depending on the facts of any case, Tesla could face liability if someone is killed or injured in a fire involving their vehicles. The cause of any Tesla fire could involve multiple defects with a vehicle. This could include a faulty autopilot system, which causes the vehicle to crash. It may involve defects with the lithium-ion battery pack. Of course, a defect with the vehicle’s door may trap occupants and make an escape needlessly difficult. Generally speaking, plaintiffs can assert three different types of actions in a product liability claim, including negligence, strict product liability, and breach of warranty. In negligence and strict liability cases, the plaintiff must show that the product was either defective or unreasonably dangerous.
