For motorcycle riders, having safe tires is literally a matter of life and death. Causes and warning signs of tire defects.
Motorcycle tires, just like automobile tires, are susceptible to defects that can cause failures and blowouts. However, motorcycle tire defects can have much more devastating effects than car tire defects. If a motorcycle operator suffers a blowout while riding, he or she is more than likely going to lose control of the bike and crash.
A motorcycle rider is also much more likely to suffer severe injuries or even death as the result of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) motorcycle riders are 35 times more likely to die in an accident per mile traveled and 8 times more likely to be injured. Therefore, for motorcycle riders, having safe tires is literally a matter of life and death.
Despite this, tire defects are fairly common. The government issues 36 tire recalls every year, and manufacturers issue many more. Many more tire defects most likely go unnoticed until they have caused severe injuries or death in an accident.
Proving the presence of tire defects in an accident can be difficult. Manufacturers have powerful attorneys with deep resources who will attempt to prove that tire defects did not play a role in the accident. That is why you need an experienced attorney at your side in order to receive compensation for an accident caused by a tire defect. It is important to have an experienced Arizona motorcycle attorney on your side to ensure that you receive proper compensation.
Causes of Tire Defects
Most motorcycle defects are caused by problems in the manufacturing process. Poorly-manufactured tires may not be able to stand the stress they are supposed to and suffer tread separation or blowouts.
However, tire defects may also be caused by other factors. For example, a large motorcycle may be mounted onto tires that are not designed to handle that much weight. In addition, problems may also be caused by improper labeling or poor installation.
Warning Signs of Tire Defects
How do you know if your accident was caused by a tire defect? As stated earlier, determining the cause of an accident can be difficult and should involve a thorough investigation. However, here are a few warning signs that may point to tire defects. If any of them are present in your accident, make note of them and let your attorney know.
• There are strange noises or wobbles immediately prior to the crash
• A fairly new tire malfunctions without a definite cause, such as an object puncturing it
• The accident involves a heavily-loaded motorcycle
• The crash has no apparent cause, such as poor weather, driver impairment or excessive speed
