Motorcycle defects and recalls in Columbia, MO, could result in life-changing injuries for bikers. If you or a loved one were hurt in a motorcycle accident, call the competent attorneys at AW Smith Law today for a free consultation. Our compassionate, diligent motorcycle wreck lawyers have plenty of experience in this area of law, and we will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Most individuals buying a new motorcycle assume it will be in excellent working order. However, manufacturing errors or design problems may cause dangerous mechanical issues that put Columbia motorcycle riders and the general public at significant risk.
Mechanical defects are discovered in several ways. The manufacturer (Harley Davidson, Kawasaki, Honda, etc.) may get reports directly from end-users that their bike is malfunctioning. End-users can also complain at the dealership, who forward complaints to the manufacturer.
Sometimes, manufacturers discover defects in-house during the manufacturing or quality control phase. In the worst cases, a defect causes many serious traffic injuries or fatalities to innocent people.
When a bike is recalled for a mechanical defect in Columbia, the manufacturer notifies the dealerships and owners by mail, sometimes several times. The manufacturer accesses mailing addresses through their records and those of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
This “recall letter” explains the nature of the defect and encourages the motorcycle owner to return to a dealership for a free repair. The manufacturer or dealership may also contact owners by phone or email.
While a manufacturer will mail a recall letter regarding a defective motorcycle, the end-user might not receive the information.
This is especially true if an owner moves residences, travels out of town, or is away on active duty in the military. This puts the motorcycle owner, their passengers, and the surrounding community at risk of property damage and injury.
A safety recall is initiated when a mechanical defect or defective part concerns a bike’s brakes, chains, rear wheels, or toe clips. Other recalls can happen when defects relate to handlebars, hand grips, lighting, wiring, and so on.
Consumers can always visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and enter their vehicle information to check for recalls.
Bike wrecks can lead to painful, debilitating, life-altering injuries for riders, passengers, and nearby pedestrians. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue damage are all common after a bike wreck, as are skin injuries and scarring. Motorcycle accident victims should immediately contact a skilled attorney for legal counsel.
After a Columbia motorcycle accident involving a recalled vehicle or defect, it is common for victims to be approached by the vehicle manufacturer’s insurance company representative. This representative may offer a settlement check, and it is likely worth far less than the victim’s injuries.
Do not accept the initial settlement offered by an insurer. Instead, call a motorcycle accident attorney.
If you were involved in an accident involving motorcycle defects and recalls in Columbia, MO, call the skilled lawyers at AW Smith Law. We have plenty of experience in this area and could help you win the compensation you deserve from insurance companies and motorcycle manufacturers alike. Contact us today to book a complimentary consultation and get started.
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