New York injury lawyers have been keeping a close eye on the recent current events involving a hybrid vehicle manufactured by General Motors Co. On more than one occasion, a Chevrolet Volt has caught fire after damage was made to the lithium-ion battery and coolant line following a crash test. Researchers have been investigating the dangers of the plug-in vehicles that could put car accident victims at risk of a fire hazard following a car accident in Manhattan, Queens or elsewhere.
Investigators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have been working with General Motors representatives to determine the safety issues that Chevy Volt owners could face.
According to CBS News, General Motors Co. has offered to buy back Chevy Volts from owners who fear their safety and could be in danger if the car catches fire following a crash. The automobile manufacturer wants to keep customers happy. Consumers who have purchased the vehicle appreciate the fact that it can travel roughly 40 miles before electric power runs out and the gasoline engine takes over. The hybrid vehicle can travel almost 380 miles on electric and gas, and has been highly rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over other hybrid models. The Chevy Volt hit the market nationwide in October, and GM plans to produce 60,000 of these vehicles starting in 2012.
Following a full investigation, there could be more than 6,000 Volts recalled in the U.S.. The cars will be pulled in for repair once safety regulators determine the specific cause of the fire hazard. In previous incidents, fires have ignited seven days to three weeks following a side-impact crash. Some investigators are speculating that spilled coolant is one possible cause of the fires. Other areas of concern are circuit boards and how the battery cells are packaged in the form of a T-shaped pack. GM officials feel there is no immediate threat to a driver involved in a crash because no real-world crashes have caught fire to date.
One thing we are certain of is that consumers should always put safety features first when determining what kind of vehicle to purchase. The federal government puts vehicles through rigorous testing to make sure they are equipped to handle the effects of crashes involving forward, side or rear impact. Though the Chevy Volt is a highly rated hybrid vehicle, there were side-impact crash tests that lead to detecting the fire hazard and potential danger for consumers purchasing this vehicle.
One resource that consumers may find helpful is safercar.gov. Consumers can compare vehicles side by side and determine the best fit for you or your family.
Buying a safer car has been made easier in recent years with an annually published brochure that provides information on a vehicle’s safety features, rollover and crash test results, and helps to determine which vehicles provide the most protection from injury or death when involved in a crash.
Vehicle shoppers should start the process by visiting the Frequently Asked Questions about 5-Star Safety Ratings. Understanding what each star rating means can help you determine which safety features are the most important to you.
The defective car accident attorneys at the Law Office of Nicholas Rose, PLLC are dedicated to helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve. For a free and confidential appointment with an experienced injury lawyer in Queens, Manhattan or the surrounding areas call 1-877-313-ROSE (7673) today.
Additional Resources:
GM willing to buy back Chevy Volts, by the Associated Press, posted in CBC News.
More Blog Entries:
Daylight Saving Time Change Increases Risk for Car-Pedestrian Accidents in New York, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, November 18, 2011.
