According to ConsumerReports.org, the electric Chevrolet Volt sustained several crash tests with flying colors back in June and was rated pretty strongly by government standards. The Volt received an overall vehicle rating of 5, which consisted of a 4 rating for overall frontal crash and a score of 5 for both rollover and overall side crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety even claimed the vehicle as its Top Safety Pick Award.
But if you own a Volt, you may be concerned about recent headlines associated with the vehicle. More than one fire has ignited from the lithium ion batteries used in the vehicle, potentially putting this Chevy model at considerable risk of future fire-related car accidents in New York and throughout the country.
Manhattan defective car accident attorneys understand that most consumers rely on crash ratings to help them determine which car to purchase. It is a little disconcerting when you find out that the vehicle you are driving has a defective part and could put you in considerable danger if you become trapped following a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently announced they have not put a recall on Chevy Volts, but they are conducting an investigation to get to the source of the safety defect problem.
The problem with the defective battery was detected following the side-impact crash test at a Wisconsin NHTSA testing site in May. Roughly three weeks after the vehicle was tested, the car caught fire. It turns out the vehicle’s battery was damaged during the crash test and the coolant line was ruptured. Researchers concluded that the damage to the lithium-ion battery pack is what caused the fire to ignite. Since then, the agency has made efforts to gather more information from the Department of Energy, Department of Defense and General Motors about potential fire hazards in electric vehicles following a crash that contain lithium-ion batteries as a power source.
The NHTSA continues to support that electric vehicles have tremendous value in creating more jobs, showing long-term savings for consumers at the pump, and that these vehicles promote a safer environment for everyone.
Vehicle owners, first responders and tow truck operators are advised to take the following into account when responding to a crash involving an electric vehicle:
-Crash victims should exit the vehicle only if it is safe to do so. Wait for help to arrive if you are physically unable to get out of the vehicle.
-Anyone responding to the scene of an accident should first look to see if there are any indicators that the vehicle involved is powered by electric and exercise caution when it you determine that it is.
-Tow truck operators should proceed with caution when hauling the vehicle away and make sure it is stored outside, in an open area with no other vehicles in close proximity. Vehicle owners should not drive or have the vehicle towed to an enclosed garage.
If you own a Chevrolet Volt and have concerns about your vehicle, contact your local dealer to get more information.
If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a car accident caused by a defective vehicle or car part, contact the New York City car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC for a free consultation to discuss your rights. Consumers have the right to be protected from unsafe vehicles so call 1-877-313-7673 to speak with an attorney today.
Additional Resources:
Chevrolet Volt earns strong ratings in government crash tests, posted on ConsumerReports.org.
More Blog Entries:
Pedro Luis Sosa, Amateur Boxing Champ, Seriously Injured After New York Car Accident, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, November 10, 2011.
SUVs Increase Safety for Drivers in New York Car Accidents, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, June 15, 2011.
