Litigation

More coverage on vehicle safety preemption issues

By Carter Wood

Two stories in a single day about preemption? Remarkable! First we had a column in The Examiner (see post below) and now a thorough piece from Dow-Jones, "Auto Makers Fight US Measure That Could Lead To More Civil Lawsuits," writing about the anti-preemption amendment added by Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA):

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- A U.S. congressional proposal backed by consumer advocates and plaintiffs' lawyers could make it easier for Americans to sue auto makers over vehicle defects.

The story notes Braley's career as a trial lawyer who sued over safety issues.

As for the Senate version of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, S. 3302, it passed out of the Commerce Committee on unanimous consent following perhaps two minutes worth of discussion. Chairman Jay Rockefeller's opening statement is here. There was a brief note of the Sen. Kerry's amendment to require "quiet vehicles" -- e.g., hybrids and electric cars -- to make a noise so blind people and others will be aware of their presence.

But that's just a minor addition, an aftermarket parts, as it were.

Full post as published by Point of Law on June 09, 2010 (boomark / email).