Motorcycle accidents are caused not just by motorist negligence, but also by malfunctioning or defective vehicle components or parts. Motorcyclists are already at a higher risk of injuries compared to occupants of a passenger vehicle, and when a person is riding a defective motorcycle, those accident and injury risks are amplified.
Like any mechanical product, a motorcycle is susceptible to defects at any stage of the manufacturing process. Typically, however, errors creep in during two phases: design and production.
Defects in the design stage can mean improperly designed motorcycle components that increase the risk of an accident. Improper design for instance, can cause a motorcycle to wobble when it is traveling at high speeds, placing a rider at risk of being thrown off the bike.
For example, placing an ignition source very close to the fuel tank of the motorcycle, increases the likelihood of explosion or fire in the event of an accident, and is indicative of poor bike design. This is exactly the rec
all that occurred earlier this year with Kawasaki motorcycles KLX110 and KLX110L.
When a defect is introduced during the manufacturing stage, the company may use poor quality material for components, placing the motorcycle part at a high risk of malfunctioning.
Types of Motorcycle Defects
Malfunctioning brakes can create defective brake pads that lead to a sudden loss of braking power and increased stopping distance, increasing a motorcyclist’s accident risk. This problem is typically traced to defects in the manufacturing of the brake pads. Defective tires on a motorcycle can cause tire blowouts, causing a Clarksburg motorcyclist to lose control of his vehicle. The kind of accidents that can be caused by defective or blown out tires can involve motorcycles skidding across lanes. Apart from this, defects may also creep into handlebars, engines, and fuel tanks.
Proving Product Liability & Motorcycle Defects
Collect as much evidence at the accident scene as possible if you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Clarksburg. You can find evidence of defects in the motorcycle in the following ways: damage to the motorcycle, the kind of skid marks at the scene, and the position of the motorcycle after the accident
Document as much information about the crash scene as possible. Take pictures of the damaged motorcycle as well the accident scene from as many angles as possible. These photos will help you identify defects in the motorcycle and strengthen your product liability claim against the manufacturer of the motorcycle or manufacturer of a specific part, or both. Record all evidence accurately, and present this evidence to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Clarksburg.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you are likely eligible for damages that include medical expenses and lost wages. Speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Clarksburg, West Virginia about your options for compensation.
