An important part of safe motorcycling in Tacoma is riding a bike that functions properly and that is free of dangerous defects. Motorcycle defects like braking and steering problems can increase the risk of a motorcycle accident. Honda, one of the world's largest manufacturers of motorcycles, recently announced a recall of more than 100,000 bikes.
This is the second time the company is recalling the GL 1800 motorcycles. The new Honda motorcycle recall involves more than 126,000 motorcycles from the series. According to Honda, the problem involves a fire risk because of problems with the rear brake. Bikes from model years 2001 to 2010 and 2012 are included in the recall.
The Previous Honda Motorcycle Recall
The initial recall was triggered in December 2011. According to Honda, that recall came after at least 26 complaints of braking problems and two separate fires on motorcycles. However, that recall was not successful, and motorcycle owners reported to Honda that the problem continued to persist.
In 2013, the company received at least four more reports of motorcycle fires, although it says that there have been no reports of any injuries or accidents related to the problem. The problem also causes dragging brakes, and the company has confirmed that it has received 533 complaints from motorcycle owners about dragging brakes on these vehicles.
According to Honda, the problem is linked to a defect in the secondary master cylinder, which can cause a dragging of the rear brake, which may create enough heat to cause a fire.
What to Do If Affected by Current Honda Motorcycle Recall
The company will soon begin the process of informing all motorcycle owners about the problem. The company will also ask motorcyclists to take the vehicles to a dealer for inspection, and will schedule repairs and replacements of the defective parts. If you own one of these motorcycles, contact the company for further instructions about what you should do.
Accident Claims Involving a Defective Motorcycle
The Honda motorcycle recall is not an isolated event, as many manufacturers have, over the years, issued recalls for motorcycles, parts, and tires. Millions of motorcyclists ride their bikes every day, and the majority of those motorcycles are defect-free. However, when there is a defect in the motorcycle, the risk of an accident that could injure or even kill the motorcyclist, is high.
If a defective motorcycle caused your accident, then you can base your claim on either of the two factors mentioned below.
- A claim based on defective components of the motorcycle
- A claim based on poor motorcycle design
A claim involving a defective motorcycle can include the motorcycle manufacturer, the supplier of the defective parts, and distributors of the motorcycle. Sometimes, a motorcycle manufacturer will announce a recall of the defective parts or defective motorcycles, such as in the case of this current Honda motorcycle recall. But in some cases a rider may suffer an accident before the company learns of the defect or before the rider gets word of the recall.
These claims may require investigations of the damage to the motorcycle, forensic analysis, and the reconstruction of the sequence of events leading up to the accident.
Victims who suffered injuries in motorcycle accidents can claim damages that include the following.
- Medical costs
- Disability
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages
Punitive damages are awarded in cases in which a court finds that the defendant's negligence was excessive or extreme.
Speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer in the Tacoma area about filing a claim for compensation if you suffered an injury riding a defective bike. Call 425-399-7000 to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer at Max Meyers Law PLLC, or fill out the online evaluation form to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney.
