((a)) ** .—** In this chapter:
((1)) ** .—** The term “accident” includes damage to or destruction of vehicles in surface or air transportation or pipelines, regardless of whether the initiating event is accidental or otherwise.
((2)) ** .—** The term “State” means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
((b)) ** .—** and shall apply to this chapter.