Motorcycles are complex machines with several mechanical components and working parts that must always be in sync. For designing and manufacturing a motorcycle, meticulous craftsmanship, experience, time and analysis is required. Every time a rider takes the motorcycle on the road, they place trust in the manufacturer of the bike. They expect that the manufacturing process is comprehensively tested and each part of the bike is free from all defects. Design defects and mechanical faults in a motorcycle can lead to a devastating accident, resulting in severe injuries and death.
In this post, we’ll share some common motorcycle defects that cause accidents and show how you can recover damages after a motorcycle accident.
Brake Defects
Brake defects like improper installation and maintenance-related issues are one of the most dangerous malfunctions in a motorcycle. If the brake of a motorcycle is not working, the rider will not be able to stop their vehicle in time and will likely crash into another vehicle or pedestrian on the road. The motorcycle manufacturer, parts manufacturer or the repair shop that installed the brakes may be held liable for the accident that results from faulty brakes.
Tire Defects
Defective tires are a significant problem for motorcycles. Due to defects, the tread may separate from the tire resulting in a blowout. In that case, bikers will likely lose control and crash into another motorist.
Fuel System Defects
Often, the motorcycle’s fuel system starts malfunctioning. Defects in the fuel system may lead to burns because it is exposed and close to the body of the rider. Gas can also leak from a defective fuel system and may cause a fire. The manufacturer of the motorcycle will likely be held liable for the injuries sustained by the rider because of a defective fuel system.
Frame Defects
A minor fracture in the motorcycle’s frame can lead to a fatal accident. Motorcycle frames are typically designed to withstand normal riding conditions. If they can’t withstand those conditions, they may crack and expose the rider to the risk of an accident.
Handle Bars Defects
Handlebars help riders steer their bike and keep it on the right path. If they are defective, the rider will not be able to steer correctly and will likely crash. Motorcycle manufacturers mostly test the bikes to ensure that the handlebars are free from all defects. If the motorcycle’s handlebars were removed during repairs and installed again, then the repair shop will likely be blamed for defective handlebars.
Headlight Defects
Sometimes a motorcycle’s headlights stop working. This can lead to severe accidents because during the night, and other motorists won’t be able to see the rider if their headlights aren’t working.
Design
In some cases, the dangerous design of the bike can lead to an accident. Motorcycle manufacturers should ensure that the design of their bike doesn’t increase the risk of accidents.
Who is Liable for a Motorcycle Caused by a Defect?
It is essential to determine who should be held liable for a motorcycle accident that occurred because of a defective part. In most cases, the manufacturer of the motorcycle and its components are responsible for motorcycle defects. Sometimes, the repair shop may be held liable for a motorcycle accident. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you determine who was responsible for a motorcycle defect that led to the accident.
Recovering Damage After a Motorcycle Accident
When a motorcycle defect leads to an accident, the rider is likely to suffer from serious injuries or die. If a passenger suffers injuries because of a motorcycle defect, they or their family can file a personal injury claim against the motorcycle manufacturer or the party responsible for defected parts. If a motorcycle accident took place because of a defect leads and it led to the death of the motorcyclist, the family members like their spouse or children can file a wrongful death claim.
Personal injury claim or wrongful death claim can help the victim and their family to recover from damages after a motorcycle accident. The at-fault party will be required to compensate for the injuries sustained by the motorcycle accident victim and their family.
For both personal injury claim and wrongful death claim in a motorcycle accident, the claimant must prove that the negligence of the at-fault party caused the injuries or death. Proving liability in these cases can be difficult, and a highly experienced motorcycle accident attorney is required for collecting evidence and proving negligence. The attorney will be required to prove in court that the motorcycle part was defective and that it led to the accident and subsequent injuries or death.
The evidence is crucial in the motorcycle accident case. Therefore, it is essential to keep the wreckage of the motorcycle safety after the accident. The wreckage will be analyzed to determine if the accident indeed occurred because of a defective part. Also, witness testimonies may also be required to prove that no other party was responsible for the accident.
Conclusion
We understand the immense anger, worry and financial burden that accompany motorcycle accidents. When a loved one gets injured or dies because of an accident that occurred due to a defective part, these feelings amplify. You’ll feel that such an accident could have been easily avoided if the motorcycle manufacturer or parts manufacturer simply did their job and practiced more careful testing and inspection of their parts and products. You shouldn’t let the negligent party get away. You should file a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim to receive compensation for your lost wages, property damage, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney when you need to file a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim after a motorcycle accident.