Harley-Davidson Recall Sparks Concerns: Find Out If Your Motorcycle is Safe

Harley-Davidson has issued a recall for over 41,600 motorcycles. The reported problems can potentially cause a short circuit that can lead to the loss of propulsion and power. According to the notice, this issue can increase the risk of a crash.

Harley owners need to check to find out if their motorcycle is included in the recall. If so, there are steps to take to fix the bike and get back on the road.

Details on the Harley defect and impacted models

The recall applies to 2024 FLHX, FLHXSE, FLTRX, FLTRXSE and FLTRXSTSE models. A voltage regulator output wire in those bikes may rub against the crankcase. This flaw can cause a short circuit, leading to a loss of power and propulsion with no warning. While there are reports of this issue, the recall states that there have not been any crashes or injuries related to the defect.

Harley-Davidson is offering to perform repairs on the impacted motorcycles at no cost to the owners, and you can schedule those repairs at an authorized dealership. Completing all related repairs should take between 20 and 70 minutes. You should have received a letter notifying you of the recall. However, if you did not receive or cannot find the letter, there is a copy on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

What if the defect causes a crash

If a defective product causes injuries, victims may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim. Product liability law in Florida does not even require that the manufacturer or seller behave negligently. The state applies “strict liability” to product liability claims, meaning that if the product is defective and caused harm, the manufacturer is liable.

A successful product liability claim must show that:

1. The product was defective
2. The defect made the product unreasonably dangerous
3. The injured person was using the product as intended
4. The defect led to the injury

Defects come in different forms. The defect might be related to the design, manufacturing, or a failure to warn.

Although Florida’s strict liability policy makes filing a product liability claim easier, the state can also reduce damages for the injury victim if they behaved negligently. Such might be the case if the injured person was reckless in their use of the product, and the defect and their behavior combined to cause the accident. In such instances, it’s important to have an attorney who can make the strongest case possible that the main cause of the injuries was the defect, not the victim’s behavior.

Can a motorcycle recall impact my ability to file a claim?

A recall can play a role in resulting product liability claims. If you sustained injuries because the flaws that led to this Harley recall caused you to crash, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the recall does not shield Harley from liability. While issuing a warning was the responsible action for the company to take, they can still be liable for the defect even after the recall notice.

Second, the recall may help prove that the motorcycle was defective. The company would not recall tens of thousands of motorcycles if not for a dangerous defect.

In a situation where the company failed to promptly issue a recall, they could face even more liability for the defect and their failure to act. On the other hand, if, as an owner of a recalled motorcycle, you neglect to have the dealership perform repairs, this could lead to the court assigning you some of the fault and reducing your damages.

What can I recover by filing a claim?

If you suffered injuries because of a defective Harley-Davidson motorcycle or any other product, you can file a claim for damages. A successful claim will allow you to recover for your losses, which means you can collect:

• Medical costs and rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages (including past and future wages)
• Compensation for your limited earning capacity related to the injuries
• Pain and suffering damages that compensate for your mental and physical pain
• Compensation for scarring or disfigurement
• Compensation for your loss of the enjoyment of life’s pleasures

In general, the amount you can collect will depend on how seriously you were injured. More severe injuries tend to lead to higher recovery, although other factors can impact the total amount.

Contact Hickey Law Firm for a consultation

At Hickey Law Firm, our team of dedicated attorneys is small enough to care about your individual case but large enough to handle even the most devastating injury claims. We can work with your doctors and experts to determine the true value of your losses – including the care you may need long into the future because of your injuries. And you pay nothing unless we win. Call us today or fill out our form for a free consultation.

Hickey Law Firm specializes in “life changing injuries”®. Call today. Call now. 800.215.7117

Best Lawyers in America has recognized John H. (Jack) Hickey in three areas: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Admiralty and Maritime Law, and Medical Malpractice – Plaintiffs. Hickey holds Board Certification in Civil Trial Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is also Dual Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial and Admiralty and Maritime Law. Jack is a past Chair of the Motor Vehicle and Premises Liability Section of AAJ. Jack frequently lectures other trial lawyers around the country on trial technique and case and trial preparation.