The Ultimate Guide to Handling a Tesla Accident: What You Need to Know

Accidents are unexpected events that nobody plans for. In the event of a collision, being prepared can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and the safety of your passengers.

Your Tesla comes equipped with unique safety features and specific procedures that are crucial to understand in case of an emergency.

This guide serves as a comprehensive checklist to help you navigate through a challenging situation with clarity and confidence. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these procedures and share them with your family members. Knowing how to respond in a worst-case scenario is vital for every vehicle owner.

The First 60 Seconds: Immediate Actions

During the chaotic moments following an incident, such as a collision, your immediate actions are critical. It is important to have the right knowledge and skills in place beforehand.

First and foremost, try to remain calm and take a deep breath. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If it is safe to do so, shift your vehicle into Park. In most cases, the airbags will deploy automatically, activating the hazard lights and unlocking the doors.

One common concern during accidents is the high-voltage battery pack in your Tesla. However, the vehicle is equipped with safety mechanisms that disconnect the high-voltage battery from the rest of the vehicle upon detecting a significant impact or airbag deployment, ensuring the cabin’s safety.

First Responders worldwide are trained on how to handle electric vehicles during emergencies, and Tesla provides detailed first responder guides and Rescue Sheets for all their vehicles. These resources assist first responders in identifying the vehicle’s components and safely handling the situation.

The Next 60 Seconds: Ensuring Safety

While the high-voltage battery is disconnected in the event of a collision, there is still a risk of fire. If the battery sustains damage, it is crucial to exit the vehicle quickly and safely. Electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than internal combustion vehicles, but their fires are more challenging to extinguish.

Most Tesla models have electronic door buttons that continue to function even if the vehicle loses power. However, in scenarios where the vehicle loses low-voltage power, it is essential to know how to use the manual door releases inside the vehicle. Rear doors may not have manual release cables or may be difficult to access, so it is advisable to familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s manual release mechanisms.

Tesla is continuously improving door handle designs to address these issues. If the electronic door buttons fail, passengers may need to exit through the front doors for safety.

Below are instructions for opening Tesla doors without power, excluding the Model X:

Open Tesla Doors With No Power

Front Doors: Locate the manual lever near the window switches on the armrest and pull it upwards to unlatch the door.

Rear Doors: Depending on the model and year, rear doors may have a manual release cable inside the door pocket. Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of this cable to unlatch the door in case of emergency.

Upon exiting the vehicle, refrain from closing the doors to prevent losing access to the vehicle if needed.

Open Model X Doors With No Power

Front Doors: Lift the hidden lever at the bottom of the door pull to open the front doors.

Falcon Wing Doors: To open the Falcon Wing doors, remove the lower speaker grill from the door, pull down on the cable towards the front of the vehicle, and manually lift the door. Rear passengers are advised to exit through the front doors.

After exiting the vehicle, avoid closing the doors behind you to maintain access to the vehicle, if necessary.

Exterior Handles and Special Cases

Exterior door handles in Tesla vehicles rely on electronics and may not function if power is cut to the low-voltage battery. In extreme situations, individuals outside the vehicle will not be able to open the doors without breaking a window or using alternative methods.

In rare submersion events, act quickly by unbuckling your seatbelt, lowering the windows before water levels rise, and utilizing manual door releases to exit the vehicle. Do not attempt to retrieve belongings from a submerged vehicle and prioritize safety.

After the Crash: Ensuring Recovery & Safety

Once safely outside the vehicle, contact emergency services and inform them of the situation, emphasizing that you were in an electric vehicle. Your Tesla’s technology can assist in recording and saving data related to the accident, aiding in investigations and insurance claims.

If your Tesla requires towing or repairs, ensure that a Tesla-approved Collision Center handles the process to maintain the vehicle’s structural integrity and safety features.

By understanding and practicing these safety procedures, you can navigate through unexpected situations with confidence and ensure the best possible outcome in emergencies.