RECALL
OF 792,000 FORD F-150'S, LINCOLN
NAVIGATORS, & FORD EXPEDITIONS
The
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration ("NHTSA")
has launched an investigation
after 36 reports of engine fires
that may be related to a cruise-control
deactivation switch. Nearly all
of the fires have occurred while
the vehicles were parked and
the engine turned off.
According
to NHTSA, the switch is located
in the engine compartment directly
beneath the brake fluid reservoir,
which is made of plastic. When
the switch malfunctions, it becomes
extremely hot and melts the brake
fluid reservoir. The brake fluid,
a flammable fluid, then drips
on the switch causing a fire.
The
manufacturer of the switch, Texas
Instruments Inc., has lost more
than $2 million in lawsuits involving
the switch it made for Ford Motor
Co. that allegedly caused underhood
fires resulting in damage to
vehicles, homes, and even personal
injuries.
These
lawsuits were originally brought
due to fires resulting from switches
in 1992 and 1993 models of Lincoln
Town Car, Ford Crown Victoria
and Mercury Grand Marquis. In
fact, in May of 1999, Ford recalled
262,695 of those vehicles, warning
that a "defective" switch
could short-circuit, possibly
causing smoke of fire.
However,
recent investigations reveal
that F-150's, Navigators, and
Expeditions have experienced
fires that may be related to
the switch malfunctioning. These
fires have destroyed vehicles,
burned down homes, and have even
caused death.
The
firm is currently handling several
similar Ford fire cases in which
homes or businesses were destroyed
in addition to the loss of the
vehicle. If you, a family member
or friend has experienced a fire
in any of the above-mentioned
Ford vehicles, please call our
firm immediately.
Our
firm has successfully represented
personal injury cases from the
most basic to the extremely complex,
due in large part to the expertise
of our in-house staff.
Our
medical team includes a Registered
Nurse with a bachelors degree
and many years of hospital experience,
and a Medical Coordinator to
thoroughly
review our client's medical history
and perform in depth medical
research; thereby assuring "every stone
is turned" and all facts disclosed.
Chip
Houssiere specializes in complex
legal cases pertaining to scientific
law; such as products liability,
medical malpractice, mass torts
and aviation law. After obtaining
a degree in physics and math
at the University of Texas,
Chip worked in cardiovascular
research
and obtained a pilots license.
Soon, he added a law degree
and began practicing law, using
his
scientific knowledge, ranging
from medicine to engineering.
He
believes brilliance is achieved
only through total dedication
to practicing quality law, a
desire that is highly valued
at HD&H.
Chip
Houssiere has attained the highest
AV rating by Martindale-Hubble.
He is double board certified
in personal injury trial law
by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
and civil trial law by the National
Board of Trial Advocacy.
Chip
Houssiere has served as a director
of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association
for more than 20 years. He is
a nationally recognized speaker
and author, and is licensed in
all courts, federal and state,
in Texas and Colorado.
Chip
Houssiere portrays the characteristics
of honesty and fairness, caring
deeply for his clients and succeeding
on their behalf.
Specialty:
Board certified in personal injury
trial law by the Texas Board
of Legal Specialization and civil
trial law by NBTA
Education:
University of Texas, B.S.; South
Texas College of Law, J.D.
Houssiere
Durant and Houssiere, LLP is
AV rated by Martin Dale Hubbell
