There are many consumer product defects to consider, but one of the most common issues faced by consumers is safety recalls of vehicles (including motorcycles). Recalls are usually initiated by the NHTSA or by the motorcycle’s manufacturer, in response to a defect detected in a vehicle or one of its parts. It is important for consumers to click here to hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Tacoma and to understand the recall process.
The NHTSA and Motorcycle Makers’ Duties
Whether a safety recall is ordered by NHTSA or by the manufacturer, a public report must be filed, containing the following information:
* A listing of the defect, or the vehicle’s noncompliance with federal vehicle safety standards
* The affected motorcycle models
* The events resulting in the need for a recall
* A description of a solution
* A timeline for the recall
Motorcycle makers have an obligation to notify owners of affected vehicles or equipment. For recalls, this requires the manufacturer to combine their records with those on file with state DMVs. For recalls involving equipment, where state records don’t exist, motorcycle manufacturers are legally obligated to notify their supply chains and those who’ve bought the affected equipment.
Federal Recall Laws
According to federal law, motorcycle manufacturers must fix any safety issues that are serious enough to warrant a recall at no cost to the consumer. The NHTSA closely monitors recalls to ensure that manufacturers provide owners with safe, effective and no-cost solutions, and they also release a list of recalls each month. A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Tacoma can tell clients more about their rights under federal recall laws.
The NHTSA notifies the public of recalls to warn them of safety issues, encouraging riders to take action by hiring Sadler Ladenburg in Tacoma. However, they encourage owners to wait until they’re notified before contacting the motorcycle dealer to schedule repair work. Sometimes, not all bikes of a particular make or model are subject to a recall, and in other cases, the manufacturer hasn’t yet gotten the parts necessary to fix the defect.
Motorcycle riders can get current recall information by calling the NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236, or by visiting nhtsa.gov. If a rider is hurt in an accident caused by a safety defect that should have warranted a recall, they should call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Tacoma as soon as possible. Visit here for more information.
