When a motorcycle crash leads to serious injuries or the loss of a loved one, the focus often turns to driver behavior or road conditions. However, there are cases where the cause of the accident can be traced back to a defective part on the motorcycle itself. In these situations, liability may extend beyond the people on the road to the companies that designed, manufactured, or sold the faulty component.
For families dealing with the sudden loss of a motorcyclist, questions about what went wrong can weigh heavily. Our wrongful death attorney may look beyond the crash report to see whether a product defect played a role in the accident. Identifying the root cause is essential to holding the right parties accountable and securing fair compensation.
How Motorcycle Defects Lead To Fatal Accidents
A defective motorcycle part can cause or worsen a crash in several ways. Brakes that fail under pressure, throttles that stick, tires that blow out, or steering systems that lock up can all lead to sudden loss of control. In some cases, the rider likely won’t have any time to react before a collision or fall occurs.
Defects can also make an accident more severe. For example, if someone’s helmet strap breaks on impact or a fuel tank is prone to catching fire, the results can be fatal. These types of failures may not be obvious at first glance and often require investigation beyond what police typically conduct.
Who May Be Held Responsible
When a product defect is to blame, the responsibility may fall on more than one party. The motorcycle’s manufacturer, the part supplier, the dealership that sold the vehicle, or even a mechanic who installed a faulty part may all be part of the legal picture.
In product liability claims, it’s not always necessary to prove that someone was negligent. Instead, the focus is often on whether the product was unreasonably dangerous or failed to perform as expected under normal use. If the defect can be linked to the cause of the crash, those involved in producing or distributing the item may be legally responsible for the damages.
What To Do After The Crash
If a motorcycle crash may have been caused by a defective part, it’s important to preserve the bike and any remaining parts as evidence. Avoid making repairs or discarding components until an investigation can be completed. Documentation, such as maintenance records, purchase receipts, and any prior complaints about performance, may also be helpful.
An investigation by a legal team may include engineers or other professionals who can inspect the motorcycle, identify failures, and determine if a recall was in place. In some cases, a product defect lawsuit can be filed in addition to or instead of a traditional crash claim.
Why Legal Support Matters
Claims involving faulty motorcycle parts can be more technical than other personal injury cases, and insurance companies may push back hard. Working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who understands product liability laws and has experience with these types of claims can make a difference in the outcome.
Families who have lost a loved one due to a crash involving a defective part may also be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims may cover medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional loss suffered by surviving relatives.
Attorneys like those at the Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm can attest to how important it is to investigate every possible cause when a motorcycle crash leads to serious injuries or death. If you suspect a defective part may have played a role in a motorcycle accident, speaking with a qualified attorney is an important first step.
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