Far too often, we hear about hundreds, thousands, or even millions of motorcycles that are recalled for defective parts or designs. Most motorcyclists know how to listen to their bike and identify warning signs when they arise. Many bikers even know how to perform maintenance themselves. Unfortunately, dangerous motorcycle defects often cause crashes that are impossible to predict or avoid.
If you or someone you love was injured or killed because of an accident related to a motorcycle defect in Parkersburg or surrounding areas of West Virginia and Ohio, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
It’s important to act quickly. Please contact the defective motorcycle accident lawyers at Jim Leach Attorneys at Law online or by phone to schedule a free consultation. The consultation is free and we charge no attorney’s fee until you get paid.
About Defective Motorcycles
Motorcycle manufacturers have a responsibility to sell products that lack design defects or manufacturing defects that make them unsafe. When companies fail in their obligation to the public, they should be held accountable for injuries that result from a motorcycle defect.
Some of the most common motorcycle defects include the following:
Frame – Even a small fracture in the frame of a bike can lead to a serious accident caused by structural failure. When motorcycle frames cannot withstand typical riding conditions, they are prone to crack and expose the bike to the elements. This defect can lead to the accumulation of rust and may affect other parts of the bike over time.
Engine – Unexpectedly breaking down on your motorcycle can in itself be a dangerous experience. The situation only gets worse when the problem is engine failure. Most riders do not expect their engine to stop running without warning, but an engine defect can cause your bike to stall or stop in situations when you need to keep moving.
Fuel tank – When a fuel tank has a manufacturing flaw, it can cause dangerous gas leaks. The tank leaking gasoline is a common cause of motorcycle fires. Unfortunately, many bikers do not discover this defect until it is too late to prevent a devastating fire or accident.
Brakes – Brake failure is a horrific experience on any vehicle, but motorcyclists also lack the protection of a vehicle frame during a collision. The inability to stop increases the risk of an accident and may cause a crash at high speed.
Wheels and tires – Defective tires and wheels can make the motorcycle unstable and cause the rider to swerve into other lanes or skid while slowing down. If a tire defect caused your
motorcycle accident, the manufacturer might be liable for injuries that result.
Handlebars – Obviously, handlebars are essential for steering and keeping your bike on the desired path. When handlebars are defective and do not adequately help you steer, they can cause your bike to wobble or leave you unable to prevent an accident.
Overall design – In addition to specific safety defects regarding the bike or individual parts, it is possible to take legal action when the bike has an unreasonably dangerous design. A motorcycle that is not designed properly can cause problems for the rider, so manufacturers must be aware of the potential dangers created by design defects.
These issues and others like them cost many motorcyclists their lives every single year. Although riding a motorcycle comes with a high risk of injury during an accident, manufacturers have a responsibility to create reasonably safe products for riders. An attorney can help you seek justice if you were seriously injured by one of the common motorcycle defects listed above or any other motorcycle defect.
How to Deal with Motorcycle Defects
Taking precaution is necessary for motorcyclists who want to protect themselves and other motorists from the devastation of a collision. Riders should follow these safety measures to cause as little harm as possible should a defect arise:
Wear safety gear – In West Virginia, it is required that motorcyclists and their passengers wear helmets on their bikes. Helmets are a significant first step toward protection because they shield the head, face, and brain, from the brunt of a crash. Riders can cover up even more by investing in nonflammable jackets and gloves, long pants, and sturdy boots. Leaving less skin exposed during an accident reduces the risk of cuts, burns, and bruises.
Check for recalls – All vehicle manufacturers have a responsibility to make defects public information when they are discovered. In America, the primary medium for exposing this information is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA announces safety recalls on their website, but they also have a toll-free phone number to call for updated information. Their recalls typically include information about the affected vehicle, the defective part in question, areas most affected, and how to proceed moving forward. In many cases, the motorcycle manufacturer will inform people who purchased a recalled model about the defect as well.
Maintain your bike – Some flaws are not instantaneous malfunctions. Instead, the defective part may dangerously degrade over time. Regular bike maintenance could help a rider spot issues before they cause serious problems. Depending on your warranty and whether the parts are officially recalled, you may be able to get the parts replaced for free.
Motorcyclists understand that they must keep their bikes in working order and operate them safely. Despite their best efforts to do what’s right, many riders are surprised to discover a defective part on their bike. Injured bikers should not have to pay the price for the negligent actions of a manufacturer. Contact an attorney if a motorcycle defect accident injured you or someone you love.
Contact a Parkersburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney
After you have received medical attention, our Parkersburg motorcycle accident attorneys can begin building a defective product case on your behalf. Depending on the details of your claim, you may be able to secure compensation from multiple parties involved in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of the faulty bike.
Jim Leach Attorneys at Law will give you a free consultation so you can share details about your defective motorcycle case. We will take time to answer all your questions, ensuring that every detail has been gathered. Once all the facts are organized, Jim will determine your best options for seeking maximum compensation from all available sources.
Maybe all you need is a little advice. If that’s the case, we are happy to provide it free of charge. However, we often find that seriously injured motorcycle accident victims could achieve a better outcome with our help. If that’s true in your situation, we are ready to fight for your right to full and fair compensation – either in the conference room or in the courtroom.
Contact us now for a free claim review and free advice about your legal options.
