Defective motorcycles pose a significant risk to you and others on the road, and companies have a responsibility to notify you if they find out many people are experiencing the same type of issue. When you run into a problem with your chopper—such as a cracked or warped frame or poorly made tires—it is important for you to report this to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Association (NHTSA) so they can log it and, if necessary, investigate it. When you sustain a cracked rib, concussion, internal organ damage, or any other type of injury because of a mistake made by the manufacturer, you may be able to sue them in court.
The team at Perenich Law Injury Attorneys understands firsthand what kinds of irreparable harm motorcycle defects and recalls in Clearwater can have on an individual, their family, and their community. We could help you determine if there is a flaw in the way your hog was designed, made, or distributed (e.g., without proper warnings or instructions) and if it was the cause of a collision you were in. Our dedicated motorcycle collision attorneys would be happy to explain your legal rights and answer any questions you might have about the legal process.
Common Types of Motorcycle Defects
Because so many physical and operational parts go into creating a motorcycle, there are, unfortunately, many places where an issue may go unnoticed. Flaws may fall into one or more categories, such as an issue with the component’s design, how it was built, or how consumers are warned about how to use it.
For example, a poorly designed body frame may put a motorbike at higher risk of cracks leading to collisions or injuries. Likewise, a tire manufacturer may cut corners during the production process and opt for cheap, unreliable materials that fall apart during normal use. Additionally, improper instructions or warnings about how to operate the motorcycle safely—such as weight limits or higher than-normal risks of tipping—may lead unsuspecting drivers to get into crashes they could have avoided if they had the correct information.
When you have concerns about whether your vehicle is safe or part of a recall, a Clearwater attorney could help you by, for example, using your VIN to look up defects and recalls that may impact you. By taking proactive measures to protect yourself and others, you limit the chance of someone experiencing serious harm.
How Do I Find Out if My Motorcycle Has a Recall?
When a company or the government learns that multiple consumers are having the same issue with a vehicle, they should perform a thorough investigation to determine the severity and reason. If enough people are experiencing the problem—such as a tire that bursts without warning or properly installed brakes that do not work—they may notify the public and publish a recall or warning. The NHTSA publishes these recalls on its website, which also gives information about possible warnings and instructions for how to address the safety hazard.
Likewise, the manufacturer or other responsible party may send notices to the individuals whose Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) are impacted by the recall. If your motorcycle is part of this, you can follow the repair instructions listed online or in the notice you received. You should not have to pay anything for the manufacturer-provided maintenance as long as you follow what is on the informational sheets.
Our Clearwater lawyers could help you understand the steps to take to find out if your motorcycle is part of a recall campaign because of a known defect. We could also assist you in seeking compensation if you experienced harm—financially or physically—due to a problem caused by the manufacturer.
If My Motorcycle Has a Defect, What Should I Do?
If part of your motorcycle is defective, report this information to the NHTSA by using their online contact forms or calling the number listed on their website. Reporting the issue to the NHTSA serves several purposes: First, it makes sure they have the information needed to investigate the underlying cause of the defect to your specific vehicle. Additionally, it allows the NHTSA to track these types of issues—defective parts or motorcycles—and, if necessary, initiate the process of issuing a recall if many others experience the same kind of problem.
You may also want to notify the dealership that sold the motorbike to you or the person you bought it from so they have a record of the defect. Depending on the situation, you may receive a new part or motorcycle, and the manufacturer may have to cover the cost. In some cases, you may receive a cash settlement in lieu of a repair or replacement.
Manufacturers, dealerships, and others have their own interests at heart, and even though the NHTSA serves the people—rather than the companies—they may not be able to provide individualized legal help and assistance to everyone who calls their office. Because of this, when you are experiencing an issue because of a recalled or defective motorcycle, you may greatly benefit from speaking with an attorney in Clearwater. Our legal professionals could take steps to ensure your rights are identified and protected at all stages of the process, from the time you identify and report the issue to when you negotiate a fair deal with the manufacturer or dealership.
Contact Our Clearwater Team for Legal Help for a Defective or Recalled Motorcycle
Riding a vehicle when its parts have a defect puts you at an increased risk of getting hurt or killed while on the road, such as if your tire blows out and you lose your balance and fall onto the concrete while in motion. Getting the right information and repairs you need to make your bike road-ready and safe is critical to protect you and others from injury.
Call Perenich Law Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and discuss motorcycle defects and recalls in Clearwater. We take a uniquely personalized approach to delivering legal services to and collaborating with our clients so they feel supported and valued every step of the way.
