Trapped in Burning Electric Car: Door Failure Lawsuits

Modern electric vehicles use electronic door systems that depend on battery power. When fires damage electrical systems, doors may fail to open—trapping occupants in 5,000°F infernos. This design defect creates strict product liability claims against manufacturers.

The Door Failure Problem

NHTSA recalls document electronic door failures in multiple EV models. When fires start, power loss can disable: electronic door latches, power windows preventing escape, touchscreen controls for manual overrides, and emergency release mechanisms.

Why Manual Releases Fail

Manufacturers claim manual emergency releases exist, but: releases are often hidden or unmarked, panic prevents finding unfamiliar mechanisms, smoke and flames obstruct visibility, burns prevent operating interior handles, and first responders don't know EV-specific entry points.

Vehicles with Electronic Door Issues

• Tesla Cybertruck: Recall 24V-855 for door failures
• Tesla Model X: Falcon wing door malfunctions
• Tesla Model S: Door handle presentation failures
• Rivian R1T/R1S: Electronic door systems
• Various EVs with power-dependent latches

Product Liability Claims

Electronic door dependency creates strict liability claims for: design defect (doors should open without power), failure to warn (inadequate emergency egress training), manufacturing defect (specific door mechanism failures).

Evidence for Door Failure Claims

Critical documentation includes: photographs of door positions post-fire, fire department reports on entry difficulty, vehicle data recorder showing door commands, witness statements about escape attempts, and medical records documenting entrapment injuries.

Settlement Ranges

• Entrapment without severe injury: $100,000-$300,000
• Burns from delayed escape: $300,000-$1M
• Severe burns with disfigurement: $1M-$5M
• Wrongful death from entrapment: $3M-$15M+