In a tragic turn of events, a 2020 Tesla Model 3 burst into flames after crashing into a tree in Rockland County, New York, during a snowstorm, leading to the death of its driver. Jung Woo Hahn, the 46-year-old driver, reportedly survived the initial impact but was trapped inside as the vehicle became engulfed in a devastating fire.
The incident, which occurred around 11 a.m. on March 12th of the previous year, has now prompted the deceased’s wife, Jiyoung Yoon, to file a lawsuit against Tesla. She contends that the Model 3 is “not crashworthy” and poses an “unreasonable danger” for its designed purposes.
Photos from the accident scene show the severe aftermath: a completely charred vehicle with its interior reduced to ashes. Responding to the crash, Nanuet firefighters found the fire challenging to control. The root of this difficulty was traced back to the car’s 375-volt lithium-ion battery that spans the vehicle’s floor. The battery had been damaged, leading to a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway” – a self-heating stage triggered by rising temperatures, resulting in an intense chain reaction.
To combat the flames, firefighters expended over 1,000 gallons of water and sought assistance from New City and Spring Valley firefighting teams. The fire was finally under control at around 1 p.m. unfortunately, Jung Woo was pronounced dead at the site.
Tesla’s Model 3, recognized for its ‘rigid structure,’ ‘impact protection,’ and ‘low rollover risk,’ also comes equipped with autopilot technology. This feature offers assistance with various driving aspects, such as steering and braking. It remains uncertain whether the autopilot was engaged during the ill-fated crash.
This isn’t Tesla’s first brush with safety concerns. Earlier in the year, the company faced the recall of over 362,000 vehicles in the US. This recall, prompted by apprehensions about its self-driving software potentially inducing crashes, was met with skepticism by CEO Elon Musk. He argued against the term “recall” for a software update, deeming it “anachronistic.” In October 2021, an issue arose when Tesla cars abruptly started braking at highway speeds after a software update. Another recall followed in 2022, addressing over 50,000 vehicles that had a “rolling stop” function, allowing them to bypass stop signs.
In light of these concerns and the recent tragic incident, the debate around the safety of electric vehicles and their software updates remains in the spotlight.
What Damages Could Be Pursued in a Civil Lawsuit?
In the context of a fatal car accident involving a vehicle malfunction or other related issues, a victim’s family might choose to file a civil lawsuit against the responsible party, such as the car manufacturer. In such lawsuits, plaintiffs typically pursue various types of damages. Here are potential damages that could be pursued:
- Compensatory Damages: These are intended to compensate the plaintiff for actual losses.
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- Medical Expenses: Covering the cost of medical care that the victim might have received after the accident but prior to their death.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Costs associated with laying the victim to rest.
- Lost Wages and Benefits: Amounts the deceased would likely have earned if they had lived.
- Loss of Support and Services: Monetary compensation for tasks the deceased performed, such as caring for children or maintaining a home.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, care, and affection the deceased provided to family members.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for any property damaged in the incident, such as the car itself.
- Non-Economic Damages: These relate to the pain and suffering that arises from the loss.
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- Pain and Suffering: Addressing the physical pain and emotional distress suffered by the deceased before death.
- Emotional Distress: Relating to the trauma and grief experienced by family members due to the loss.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the decreased quality of life due to the accident or loss.
- Punitive Damages: These are less about compensating the victim’s family and more about punishing the defendant. They are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially malicious or egregiously negligent. They serve as a deterrent to prevent similar future behavior by the defendant or others.
- Attorney’s Fees and Legal Costs: In some cases, the defendant may be ordered to pay the plaintiff’s legal costs.
When filing a lawsuit, it’s crucial for plaintiffs to consult with legal experts who can guide them on the best course of action, considering the specifics of the case and the relevant jurisdictional laws.
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Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover monetary compensation for harm caused by dangerous products. For your free consultation, contact our national product liability law firm today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).