After a Florida teenager dies in an accident involving a Tesla sedan, the country was in shock. After all, the vehicle crashed and caught fire, raising questions about the car’s safety. Now, the victim’s parents are suing Tesla, claiming the car’s battery pack is dangerous and can erupt into major fires.
According to the lawsuit, their 18-year-old son was a passenger in the Tesla car involved in the May 8, 2018 accident. The driver also died in the crash while a third occupant suffered injuries.
The Tesla S sedan had a device that limited the car’s speed to 85 miles per hour. But during a visit to a service center prior to the accident, the device was removed, and the teen’s parents did not know about this. At the time of the crash, the vehicle was traveling 116 mph just before it collided into a wall twice. Before the collision, the car missed a curve with a 25 mph speed limit. After the crash, the car erupted in flames.
The parents allege that the vehicle had inadequate measures in place to prevent or even contain a fire.
Tesla claims that it was the speed that made the fire a possibility and that “no car could have withstood a high-speed crash of this kind.”
Following the deadly accident, Tesla added a “Speed Limit Mode” to its vehicles, dedicating it to the teen.
Tesla Battery Reportedly Ignited Twice
Officials say that the lithium-ion battery in the vehicle involved in the crash reignited twice after firefighters extinguished the fire. At first, it ignited while officials were loading the car for removal and then once again while in storage. Despite this incident, the company contends that its cars do not catch fire as often as gasoline-powered vehicles.
We hope that Tesla and drivers can prevent similar accidents in the future. As more automakers develop technologically advanced vehicles, we will begin to learn of new problems and liabilities. To stay safe, we must be safe drivers and stay on top of the news to beware of the dangers.
To learn more about this accident, follow this link.
