Who is Responsible For Accidents Caused by Motorcycle Defects?

Determining accident liability is typically straight forward. Even when motorcycles are involved, an accident usually comes down to two parties disputing who was at fault.

Multi-car (more than 2) accidents are a bit more complicated, but still usually concern the parties involved in the accident.

What happens when a motorcycle defect leads to an accident? The situation becomes a bit more difficult from a legal standpoint.

Motorcyclists and their passengers are always at risk for injury when they get on a bike. Even when wearing all the proper protective gear, obeying all the rules of the road, and driving defensively, crashes still happen. Motorcyclists are exposed to injuries such as broken limbs, head and spine injuries, road rash, and even death. Despite these known risks, motorcycle enthusiasts continue to pound the pavement across the country.

Some less known risks include defective motorcycle parts and faulty motorcycle related equipment.

Common motorcycle defects include:

• Defective Tires: Motorcycle riders are particularly susceptible to defective tires. If a tire pops, a rider will almost certainly lose control of the motorcycle and crash.
• Brake Failure: When a bike loses the ability to stop or slow down properly because of brake failure, there is a good chance of a catastrophic crash.
• Defective Fuel System: A faulty fuel system can cause serious burns for anyone on the bike and might lead to the motorcycle bursting into flames on impact.
• Defective Designs: Some motorcycles have poor designs that make them difficult to operate and more prone to crashes.
• Defective Helmet: Not only the bike itself, but other accessories might also have hidden defects that can lead to serious injuries. This is especially true of helmets.

Determining liability for a motorcycle accident requires a thorough vetting of the facts. Injuries are often severe and it’s important to determine all liable parties. The manufacture of the motorcycle may be liable for a defective motorcycle or the parts manufactures may be liable for defective parts. The retailer, distributor, or even the repair shop may be liable.

For instance, in a motorcycle accident caused by malfunctioning brakes, the manufacturer of the brake parts or the mechanic who last worked on the brakes may be held liable for the damages.

Our experienced St. Louis motorcycle defect attorneys have been handling accident cases for more than a decade. We have recovered millions of dollars for motorcycle accident victims and their families. Our past results speak volumes about our commitment to helping injury victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, call Page Law today to schedule a free consultation. Page Law has the resources to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you are entitled to after a serious motorcycle crash. We can be reached at 800-500-INJURED (4658) or by email at john@ssdev.ddns.net.