A wrongful death lawsuit filed in Massachusetts alleges a fatal flaw in Tesla‘s emergency door release systems contributed to a driver’s death following a collision in October 2025. The case centers on 20 year old Samuel Tremblett, who died after his Tesla Model Y SUV was involved in a crash.
The legal complaint, first reported by Bloomberg, claims Tremblett became trapped inside the vehicle because the electronic doors would not open after the accident. The suit suggests this prevented emergency responders from providing timely aid.
Details of the Legal Claim
The lawsuit focuses on the design and operation of Tesla’s door release mechanisms. According to the filing, the vehicle’s primary electronic door system failed following the collision. The legal action argues that the alternative mechanical release handles, intended for such emergencies, were not sufficiently accessible or intuitive to use in a crisis situation.
This incident is not isolated in the allegations. The lawsuit references other fatalities where individuals were reportedly unable to exit Tesla vehicles after crashes. These prior incidents form part of the plaintiff’s argument that the automaker was aware of potential safety concerns.
Broader Context for Vehicle Safety
automotive safety regulations in many jurisdictions mandate that vehicles must allow occupants to exit after a crash, even if primary systems fail. Traditional vehicles use mechanical door handles directly linked to the latching mechanism. Many modern vehicles, including Teslas, have adopted electronic door releases that require power to function.
Industry experts note that all vehicles with electronic releases are required to have a mechanical backup. The core allegation in this lawsuit is that Tesla’s backup system was inadequately designed or communicated to drivers, potentially leading to dangerous delays during emergencies.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has previously opened investigations into door issues on various Tesla models. These probes typically examine whether alleged defects pose an unreasonable safety risk and if recalls are warranted.
Official and Corporate Response
Tesla has not issued a public statement specifically addressing this lawsuit. In past communications regarding vehicle safety, the company has emphasized its commitment to safety and the high overall crash test ratings its vehicles receive from independent agencies.
Legal representatives for the Tremblett family contend that the design choices made by Tesla created a preventable hazard. They argue the pursuit of a minimalist interior aesthetic may have compromised the clarity and functionality of critical safety features like the door releases.
Massachusetts state police, who likely responded to the incident, have not released their official crash report or commented on the specifics of rescue operations due to the ongoing litigation.
Potential Implications and Next Steps
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and could prompt closer regulatory scrutiny of electronic door systems across the automotive industry. A finding against Tesla may influence future vehicle design standards, particularly for electric vehicles that increasingly rely on electronic controls for basic functions.
Legal proceedings are in the early stages, with Tesla expected to file a formal response to the complaint in court. The discovery process will likely involve detailed technical analysis of the vehicle involved and Tesla’s internal safety testing data. Any settlement or court verdict could set a precedent for how manufacturers implement and communicate emergency features in increasingly digital car cabins.
Source: Bloomberg
