If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a Tesla fire accident in Tennessee, you may be wondering what your legal options are and how you can get compensated for your injuries. The experienced Nashville personal injury lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law can help.
Common Causes of Tesla Fire Accidents
It seems like every other week we’re hearing about another Tesla car catching on fire. Just last month, a Tesla in California went up in flames while the driver was on the highway. So far this year, there have been at least 14 reports of Tesla fires. That’s more than double the number of fires reported in 2018. So, what’s causing all these Tesla fires? Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes.
Faulty Batteries
One of the most common causes of Tesla fires is faulty batteries. Overheating batteries can cause a fire to start in the engine bay, under the seats, or even in the trunk. In some cases, the battery may catch fire even if the car isn’t plugged in.
Faulty Wiring
Another common cause of Tesla fires is faulty wiring. Poorly routed or improperly installed wiring can cause electrical shorts and sparks that can ignite a fire. In some cases, faulty wiring can also cause batteries to overheat and catch fire.
Improper Maintenance
Tesla cars require regular maintenance just like any other vehicle. However, some Tesla owners fail to properly maintain their cars, which can lead to all sorts of problems, including fires. For example, failing to regularly clean and inspect the battery pack can lead to dirt and debris build-up that can cause a short circuit and spark a fire.
Common Tesla Fire Accident Injuries
In October 2019, a Tennessee man was killed when his Tesla caught fire and exploded. The man, 47-year-old James Modisette, was driving his Model S when it suddenly caught fire. He pulled over to the side of the road and got out of the car, but the flames spread quickly and he was engulfed in them. He died at the scene.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Just a few months earlier, in May of 2019, a California woman was critically injured when her Tesla caught fire. The woman, 48-year-old Passy Muir, was driving her Model S when it suddenly burst into flames. She was able to get out of the car and call for help, but she suffered third-degree burns on 40% of her body.
These accidents are becoming all too common, and they’re happening to people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a young person just starting or an experienced driver, you’re at risk if you own a Tesla.
About Tesla Fire Accident Claims
Filing a Claim against Tesla Motors
If you want to file a claim against Tesla Motors, you’ll need to file a personal injury lawsuit. These types of lawsuits are complex, so it’s important to hire an experienced attorney who has successfully handled similar cases in the past. Make sure to ask your attorney about their experience with Tesla fire accident claims specifically.
You’ll also need to prove that the defect in the Tesla car that caused the fire was known to the company but they failed to take proper steps to fix the problem or warn consumers about the risk. This can be difficult to do on your own, which is why it’s so important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help build your case and present evidence effectively.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover in a Lawsuit
If you’re successful in filing a lawsuit against Tesla Motors, you may be able to recover several different types of damages. These can include compensatory damages (to reimburse you for your actual losses), punitive damages (to punish Tesla for its negligence), and more.
Who is Responsible for My Tesla Fire Accident Injuries?
Tesla
Tesla could be held responsible for the accident if it is determined that the car was defective in some way. For example, if it is found that the battery or charging system was defectively designed or installed, Tesla could be held liable. If it is found that Tesla was aware of defects in the batteries or charging system but did not take proper steps to fix them, Tesla could also be held liable. However, if it is determined that the accident was caused by user error—for example, if the driver damaged the battery while trying to charge it—then Tesla will not be held responsible.
The Dealership
If the car was purchased from a Tesla dealership, then the dealership could also be held liable for any injuries caused by the accident. This would be true if it is found that the dealership sold a defective car or if they failed to disclose known defects in the car to the buyer.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Tesla Fire Accidents?
In the state of Tennessee, there are a few different laws that apply to Tesla Fire accidents. The first is the product liability law. This law states that a company is liable for any injuries or damages that are caused by a defective product. If it can be proven that the fire was caused by a defect in the car, then Tesla would be held liable for any damages that were caused by the fire.
The second law that applies to Tesla Fire accidents is the negligence law. This law states that a company can be held liable for damages if it can be proven that they were negligent in its actions. For example, if it can be proven that Tesla did not properly inspect the cars before they were sold, then it could be held liable for any damages that were caused by the fire.
The third and final law that applies to Tesla Fire accidents is the strict liability law. This law states that a company can be held liable for damages even if they were not negligent in its actions. This law is typically used in cases where there is a manufacturing defect. For example, if it can be proven that the fire was caused by a defect in the car, then Tesla would be held liable for any damages that were caused by the fire.
How Long Do I Have to File a Tesla Fire Accident Lawsuit?
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you do not file your lawsuit within two years, you will likely be barred from doing so. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as when the plaintiff is under the age of 18 or when the defendant is a government entity, but these exceptions are rare.
It is important to note that the statute of limitations only applies to lawsuits filed in court—it does not apply to settlements reached through negotiation or mediation. However, if you wait too long to begin negotiations, the defendant may refuse to settle because they know that you will not be able to take them to court if an agreement cannot be reached.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Tennessee
The statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits in Tennessee is three years from the date of death. This means that if you do not file your lawsuit within three years, you will likely be barred from doing so. As with personal injury lawsuits, there are some exceptions to this rule, but they are rare.
The wrongful death statute of limitations applies both to lawsuits filed in court and settlements reached through negotiation or mediation. However, as with personal injury cases, if you wait too long.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
Insurance companies are not your friend—despite what their commercials might say. The adjuster’s job is to try to minimize the amount of money paid out on the claim. They will do everything they can to get you to say something that could be used to reduce or deny your claim entirely.
That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side who can handle all communications with the other side. Your lawyer will know how to deal with the adjuster in a way that protects your interests and gets you the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
1. We care about our clients.
I know that sounds like something every lawyer would say, but it’s true. We take the time to get to know our clients and their families. We understand that this isn’t just a case to them – it’s their life. And we fight for them accordingly.
2. We have a proven track record.
Unlike some firms who are just looking to settle cases as quickly as possible, we try cases. And we’ve been doing it for a long time – over 50 years combined. We know what it takes to win in front of a jury, and we’re not afraid to take a case all the way if that’s what it takes to get justice for our clients.
3. We don’t let insurance companies bully us around.
We all know how insurance companies operate – they lowball you on your settlement offer in the hopes that you’ll take it and go away. But we don’t play that game. We know what your case is worth, and we fight to get you every penny you deserve.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Tesla Fire Accident Case?
Why You Might Need a Lawyer
Tesla fires are no joke. There have been several high-profile cases where people have been killed or seriously injured as a result of their Tesla catching fire. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, you’re going to want to speak with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury or wrongful death claims.
There are several reasons why you might need a lawyer for your Tesla fire accident case. First, if the accident was caused by a manufacturing defect, you’ll need to file a product liability claim against Tesla. Second, if the accident was caused by negligence on the part of Tesla (e.g., they failed to properly maintain the vehicle), you may be able to file a negligence claim. Third, if the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence (e.g., they rear-ended you and caused your Tesla to catch fire), you may be able to file a third-party liability claim against them.
Finally, if you or a loved one was killed in the accident, you will most likely need to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla. This is a type of civil suit that allows surviving family members to recover damages for their loss.
How Lawyers Can Help You Win Your Case
If you decide to hire a lawyer for your Tesla fire accident case, they can help you in several ways. First, they can investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. Second, they can negotiate with Tesla’s insurance company on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement. Third, they can take your case to court if necessary and represent you during the trial.
No matter what type of case you have, hiring an experienced lawyer is always in your best interest. They will know how to navigate the legal system and give you the best chance of winning your case and getting the compensation you deserve.
How Much Do We Charge?
How Contingency Fees Work
Contingency fees are very common in personal injury cases. They allow people who have been injured to get the legal help they need without having to worry about how they will pay for it. Here’s how it works:
The lawyer and the client agree on a percentage of the total amount of money that the lawyer will receive if the case is successful. This percentage is usually between 33% and 40%. For example, if the lawyer and the client agree on a 35% contingency fee and the case settles for $100,000, the lawyer would receive $35,000 and the client would receive $65,000.
Why We Charge Contingency Fees
There are several reasons why we charge contingency fees. First and foremost, it allows us to represent people who have been injured without requiring them to pay any upfront costs. We also believe that this type of fee arrangement is fairer because we only get paid if we are successful in getting you compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a Tesla fire accident, please contact us today for a free consultation. We would be happy to review your case and answer any questions you may have about our fees or how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss?
We understand the challenges you may be facing and we will fight for the compensation you deserve. There are many steps involved in pursuing a recovery after a car accident, but before you do any of them, call us for a free consultation to discuss your case. Then, these are the next steps to take:
Gathering Evidence
This may include photos of the accident scene, eyewitness statements, and the police report.
Establishing Liability
To pursue a recovery, you must be able to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident.
Proving Damages
You will need to provide evidence of your injuries and damages, such as medical bills and lost wages.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are often more concerned with their profits than they are with fairly compensating accident victims. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and we will fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Conclusion:
If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a Tesla fire accident in Tennessee, contact Tennessee Accident Law today to schedule a free consultation. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.