When it comes to 3,300 Indian brand motorcycles, the whole “ghost rider” thing may not be a myth after all. According to a USA Today news report, the Minnesota-based company has issued a recall for these motorcycles because the engines can start by themselves as the result of a faulty switch. The recall encompasses 11 models of motorcycles from the 2018 model year.
Recall Details
Documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) state corrosion in the switch can cause an electrical short. This could start the engine if the key fob is close by. The agency says if the engine starts unintentionally and the motorcycle is in an enclosed space, people could be exposed to carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas.
Documents show two reports of motorcycles starting on their own. Polaris Industries Inc., which owns Indian, says it hasn’t received any reports of carbon monoxide exposure or injuries. When the recall begins, dealers will replace the defective switches at no cost to consumers. Some of the affected models include Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, and Chieftain Elite.
Why Carbon Monoxide is Dangerous
Carbon monoxide or CO is found in fumes produced by fuel burned in cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges or furnaces. CO could build up indoors and poison people and animals that breathe it. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. Some of these symptoms may often feel flu-like. If you breathe in a lot of CO, you could pass out or even die.
This is why residences must have carbon monoxide alarms in all rooms and levels. Our law firm is also fighting for the rights of police officers and civilians who have been injured due to defective Ford Explorer SUVs that are leaking carbon monoxide into the passenger compartments, poisoning drivers and passengers.
If a dangerous or defective product has injured you, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages and losses by filing a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. Injured victims may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation and pain and suffering. Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced product defect lawyer who will fight for their rights and hold negligent manufacturers accountable.
Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2018/04/19/ghost-machine-indian-motorcycles-may-self-start-due-faulty-switch-recall-started/533082002/
