The family of Jacqueline and Raechel Houck, sisters who were killed in a car accident after their rental Chrysler PT Cruiser went out of control and crashed, is heading an effort to require Enterprise Rent-a-Car to not rent out recalled vehicles that have not been repaired. According to a news report in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the women, both in their 20s, were in a car, which had been recalled for defective power steering hoses that can break and pose and fire hazard.
The accident involving the Houcks was caused by a vehicle fire, which sent the vehicle out of control. The car was rented from Enterprise. The family recently received a $15-million jury verdict in their wrongful death lawsuit against Enterprise, which eventually admitted full liability.
Parents Fight for Auto Safety
Jacqueline and Raechel's parents -- Chuck and Carol Houck -- have not faded away into oblivion after their lawsuit. Now, they have teamed up with the Center for Auto Safety and Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety and have petitioned the Federal Trade Commission to ban Enterprise for renting vehicles, which have been recalled, but not yet repaired. Documents that surfaced during the wrongful death lawsuit clearly showed that the rental company still did not have policies in place to make sure that renters did not get these vehicles, which had been recalled for various auto product defects.
Company officials have only said that they have "tightened up procedures," but that still leaves some renters open to the risk of getting a recalled vehicle that could put them in danger on the road. Enterprise officials have said that they still do not ground vehicles when manufacturers don't suggest it, but instead ask owners to contact their local dealers to schedule a service appointment. In the Houcks' case, Chrysler did not recommend grounding the recalled PT Cruisers.
Drawing Attention to a Critical Issue
I commend Carol and Chuck Houck for their noble efforts. They did not go away after getting a sizeable settlement. It seems to me that their wrongful death lawsuit against Enterprise was never about money. It was about drawing attention to a critical issue, which is still affecting thousands of consumers who are renting vehicles from Enterprise and very likely, other rental companies.
It is unconscionable for these companies to keep vehicles in their fleet, knowing fully vehicle that the pose the risk of injury or death to customers. I wish the Houcks the very best in their endeavors to make this world a safer place for all of us. They have truly channeled what was a terrible tragedy in their own lives into something positive.
Have you ever rented a recalled vehicle from Enterprise, but didn't know about it at the time?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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