Published by Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
- Kawasaki Vulcan Recall Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Kawasaki Vulcan Recall Lawsuit Updates
- NHTSA Reports and Statistics
- Kawasaki Vulcan Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Kawasaki Vulcan Recall Lawsuit?
- Kawasaki Vulcan Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Kawasaki Vulcan Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What evidence is needed to support a claim in a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle recall lawsuit?
- 2. Can I settle a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle lawsuit out of court?
- 3. What should I look for in a lawyer to handle a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle recall lawsuit?
- 4. What specific models are included in the Kawasaki Vulcan recall?
- 5. Will my insurance cover damages related to a recalled Kawasaki Vulcan?
- 6. How do I know if my Kawasaki Vulcan is included in the recall?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References:
Kawasaki Vulcan Recall Lawsuit Overview
The Kawasaki Vulcan recall lawsuit centers on potentially dangerous defects in certain motorcycle models that can lead to engine stalling and crashes.
Primary allegations focus on two separate issues: an improperly set engine control unit in 2009-2010 models causing stalling when coasting with the clutch engaged, and ignition wires that may chafe against the fuel tank in 2009-2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager and 2011-2015 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero motorcycles.
Both defects can result in unexpected engine stalling, significantly increasing the risk of accidents and injuries to riders. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been involved in overseeing these Kawasaki Vulcan recalls.
Latest Kawasaki Vulcan Recall Lawsuit Updates
September 1, 2015
– Kawasaki announced a recall of certain model year 2009-2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager and 2011-2015 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero motorcycles manufactured from February 2, 2009, to March 20, 2015, due to an ignition wire that may chafe against the fuel tank, resulting in a short circuit and possible engine stall.
Kawasaki issued recall number MC15-10 and began notifying owners that dealers would install additional shielding and padding to prevent the ignition wire from shorting, with damaged wires being replaced free of charge.
October 22 (year unspecified) – A separate recall was announced for certain 2009-2010 Vulcan models due to an improper setting of the engine control unit that can cause these models to stall if the rider is coasting with the clutch pulled in.
The exact models and number of affected units were not specified by NHTSA at the time of the announcement.
NHTSA Reports and Statistics
While specific NHTSA statistics about the total number of incidents are not provided in the original content, relevant recall information includes:
- The ignition wire recall (MC15-10) affects Vulcan 1700 Voyager motorcycles from model years 2009-2015 and Vulcan 1700 Vaquero motorcycles from model years 2011-2015 [1]
- These affected motorcycles were manufactured over a six-year period from February 2, 2009, to March 20, 2015
- A separate recall affects certain 2009-2010 Vulcan models with improperly set engine control units
- Both recalls address issues that could cause unexpected engine stalling while riding, creating significant safety hazards
Kawasaki Vulcan Injuries & Side Effects
The defects identified in recalled Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycles pose serious safety risks that could lead to accidents and injuries.
- Crash-Related Injuries: Unexpected engine stalling while riding can cause loss of control, leading to crashes with potential for serious bodily injuries
- Electrical Fire Hazards: Ignition wires chafing against the fuel tank create short circuit risks that could potentially result in electrical fires
- High-Speed Accident Risks: Engine stalling at highway speeds poses particularly dangerous scenarios with increased risk of severe injuries
- Secondary Collision Injuries: When a motorcycle stalls unexpectedly, riders risk being struck by other vehicles, especially in traffic situations
Do You Qualify for a Kawasaki Vulcan Recall Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Kawasaki Vulcan recall lawsuit if:
- You own or owned a 2009-2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager or 2011-2015 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero motorcycle manufactured between February 2, 2009, and March 20, 2015
- You own or owned a 2009-2010 Vulcan model affected by the engine control unit recall
- You experienced unexpected engine stalling or electrical issues related to the recalled defects
- You were involved in an accident or suffered injuries due to your motorcycle stalling unexpectedly
- You can document that your motorcycle was subject to one of the Kawasaki recalls
- You did not have recall repairs completed before experiencing the malfunction
Evidence Required for a Kawasaki Vulcan Lawsuit
To strengthen your Kawasaki Vulcan recall lawsuit, you should gather:
- Proof of ownership of a recalled Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle
- Documentation showing your motorcycle was included in the recall
- Photographs of the motorcycle and any accident scene if applicable
- Medical records documenting injuries sustained in an accident caused by the defect
- Repair records related to the recall issue
- Witness statements regarding any incidents caused by motorcycle stalling
- Expert testimony regarding the motorcycle’s defects and their relationship to your injuries
Damages You Can Recover
If successful in your Kawasaki Vulcan recall lawsuit, you may be eligible to recover
- Medical expenses for injuries caused by accidents due to the defect
- Lost wages from time off work due to injuries
- Pain and suffering resulting from injuries
- Costs of motorcycle repairs not covered by the recall
- Value of the motorcycle if it was destroyed in an accident
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one died in an accident caused by the defect
Kawasaki Vulcan Recall Information
Kawasaki has issued multiple recalls affecting Vulcan motorcycles:
- Recall Number MC15-10 (announced September 1, 2015):
Affects 2009-2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager and 2011-2015 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero motorcycles manufactured from February 2, 2009, to March 20, 2015.
The recall addresses an ignition wire that may chafe due to contact with the fuel tank, resulting in a short circuit and possible engine stall.
Kawasaki dealers will install additional shielding and padding to prevent the ignition wire from shorting, and replace any damaged ignition switches, free of charge.
- A separate recall (announcement date not specified):
Affects certain 2009-2010 Vulcan models, where an improper setting of the engine control unit that can cause stalling if the rider is coasting with the clutch pulled in. This safety recall was expected to begin on or before October 22 (year not specified).
Statute of Limitations for Kawasaki Vulcan Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing a Kawasaki Vulcan lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury or discovery of the defect.
These timeframes can be affected by when the recall was announced and whether you were properly notified.
Because these legal deadlines differ significantly depending on your location and specific circumstances, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights are protected and you don’t miss the filing deadline.
Related Kawasaki Lawsuits:
FAQs
1. What evidence is needed to support a claim in a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle recall lawsuit?
Evidence to support a claim in a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle recall lawsuit may include photographs of the motorcycle and the accident scene, medical records, witness statements, and expert analysis of the motorcycle’s design or manufacturing defects.
2. Can I settle a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle lawsuit out of court?
Yes, many product liability cases, including those involving Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycles, are settled out of court. Settlements can provide compensation without the need for a lengthy trial, though the terms will depend on the specifics of the case.
3. What should I look for in a lawyer to handle a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle recall lawsuit?
When choosing a lawyer to handle a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle recall lawsuit, look for someone with experience in product liability and personal injury cases, particularly those involving motorcycles. A proven track record in similar cases is essential.
4. What specific models are included in the Kawasaki Vulcan recall?
The recalls include 2009-2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager and 2011-2015 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero motorcycles manufactured from February 2, 2009, to March 20, 2015, as well as certain 2009-2010 Vulcan models affected by engine control unit issues.
Insurance coverage varies by policy, but most standard motorcycle insurance policies do not cover damages directly related to manufacturer defects. The manufacturer’s recall program should cover the cost of repairing the defect, but not necessarily damages from accidents caused before the recall repair was performed.
6. How do I know if my Kawasaki Vulcan is included in the recall?
You can check if your motorcycle is affected by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Kawasaki recall website, contacting a Kawasaki dealer directly, or checking the NHTSA recall database online.
Related Articles
: Kawasaki Brute Force Lawsuit
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries related to defective Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycles. Most states only allow 1-3 years from the date of injury or discovery of the defect to file a claim, and this window may be closing for many affected owners.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees for our legal services
- Payment only if we win your case and secure compensation for you
Free Kawasaki Vulcan Recall Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle included in this recall, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help. Start My Free Case Review
References:
- https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/recalls-recall-news-kawasaki-recalls-2009-2015-vulcan-1700-vaqueros-and-voyagers-cruisers/