It’s not often than an automobile safety issue can become a political talking point in the battle between Democrats and Republicans, but here we are.
Republicans have recently taken to questioning the government under the Obama administration over whether or not they have a conflict of interest in investigating battery fires in General Motors’s Chevy Volt. The government, you see, owns 26.5% of the company’s shares.
For their part, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims that they did not give the company a free pass.
The argument stems from an incident in June in which a test car caught fire weeks after a side-impact test. Two other safety tests also created fires. An investigation was launched on November 25, and last week, the government stated that the electric Volt did not pose a greater fire risk than gasoline-fueled counterparts. Republicans are condemning the delay between the initial fire and the investigation announcement, a delay they say was used to broker new mileage standards.
As a car accident attorney in Fresno, I hate to see matters of safety being used as a tool for a political cause. I like to think that safety is paramount to anyone in a position of power, and I hope that societal welfare is never put at risk for the sake of politics. I’m a Fresno car accident lawyer, and I think those in power need to learn to put politics aside to further the common good.
According to news sources, the Chevrolet Volt still continues to receive the Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety despite continued concerns surrounding the vehicles batteries catching fire in the midst of serious collisions.
The announcement comes as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues its investigation regarding the faulty batteries after reports first surfaced that the vehicles battery caught on fire after a serious collision. The battery fires that did occur have reportedly usually taken place several days after the crash.
The IIHS has said that should a recall of the vehicle model take place that those fixed by recall repairs will continue to receive the high safety marks. The IIHS reportedly does not think that any change in the safety ranking should take place since there were no incidents that arose during tests of the batteries and that the area that holds the batteries is contained.
As a personal injury attorney Los Angeles, I find this information beneficial to motorists and pedestrians alike. If you or a loved one has been injured through the use of a defective product, speak with a personal injury lawyer in your city to learn about the legal options available to you. I advise you never to leave the scene of an accident. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident, I urge you to contact car accident attorney Los Angeles to help you understand the best legal proceedings for your situation.
