Personal Injury Blog

Safety of Rental Cars is Still a Concern

January 18th, 2012
safety of rental cars

Consumers should make sure that the cars they are renting are not included on any recall list.

Legislation aimed at requiring rental car companies to ground recalled automobiles has not fared as well as San Diego car accident lawyers had hoped.  Therefore, it falls on consumers to make sure that the rental automobile they are renting is not included in any recall list.

In California, Sen. Barbara Boxer has attempted to attach a provision requiring rental companies to remove rental cars from their fleet when they are recalled, to the annual National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s authorization.  However, those attempts have not been successful, and the amendment was withdrawn.  Similar such efforts in other parts of the country have also failed.  In Washington, separate legislation that required rental companies to remove recalled defective cars from their fleet until these are repaired, has also stalled.  The rental car industry has been quite successful in its efforts to make sure that these measures are not passed.

However, the safety of millions of Americans who drive rental cars every year is at stake here.  The focus on the safety of rental cars came after an accident involving 2 California sisters, who were killed when their car burst into flames and crashed.  The car, a Chrysler PT Cruiser had been recalled by Chrysler a few months before the accident, for potential steering and fire risks.  The car was not removed from the rental company fleet, and was rented out to the 2 women, who drove it, not aware that they were driving a defective machine.

The parents of the 2 women filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the rental car company and won.  However, for millions of Americans who rent vehicles every year, there are no guarantees that the car they’re driving is perfectly safe.

Los Angeles car accident attorneys would advise consumers to keep safety in mind when they rent cars.  Before you rent a car, make sure that the car has not been recalled.  The National Traffic Safety Administration maintains a website called safercar.gov, that allows consumers to search for recall information.  The recalls are categorized by year and model, and it shouldn’t be that difficult for you to find out whether the car you’re thinking of renting is on the recall list.

If the car has been recalled, then ask the company if repairs have been performed on the car.  The company must also have information about the specifics of the repairs that were performed.  If you’re not satisfied with the information that is provided by the rental car company, look another car.  At this point in time, there is no law that absolutely requires rental companies to repair recalled vehicles, before these are rented.

Posted by Robert Reeves at 5:16 pm: No comments

Leave a reply



Share This Page With A Friend
Find The Reeves Law Group On

FreeConsultation

24 Hours
EASY & CONFIDENTIAL CLICK HERE ›
SPEAK TO A LAWYER NOW
1-800-644-8000

Client Testimonials

  • "I would recommend The Reeves Law Group to my family and friends for attorney representation of any bodily injury claims they might have..."

    — C.O., Los Angeles

  • "I cannot thank this firm enough. The attorneys and support staff were caring, attentive and diligent at every step of the way and produced an outstanding result in the case."

    — M.N., Orange County

  • "I am very happy with $981,932.68 The Reeves Law Group obtained for me for injuries I suffered in an automobile accident. The legal representation provided by the Reeves staff was excellent..."

    — G.D., Ventura County

  • "I appreciate the level of excellence and compassion put forth in my case. This law firm made what was stressful in the beginning a non-stressful case in the end. Thank you!"

    — J.H., Riverside

  • "I was very happy with attorney Pakiz of your office, who worked very diligently and was very courteous with me. I would not hesitate to call on or recommend your office in the future."

    — T.M., Orange County

  • "I would refer The Reeves Law Group to friends and family."

    — J.K., San Diego County

  • "I found the attorneys to be compassionate for my needs and tenacious against the insurance company representatives, while working to achieve an outstanding settlement result."

    — F.H., Los Angeles County

  • "Dear Mr. Reeves: Your representation and guidance during the pendency of my injury case are very much appreciated..."

    — A.C., Santa Ana

  • "I received great service and am very happy with the way your firm handled my case."

    — J.F., Orange County

  • "Great job on the whole process. It was a fast process, and there was always someone for me to talk to."

    — D. H., Rialto

  • "We came to you from another law firm that didn't help. Your offices made us feel like we were your only clients. Thank you so much for the terrific service!"

    — R.L. and E.L., Orange County

  • "Great job - great damages recovery! Thank you Mr. Reeves and staff for quality legal representation and results in my personal injury case."

    — M.I., Riverside County

Helpful Links

Our Blog Over 3,000 Articles Daily articles on Personal injury news & analysis
Click Here ►
Our Guarantee If there is no recovery you don't pay a fee
Learn More ►
Video Library A helpful resource for your injury case
Click Here ►