Electric vehicles (EVs) like Teslas are celebrated for their technology and eco-friendliness. But an alarming number of Tesla owners have reported battery fires, sometimes with devastating consequences. At Jordan Law, we have represented multiple clients whose Tesla vehicles caught fire unexpectedly.
The website tesla-fire.com reports that there have been at least 232 incidents reported of Tesla cars catching fire. It also reports that 83 people have died in these accidents. What’s especially scary about these fires is that first responders need special training to put them out. Additionally, Tesla has electric doors which can malfunction when the battery is on fire.
If your Tesla caught fire in Colorado, you may have a claim. This is also true if you were injured or had property damage from a battery fire. You might be able to file a product liability claim.
Why Are Teslas Catching Fire?
Tesla’s lithium-ion battery packs are powerful, but they can pose serious risks:
- Thermal runaway: Overheating can cause a chain reaction leading to intense, uncontrollable fires.
- Impact damage: Crashes can puncture the battery pack and ignite a fire even at low speeds.
- Charging issues: Some fires link to home charging equipment or supercharging stations.
- Manufacturing defects: Errors in assembly, battery management software, or quality control can make fires more likely.
Unlike typical car fires, lithium-ion battery fires can be difficult to extinguish. They may reignite hours or days later, posing a serious threat to drivers, passengers, first responders, and property.
For a free legal consultation, call (303) 465-8733
Product Liability and Tesla: Who Is Responsible?
Under Colorado law, manufacturers are strictly liable for injuries caused by defective products. That means you don’t have to prove negligence—only that the vehicle was defective and caused harm.
Potentially liable parties can include:
- Tesla Motors, Inc. (for design or manufacturing defects)
- Battery suppliers
- Charging equipment manufacturers
- Dealerships (in certain circumstances)
If your Tesla caught fire without an obvious cause, you may have a claim even if it was a single-vehicle incident.
Types of Losses You Can Recover
Product liability cases involving EV fires can lead to significant compensation for:
- Medical expenses for burns or smoke inhalation
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (including your home or garage if the car ignited while charging)
- Lost wages if you were unable to work
- Wrongful death damages in the most tragic cases
Real-World Cases of Tesla Fires
Tesla fires have been reported around the world. Some high-profile examples include:
- Teslas suddenly catching fire while parked
- Fires after minor collisions
- Garage fires during home charging
These incidents are often widely covered in the news and have led to investigations by federal agencies and safety experts.
At Jordan Law, we have helped Colorado residents who experienced these terrifying events. We understand the technical, legal, and emotional complexities involved.
Why Choose Jordan Law for Your Tesla Fire Case?
Product liability lawsuits against major automakers are complex. They often involve:
- Engineering experts
- Fire origin and cause investigators
- Battery chemistry specialists
- Aggressive corporate defense teams
At Jordan Law, we are true trial lawyers with a track record of taking on tough product defect cases. We know how to build a case that can stand up in negotiations or court.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
What Should You Do If Your Tesla Catches Fire?
- Call 911 – Your safety comes first. Battery fires are dangerous.
- Document everything – Photos of the damage, any warning lights, fire reports.
- Preserve the vehicle – Don’t authorize disposal until your lawyer advises.
- Contact an attorney – The sooner you talk to us, the better we can investigate and preserve critical evidence.
Contact Jordan Law Today
If your Tesla caught fire in Colorado, you may have a valid product liability claim. Don’t face a giant automaker alone. Jordan Law has the resources, experience, and determination to fight for you.
Attorney Anne Dieruf is Jordan Law’s product defect specialist. With over 15 years of practice, Anne has extensive experience suing large auto manufacturers for auto-related defects. Speak to Anne today.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tesla fires common?
While relatively rare, Tesla fires are often severe when they occur. Lithium-ion battery fires burn hotter and longer than gasoline fires.
Do I need to prove Tesla was negligent?
In product liability cases, you only need to show the car was defective and caused your injuries. You don’t need to prove Tesla knew about the defect.
How much is my case worth?
Every case is unique, but damages can include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.