River Region Times

In a recent legislative move, Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02) and Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02) have introduced the Auto Bailout Accident Victims Recovery Act in Washington, D.C. This act seeks to waive the statute of limitations for cases against the government that are related to the General Motors bailout and were filed on or before July 9, 2015.

The backdrop to this legislation is the recall of more than 5.8 million vehicles by General Motors in 2014 due to manufacturing defects that resulted in injuries and deaths. However, a court case ruled that the right to collect damages from accidents occurring before the 2009 auto bailout was relinquished, as the government bailout protected them from liability.

Congressman Moore voiced his support for the victims of these manufacturing defects, stating, "The victims of General Motors' manufacturing defects should not have to go without compensation just because the government decided to pick winners and losers." He further emphasized that this legislation would ensure families who have been waiting for nearly a decade finally receive their deserved compensation.

Adding his voice to this bipartisan initiative, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) stated, “The AVRA corrects a longstanding injustice inflicted upon hundreds of accident victims across the nation during the 2009 Auto Bailout. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation which is a vital step to restore faith in our system by rectifying the decision that denied accident victims their rightful claims during a time of national crisis, reinforcing the principles of fairness and justice for everyone.”