Modern motorcycles are immensely complex machines made up of thousands of distinct components, and a fault or defect in even one of these components could result in the vehicle not running properly, not starting at all, or, in the worst cases, malfunctioning while someone is riding it at high speeds. Because of this risk, the companies that make and sell motorcycles have an extensive legal obligation to ensure their products work properly and are reasonably safe to use for their intended purpose when consumers buy them.
Nevertheless, motorcycle defects and recalls in Grand Junction are an unfortunately common cause of action for civil litigation, as they can result in life-altering or even life-threatening injuries. If you were injured by a defect in your motorcycle that you were not made properly aware of through a recall notice or any other means, you should strongly consider speaking with a seasoned motorcycle injury attorney from Veritas Injury Lawyers about filing suit.
How Do Recall Notices Affect Motorcycle Defect Claims?
Under product liability law, motorcycle manufacturers hold strict liability for injuries caused by defects in their product’s design, manufacturing, or marketing, the last of which entails a failure by the manufacturer to provide sufficient instructions to consumers about how to use the product safely. The vast majority of motorcycle defect lawsuits in Grand Junction and elsewhere revolve around either design problems or manufacturing errors, both of which are also common rationales for manufacturers to issue recall notices.
If you have received a recall notice regarding a serious defect in your motorcycle that includes, as required by federal law, instructions on how to get the issue repaired at no extra cost, you cannot file suit over any injury you suffer from that defect after that point. However, if you were injured by a defect before being properly notified of it, you may still have grounds for legal action, and a member of our team can help.
Holding the Right Parties Accountable for a Defective Motorcycle Injury
Most of the time, the party primarily at fault for an injury stemming from a motorcycle defect is the company that made and sold the faulty motorcycle or specific faulty component. However, some cases of this nature may involve multiple possible defendants, which could increase your options for seeking financial restitution.
For example, if you took your motorcycle to a Grand Junction repair shop to get a defect fixed after finding out about it through a recall notice, any ensuing injury caused by that defect might impose liability on the repair shop rather than the manufacturer. It is also possible for motorcycles to have been in safe condition when they left their manufacturer’s direct control and then become defective due to errors made during shipping, in which case a third-party transportation company might be at fault for ensuing injuries.
Contact a Grand Junction Attorney About Motorcycle Defects and Recalls
Product liability law works similarly to standard personal injury law, but there are a few key ways in which these two subsets of civil law differ. Understanding and navigating those differences can be vital when seeking fair civil recovery after being injured by a defective motorcycle, especially if the motorcycle’s manufacturer denies that their machine was defective.
Our team has years of experience helping injured people through situations like these, and we can work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you secure the best possible resolution in your unique claim. Contact us today to discuss legal options regarding motorcycle defects and recalls in Grand Junction.
