Mountain Bikes Recalled due to Defect
Cycling Sports Group has announced a product defect recall of about 1,240 GT mountain bikes because the handlebars can crack and cause an accident. According to reports, the recall involves 2017 model year Karakoram Sport, Karakoram Comp, Aggressor Sport, Aggressor Comp and Aggressor Expert. The bicycles were sold in a number of different colors including black, blue, gunmetal grey and neon yellow. Only models with a solid black GT logo on the downtube are included in the recall. The bikes that are part of the recall were sold from June 2016 to August 2017 for between $440 and $800.
Anyone who owns or has these bikes are asked to immediately stop using them and contact an authorized GT dealer or Cycling Sports Group. Owners can schedule a free repair of the handlebar and stem. No consumer incidents or injuries have been reported as a result of this product defect. A GT representative stated that in some cases, the handlebars in the affected bikes may develop small fatigue cracks. If they are not identified, they may continue to grow larger and eventually cause the handlebars to break. Anyone with questions or concerns is urged to call Cycling Sports Group at 800-726-2453.
Accidents Involving Bicycle Defects
Many bicycle accident injuries are caused by accidents or collisions involving other vehicles, pedestrians or stationary objects. However, a number of bicycle accident injuries also occur as the result of bike defects or faulty bicycle parts. These typically involve injuries related to falls due to a part malfunctioning.
Examples of bicycle defects include handlebars that fracture, brake failure, pedals detaching from the bike and the fork separating from the steering tube creating a steering hazard. While injuries may be serious in an accident involving regular bicycles, injuries may be more complex and severe with mountain bikes or bicycles that are used in extreme sports activities.
Liability Issues
If a bicycle accident injury is caused by a product defect, the manufacturer of the bicycle can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. The retailer or distributor can also be held liable for injuries resulting from bicycle defects. In addition, the manufacturer of a specific part can also be held liable in some cases.
Injured victims of bicycle accidents can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitative treatment, pain and suffering and emotional distress. In order to be successful with a product defect case, plaintiffs must prove that the product was defective, that their injuries were directly caused by the product defect and that the injuries resulted in financial and other damages and losses.
Injured victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Sacramento bicycle attorney who will fight for their rights and help them secure maximum compensation for their losses. Call the Demas Law Group P.C., at (916) 444-0100 to find out how we can help you.
