by A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in Ohio after a 69-year-old man was killed in a head-on collision involving a rental Dodge Charger with dangerously worn tires.
The victim’s family claims the vehicle was unfit for winter driving conditions, and they are seeking justice from the rental company, the driver, and his employer.
What Happened
On January 18, 2025, Robert “Bob” Bilbrey died following a car crash on State Route 18 in Lorain County, Ohio.
The crash occurred during a winter storm when a 2023 Dodge Charger, driven by 26-year-old Jules Toussaint of Michigan, lost control and collided head-on with Bilbrey’s vehicle.
Toussaint was driving the Charger for work, having rented it through Avis Budget Rental on behalf of his employer, Hutchinson Inc.
Key Details
- The Dodge Charger had “little to no tread” on its tires, according to a federal lawsuit filed in April.
- Road conditions on the day of the crash were wet with slush, contributing to the loss of vehicle control.
- The suit claims the tires were below the legal tread depth limit, making the vehicle unsafe for winter roads.
- Bilbrey’s 2005 Toyota Corolla was struck head-on. Emergency responders had to extract him from the vehicle.
- Toussaint suffered only minor injuries.
Reactions or Statements
A spokesperson for Avis stated:
“We were deeply saddened by this incident, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family affected. We are unable to provide further comment due to pending litigation.”
The Bilbrey family’s legal team has not issued a public statement at this time.
Investigation or What’s Next
Toussaint has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter and is expected to plead guilty in Oberlin Municipal Court.
The lawsuit alleges:
- Negligence on the part of Avis and Hutchinson for failing to ensure the vehicle was safe.
- Vicarious liability against Hutchinson for Toussaint’s actions.
- A claim against Cincinnati Insurance Company for underinsured motorist coverage.
The family is seeking $75,000 in compensatory and punitive damages, along with legal fees and court costs.
FAQs
Who was Robert Bilbrey?
Robert “Bob” Bilbrey was a 69-year-old resident of Ohio who died in a head-on collision on January 18, 2025.
What caused the accident?
The Dodge Charger driven by Jules Toussaint lost control due to extremely worn tires during winter weather conditions.
Who is being sued?
The lawsuit names Jules Toussaint, Hutchinson Inc., Avis Budget Rental, and Cincinnati Insurance Company as defendants.
What are the allegations?
The suit claims negligence, reckless driving, and failure to maintain a vehicle in safe operating condition.
What are the victims seeking?
Bilbrey’s family is seeking $75,000 in damages, plus attorneys’ fees and other expenses.
Summary / Final Takeaway
A tragic winter crash in Ohio has sparked a major lawsuit involving a rental vehicle with dangerously worn tires.
The victim’s family claims the death of Robert Bilbrey could have been avoided if proper vehicle safety checks had been in place.
As legal proceedings move forward, the case raises serious concerns about vehicle maintenance and corporate accountability in car rentals.
