New details continue to emerge about the devastating January 19 crash in San Francisco’s SoMa district that claimed the life of 27-year-old Mikhael “Misha” Romanenko and his dog, Keeper, while injuring seven others. According to investigators and witness accounts, a black Tesla Model Y exited Interstate 280 at Sixth Street, sideswiped multiple vehicles, and then barreled through red lights at nearly 90 mph before slamming into a stopped Lexus. This high-impact collision triggered a chain reaction that damaged seven cars and forever changed the lives of those involved. Tragedies like this are why many victims turn to a Ventura, CA car accident lawyer when high-tech vehicle crashes raise questions of fault and accountability.
The driver, 66-year-old Jia Lin Zheng, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, felony vandalism, and reckless driving. Despite the arrest, he was later released and returned to his home in Hawaii. Reports indicate that a person matching Zheng’s name has had nearly 20 past traffic violations, including speeding and red-light infractions. While the San Francisco District Attorney’s office hasn’t confirmed whether those past records are connected, victim Linh Luu, Romanenko’s critically injured partner, believes the history is relevant and deeply troubling.
Complicating matters further, Zheng has since claimed the Tesla accelerated on its own, a claim that has reawakened growing concerns over “sudden unintended acceleration” (SUA) in Tesla vehicles. While the company maintains that data from every SUA incident has shown pedal misapplication, critics and over 270 post-2021 complaints disagree. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet confirmed new investigations, but prior reviews in 2021 found no defects. Tesla’s internal logs often show full pressure on the accelerator at the time of impact.
Still, a recent settlement in Ohio involving another SUA-related fatality suggests Tesla may be rethinking its long-held strategy of denying fault. In the SoMa case, Romanenko’s family has already filed a wrongful death lawsuit not only against Zheng but also against his son and daughter-in-law, alleging they negligently entrusted a high-powered vehicle to a reckless driver. The vehicle, they say, was registered under the son’s name. The case could set a significant legal precedent.
Where Personal Injury Law Meets Emerging Technology
Our team of professionals with Cohen Injury Law Group knows that car accident cases involving autonomous systems or electric vehicles demand more than just routine analysis. These situations involve cutting-edge tech, difficult liability questions, and often tragic human consequences. It’s no longer just about driver error, it’s about software behavior, sensor malfunctions, vehicle logs, and digital black boxes.
In situations like this, victims need attorneys who understand both traditional personal injury litigation and the ever-evolving world of product liability. Our team has worked on cases involving not only crashes and wrongful death, but also defective products, autonomous systems, and high-stakes insurance battles. These cases require time, resources, and a legal team that refuses to back down.
Our Experience Managing High-Stakes Injury Claims
Led by Attorney Cohen, our firm brings more than three decades of experience to every injury case. He is the founder as well as the managing partner and has handled thousands of claims, including car, motorcycle, and truck accidents, civil rights cases, medical malpractice, construction injuries, and dangerous product claims.
Attorney Cohen earned his law degree cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law and his undergraduate degree with distinction from the University of Michigan. Over the years, his legal insight has been featured in numerous national media outlets, and his reputation for thorough, compassionate representation continues to grow.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
If you or someone you love has been harmed in a serious crash, especially one involving suspected vehicle malfunction, you don’t have to manage this alone. At Cohen Injury Law Group, P.C., we’re ready to help investigate your case, identify all liable parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to fight for your future, one step at a time.