Motorcycles are frequently the subject of recalls due to issues of design and manufacture (see www.nhtsa.gov for more details). Helmets, boots and other accessories have also been found to pose safety risks. Breit Drescher Imprevento & Walker helps riders and their families with all of these issues and we have successfully handled significant cases involving every manner of problem involving motorcycle design and manufacture, including the largest product liability case to ever be settled in Virginia.

That case involved the fuel system of a three wheeled parking enforcement vehicle, classified as a motorcycle under Virginia law,that was alleged to have a defective fuel cap. We have handled claims involving frame failures and Jeff Breit and Mike Imprevento are currently handling a case involving the catastrophic failure of a windscreen made of plexiglass which fractured while on the Interstate causing severe injuries to our client. Since precious little protects us as riders from the hazards of the road our motorcycles and protective gear as well as accessories need to be safe and we are here to help you.—Mike Imprevento*

*Mike Imprevento is Chair of the Motorcycle Products Liability Subgroup of AIEG- an organization of dedicated products liability attorneys in the U.S.

PRODUCT SAFETY ALERT

If your cruiser has a Plexiglass windshield, you should immediately check the mounting hardware to be sure there are proper support bushings and there are no cracks near the mounting brackets where hardware meets plastic. Plexiglass is, in our opinion, unsuitable for use as a windscreen because it is brittle and subject to craze cracking. These conditions may not always be obvious, and the impact on the safety of the product may not be known to the average rider. If you have any concerns, have your windscreen checked by a qualified technician. We believe that Lexan or Polycarbonate are safer materials for windscreens and more suitable. If you can upgrade, do so. The failure of a windshield at highway speeds can cause serious personal injury or even death from flying shards. Safety is critical, please check your screen today.