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Tesla's electric door handles are under intense scrutiny once more following a harrowing January 2023 crash in Washington state that tragically claimed the life of Wendy Dennis and left her husband Jeffery with serious burns. According to the newly filed lawsuit, the couple’s Model 3 suddenly accelerated uncontrollably, slamming into a utility pole before bursting into flames. Bystanders and first responders were unable to open the vehicle’s doors due to Tesla’s unique, battery-dependent handle design, which became inoperable when the car lost power.
Despite desperate attempts from onlookers including using a baseball bat to break windows Wendy Dennis perished at the scene, while Jeffery Dennis suffered extensive injuries. The lawsuit accuses Tesla of negligence on multiple fronts, citing a defective door handle system, a malfunctioning automatic emergency braking system, and a vehicle defect causing sudden acceleration.
The complaint alleges Tesla knew about these safety flaws for years but failed to act, putting aesthetics and innovation ahead of occupant safety. It highlights previous incidents of sudden uncommanded acceleration and the dangerous nature of Tesla’s lithium-ion battery packs, which can ignite fiercely in crashes.
This latest legal case adds to a troubling pattern of litigation focusing on Tesla’s electronic door handle failures, raising questions about whether the company has prioritized style over function at a deadly cost. With regulators investigating and public confidence shaken, Tesla may face mounting pressure to overhaul a design that has trapped drivers and passengers in emergencies.
For victims like the Dennis family, the lawsuit seeks justice and accountability.