Growing Pains
Tesla is a major car manufacturer nowadays, with a global reach and a more diverse lineup. In the not-so-distant past, Tesla was still trying its best to convert people to its budding electric vehicle-first mindset. It did eventually catch on, but not without issue. A lot has come out against Tesla over the years regarding the safety and longevity of the cars and batteries it makes.
One lawsuit filed against Tesla has just been settled. This one targets the safety of the car, since two out of the three occupants of the vehicle were killed during the accident.
Tesla
No Escape
In 2018, two teenagers were killed in a Tesla when it crashed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The parents of 18-year-old Edgar Martinez, one of the two teenagers who perished, sued Tesla and the family of the driver, Barrett Riley. The lawsuit cites negligence as the main point of the case in the accident that tragically took both teens’ lives weeks before their graduation.
Martinez was a passenger in the 2014 Tesla Model S, while his friend Riley was driving, along with another passenger. It was revealed that Riley was driving 116 mph in a 30 mph zone, causing him to lose control of the car, which eventually slammed into a concrete wall. Upon impact, the car immediately burst into flames, killing Martinez and Riley. The third passenger was ejected from the vehicle and survived.
The Martinez family argued that Tesla bore full responsibility for the accident, claiming the battery of the Model S was defective and ultimately contributed to the fire that killed their son. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleged that a speed-limiting device was removed by a Tesla technician during servicing without the Rileys’ consent. A speed limiter was installed by Riley’s parents after he was caught speeding. The limiter was said to cap the car at just 85 mph.
Resolution
According to the judge, Tesla had reached an agreement with the suing parties last week, although details of the settlement weren’t disclosed to the public. What isn’t clear is the status of the case against the Riley’s, with both families deciding not to make any comments.
Jury selection had been underway for the Martinez case when they reached an agreement with Tesla.
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