Accidents Related to Defective Parts in Motorcycle

In January 2009, Yamaha recalled more than 53,800 motorcycles found to have faulty rear shock absorber. While only one person has sustained minor injuries, the company decided to announce a massive recall to avoid injuries and potential lawsuits.

Yamaha TW200, which was shipped between 1987 and 2001, is one of the biggest motorcycle recalls by the Japanese company.

Just after five months of Yahama’s announcement, Honda also recalled nearly 13,000 CBR1000RR motorcycle models with a defective cooling system which may leak and spray on the rider’s leg, causing blisters to the skin.

According to Honda, some riders sustained minor injuries after the coolant hose broke because of continuous vibration especially when the motorcycle was traveling at a high speed.

The company said consumers should return the defective motorcycles to dealers who will then install a new coolant hose free of charge.

The Importance of Product Recalls

Product recalls are important public announcements to warn consumers about defective motorcycle parts which may cause accidents and injuries. According to Los Angeles lawyers, such announcements can save millions of lives and properties.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) usually announces recalls. However, some companies are responsible to enough to warn the public about its defective product.

When making an announcement, it is important for NHTSA or manufacturers to give the public complete details about the recall, which include:

• The motorcycle part which has a defect and the company’s non-compliance with the federal safety standard


• The involved motorcycle models


• The exact date of recalls


• Remedies the company will provide to affected consumers

According to federal law, it is the responsibility of manufacturers to provide consumers remedies free of charge. To make sure that defective parts and flawed designs are corrected, NHTSA constantly monitors each recall.

Every month, NHTSA also releases a list of motorcycle recalls in the US and provides a short description about the safety announcement. Also, consumers can call the department’s hotline to ask about the latest recalls or report defective motorcycle parts.

Legal Consequences for Manufacturers

Under the federal law, manufacturers have the obligation to ensure that the products they provide are safe and free from any defect and flawed designs. Failing to meet this obligation will make them liable for any injuries their product will cause to consumers.

Manufacturers are usually forced to announce recalls, even if the decision will cost them a lot of money, to avoid much costlier lawsuits.

Meanwhile, victims of defective motorcycle parts can file claims to the manufacturers as long as they can prove that their injuries are caused by the unsafe or substandard products.

To make sure the victims will have a strong case, it is important to secure the defective part which must not be tampered. According to lawyers, this evidence is very helpful for a lawsuit seeking claims and damages.