How to Escape Your Car if the Electronic Door Handle Fails

The summer months in Southern Nevada are monsoon season, and with that comes flash flooding. There is no shortage of videos online of people getting rescued from their cars after getting trapped in a flash flood on Nevada roadways. One feature in modern cars that many don’t think about as posing a danger is the electronic door handle. Electronic door handles have become standard in many new vehicles, offering convenience and sleek design—but they also create a hidden safety risk that becomes critical during Nevada’s monsoon season. Modern vehicles increasingly rely on electronic latch systems that can fail without warning—and when floodwater begins entering the cabin, every second trapped inside increases the danger.

Many drivers assume  they can simply break a window to escape, but today’s laminated safety glass can resist even heavy tools. Knowing builtin escape options before a malfunction happens is therefore critical to your safety and that of your passengers.

In this type of emergency, every second counts. The steps below help you exit quickly while also preserving evidence that a car maker’s design defect caused the ordeal.

Why electronic door handles fail

Automakers love flush, sensor‑based handles because they cut drag and look futuristic, but these systems introduce multiple failure points that traditional mechanical handles don’t have. These failure points can become deadly during flash flood emergencies.

The electronic actuators that control latch release are vulnerable to water infiltration—even minor flooding can short-circuit sensors and disrupt their operation. Software glitches in the vehicle’s computer systems can prevent proper signal transmission to door mechanisms precisely when escape is most urgent.

These systems also face mechanical vulnerabilities that worsen during flood conditions: battery power degrades rapidly when electrical systems are compromised by water, wire harnesses can fail when submerged, and connector corrosion accelerates in wet conditions.

Flash floods create additional challenges, as water pressure against doors can add enough resistance to prevent proper operation, even when electronic signals function correctly. And vehicles that slide into floodwater or are struck by debris may automatically disable electrical systems to prevent fires, leaving occupants trapped inside as water continues to rise around them.

What to do if you’re trapped

Stay calm. Panic spikes the heart rate and impairs decision making, which is critical if floodwater is rising around your vehicle. First, press the interior unlock button several times. Some electronic systems require a double tap during malfunctions.

If that fails, test your windows before water rises higher. Electronic window controls often operate on separate circuits from door latches and may still function even when door systems have failed—but only attempt this if water levels are still manageable, as opening windows in rising floodwater can accelerate cabin flooding.

Shut down all non-essential electronics immediately to preserve remaining battery power for critical escape functions. Air conditioning, radio, and interior lighting draw power that might be needed for window operation or other emergency systems.

Once you’ve assessed your electronic options, locate your vehicle’s manual door release mechanism—this mechanical backup system typically works regardless of electrical failures.

Using emergency overrides

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 206 requires every passenger door to include a mechanical override that functions without electrical power. The location and design vary widely between manufacturers, so it’s wise to familiarize yourself with these features on your vehicle before you need it in an emergency situation. Many times these releases use a cable that you pull to unlock or open the door.

Some manual releases are located near window switches or the door handle area, while others are located within door panels or near the base of seats. Many times, these releases are hidden beneath plastic panels that must be pried open with a key or pen.

Once you locate the override release, pull the lever or handle. This will disengage the latch through a direct mechanical connection, completely bypassing failed sensors or electronics. If the manual release feels stuck, push firmly against the door while pulling the release handle. This should help relieve tension on the latch mechanism and often frees components that flood conditions may have partially jammed. It is important to note, that owners of some popular electric vehicles have noted that manual releases are difficult to locate and/or difficult to use, especially for children in back seats. Sometimes the plastic cap that hides the release breaks if you open it, making it impractical to test out. It is important to read the safety manual for your vehicle or do some online research if you are unsure how to find or use the mechanical release in your vehicle.

Tools every Nevada driver should keep

A spring‑loaded glass punch is an essential flood escape tool that fits on a keychain and can shatter tempered rear windows with minimal force—critical when manual door releases fail and rising water prevents door opening. Always aim for a corner rather than the center of the window, as tempered windows are designed to resist center impacts but remain vulnerable at their edges.

Strap‑cutter tools can be equally as important. Seat belts lock after hard braking and may trap you if the buckle jams.

Store both tools in the center console, never the glovebox. If your vehicle gets swept into deeper water and tilts or rolls, the center console remains accessible regardless of the car’s orientation. During a flash flood, these tools may be your only escape options when electronic systems fail and water pressure prevents normal exit routes.

When manufacturers can be liable

Product‑liability law holds automakers strictly liable for foreseeable design defects. Handles that rely solely on electronics without intuitive mechanical backup may violate consumer expectations of safety. Additionally, owner’s manuals that fail to properly instruct how to use mechanical safety features may also give rise to a product defect claim.

If you sustain injuries while trapped during a flood emergency, document everything as soon as safely possible: photograph your injuries, the door mechanisms, any visible water damage, and the vehicle’s position relative to floodwater. Preserve all dealership service records that reference door handle malfunctions, electronic glitches, or related repairs, as these documents often reveal manufacturers’ awareness of systemic problems.

An experienced product liability lawyer will hire automotive engineers to download event data recorder information, analyze the door system’s failure patterns, and prove that a design choice—not driver error—created the hazard.

Preserving your legal rights

Nevada’s statute of limitations for product defects is two years, but practical deadlines come sooner. Manufacturers often push over‑the‑air patches that overwrite fault logs.

It is critical to hire an attorney as soon as possible so they can send a preservation of evidence letter to all potentially responsible parties. A seasoned personal injury lawyer will lock down data and ensure the handle is examined before repairs erase evidence.

Do not sign warranty releases or accept free repairs until counsel reviews them. Such documents sometimes waive your right to sue.

Choosing a personal injury lawyer after an escape

Cases involving electronic handle failure resemble complex crashworthiness litigation. Success hinges on technical mastery and resources to fight global automakers.

Look for a personal injury lawyer who has handled product defect cases and with access to biomechanical experts, engineers, and medical experts.

Early consultation increases settlement value because insurers know their software logs may not survive aggressive discovery.

What a car accident lawyer looks for in these cases

A car accident lawyer will compare the handle design to safer alternatives available at the time of manufacture. They will analyze recall history, prior complaints to NHTSA, and corporate emails about cost‑cutting.

They also assess comparative faults. For example, never reviewing your owner’s manual or educating yourself about mechanical door releases, could open you up to a claim for comparative fault.

Documenting your attempt to use emergency overrides strengthens causation and weakens defense theories of misuse.

Dealing with insurers after a handle failure

Pursuing automotive defect claims against manufacturers presents challenges that can differ greatly from typical car accident insurance disputes. Automakers possess vast legal resources and teams of engineers dedicated to defending their designs, making these cases among the most complex in product liability law.

An experienced product defect attorney knows how to counter the typical defenses manufacturers raise in these lawsuits. It’s important to choose a lawyer who has experience in automotive defect claims and has the resources to face global auto manufacturers.

Act now for best results

Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those injured by defective products. Call us or fill out our contact form today to discuss your case.