Family Sues Tesla Over Fatal Cybertruck Crash in California
A family from California has filed a lawsuit against Tesla following a tragic crash involving the company’s Cybertruck. The incident claimed the life of Krysta Tsukahara, a 19-year-old college student, during Thanksgiving weekend in 2024. The crash occurred in Piedmont, California, on the night of November 27, 2024, when the Cybertruck, carrying four passengers, struck a tree and caught fire.
Details of the Incident
The crash resulted in the tragic death of Tsukahara, who reportedly called for help after the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Only one of the four passengers survived the incident. According to a report from California Highway Patrol, the vehicle was traveling at high speed when it crashed.
Design Issues with the Cybertruck
The lawsuit, submitted to Alameda County Superior Court, claims that the design of the Cybertruck’s door handles contributed to Tsukahara’s death. When the fire disabled power to the vehicle’s electric doors, the passengers were trapped inside. The only way to exit was through a manual release hidden within the storage compartment, which was inaccessible during the emergency.
- The Cybertruck’s electric door handles have been criticized for their design.
- When the vehicle’s power is cut off, doors remain locked.
- The suit highlights the lack of an effective emergency release system.
The attorney for the Tsukahara family, Roger Dreyer, emphasized that the design failed Krysta when she needed to escape the most. “There was no functioning, accessible manual override or emergency release for her to escape,” he stated.
Tesla’s Response and Safety Concerns
As of now, Tesla has not responded to requests for comments regarding the lawsuit. The company, led by CEO Elon Musk, is known for its innovative electric vehicle designs but faces increased scrutiny over safety issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating the Cybertruck’s door handle mechanism.
Previous Incidents and Legal Action
The Cybertruck has received high safety ratings, yet it has faced eight recalls since its launch. Tesla has been involved in several other legal battles concerning vehicle safety, including a recent case in Florida, where a jury awarded $243 million in damages related to its Autopilot system.
In addition to suing Tesla, the Tsukahara family is pursuing claims against the driver of the Cybertruck, Soren Dixon, who was found to be under the influence at the time of the crash. Dixon also died in the incident.
Tragic Outcomes and Family Statements
Eyewitness accounts describe the desperate attempts to rescue the trapped passengers. A friend following the Cybertruck witnessed the crash and managed to break a window to save one passenger, but Tsukahara could not escape the flames.
Her parents, Carl and Noelle Tsukahara, expressed their heartbreak, stating, “Her death was preventable. She was alive after the crash. She called out for help. And she couldn’t get out.” The family’s lawsuit hopes to bring attention to the design flaws and ultimately promote vehicle safety improvements.
