To enhance your safety as a motorcycle rider, you need to choose the best motorcycle for you, wear protective gear, and exercise caution on the roads. Unfortunately, even for the most cautious of motorcycle riders, a defective motorcycle component can lead to a traumatic accident.
If you get involved in a motorbike accident whose cause is a defective component, it can be challenging to know who should take responsibility. You should, therefore, engage a reputable legal firm such as Pacific West Injury Law to know your legal options. Our attorneys have handled multiple cases involving defective motorcycle components and can help you get compensated.
Common Motorcycle Defects
Below are the most common mechanical failures or defective components of a motorcycle that could lead to an accident:
Handle Bar Defects
Handlebars help steer the motorcycle and keep it on the right path. Defective handlebars make it difficult for the rider to steer correctly and may lead to a crash.
Headlight Defects
Defective headlights may stop function when a rider is on the move at night. The sudden loss of light may distract the rider or make it difficult for other motorists to see the rider leading to a crash.
Design
In some cases, an issue with the motorbike design can lead to an accident.
Tire Defects
Tire defects are also common problems for motorcycles. A tire defect could lead to the separation of threads from the tire, leading to a blowout. This may cause the rider to lose control and crash.
Fuel System Defects
Fuel system defects in a motorcycle are also hazardous. Gas leaks from a defective fuel system may burst into flames and cause burns because it is often close to the rider.
Brake Defects
Brake defects are among the most dangerous malfunctions in a motorbike. The malfunction could be due to incorrect installation or maintenance-related problems. It is difficult to stop a motorcycle with defective brakes, especially in an emergency, thus increasing the risk of a crash.
Frame Defects
Motorcycle frames are often strong to withstand normal riding conditions. However, if they come with defects such as minor fractures, which may extend further, they expose the rider to accident risks.
Who Is Responsible for Defective Components on a Motorcycle?
When an accident occurs due to defective components of a motorcycle, the manufacturer often carries the blame. It could be the manufacturer of the motorbike itself or a company manufacturing the replacement or aftermarket parts installed on the motorcycle if the installation was according to manufacturer instructions. The legal claim can be brought to the manufacturer for making defective parts or failing to warn riders about the potential danger.
In other cases, a repair shop that installed an inappropriate part or failed to complete maintenance adequately may be to blame. In some cases, even the distributor or retailer of a part could be responsible for a defective component, primarily if the defect occurred in their stores. Still, they ignored it and went on to sell the item.
Although the manufacturer is responsible for defective components of a motorcycle in most cases, that does not mean they automatically carry the blame in all cases. For that reason, working with a skilled attorney who has experience in dealing with accident cases involving defective motorcycle parts is essential to present a strong case.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?
Below are ways a motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover the damages you’re entitled to:
Provide Legal Explanation and Guidance
If you are a victim of an accident involving defective motorcycle components for the first time, you may not know what to do and where to begin making a compensation claim.
A motorcycle accident lawyer helps you understand your legal options and other issues related to your case. Other than explaining your rights, your lawyer can also handle all the legal aspects of the case to ensure you concentrate on your recovery.
Build Your Case
Before moving on to seek justice after getting involved in a motorcycle accident caused by defective components, you need to have evidence to prove your case. Nevada and most other states apply the concept of strict liability in defective components and design cases. This means that the manufacturer is responsible for injuries resulting from their defective part even if there is no proof of careless negligence.
The concept applies if the motorbike failed to operate safely, the rider used the motorcycle correctly, and there were no alterations to the motorcycle that changed the way it works. If you can prove the motorbike was inherently dangerous, you can hold the manufacturer or other at-fault party responsible.
Your Pacific West Injury Law attorney can help you gather the required information to prove the motorcycle was dangerous due to a defective component. Strong evidence makes a strong case and will increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Negotiate for a Fair Settlement
A motorcycle accident attorney can negotiate for a fair settlement with the at-fault party on your behalf. If the negotiation is unfruitful or the settlement offered is not good enough, your attorney can advise on filing a legal suit. The attorney will represent you in court and help you fight your rights.
What Damages Can a Victim Receive?
Below are common damages you can seek if you are involved in a motorbike accident caused by defective components.
- Medical expenses for past, present, and future treatments
- Pain and suffering caused by injuries
- Treatment costs for mental suffering
- Lost wages and earnings
- Loss of consortium if the injuries affect your relationship with your immediate family
Consult a Lawyer on Motorcycle Defects
Motorcycle accident cases involving defective components or mechanical failure are often complex. They require a skilled legal team that can investigate the matter and establish whether the victim has a strong case for their compensation claim.
If you have been involved in a defective motorcycle accident, our attorneys at Pacific West Injury Law can help you establish the best option for your case. Contact us today for a free case review.
