Product Liability & Defective Equipment Claims

When a rider purchases a motorcycle, he or she has every right to expect that the bike is safe, free from design defects or mechanical flaws. That said, when defective equipment causes a motorcycle to malfunction, the resulting injuries to riders and passengers can be catastrophic.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident caused by defective parts, you may have legal recourse against the bike manufacturer or others. Such accidents can lead to untold financial, physical and emotional trauma. If this is the situation you find yourself in, you need a legal advocate on your side.

Product liability and defective equipment claims can be extremely difficult to resolve on your own. The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Johnson Attorneys Group are adept at overcoming the distinct obstacles and complex issues associated with motorcycle accident litigation on behalf of our clients.

Don’t wait to get what you need. Call Johnson Attorneys Group today, or fill out our online contact form for a free case review. We are committed to helping motorcycle injury victims hold responsible parties accountable and regain their quality of life after an accident.

Motorcycle Product Liability Claims Explained

California’s product liability law holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers strictly liable for injuries caused by defective products, even if these parties were not negligent in causing the defect. Thus, if you were injured in an accident caused by a motorcycle defect, you may be able to pursue a product liability claim or lawsuit against multiple parties without having to prove negligence.

What’s more, manufacturers have a responsibility to recall motorcycles and motorcycle parts if they are found to be defective or otherwise unsafe. It is the manufacturer’s duty to notify owners of the recall and make necessary repairs to the bike so it is safe for use. If the manufacturer or others failed to adequately warn of known defects or safety issues and you were subsequently injured in a related accident, you will likely have legal recourse.

A personal injury lawyer experienced in motorcycle accidents and product liability claims can determine exactly why and how your accident occurred and who may be liable for your damages.

Types of Motorcycle Defects That Lead to Accidents

Sadly, in 2023, motorcyclists accounted for 15.5 percent of all traffic fatalities in the US. While there are a number of important safety precautions riders can take, even the most skilled and experienced motorcyclists are at risk when a motorcycle suddenly malfunctions.

Defective motorcycle parts and equipment that can cause an accident include such things as:

Brake failure: When brakes fail or don’t work as expected, a rider may be unable to stop properly, leading to a catastrophic accident.
Wheel and tire defects: A defective tire or wheel can result in tire blowouts, loss of control, and trouble steering. Additionally, tire defects can damage other parts of the motorcycle, further increasing the risk of a crash.
Headlight failure: If a headlight fails, the rider’s visibility is sharply reduced, dramatically increasing the risk of an accident.
Fuel system defects: Fuel leaks and other defects pose a significant risk of fire and explosion.
Throttle failure: Throttle issues may prevent the engine from accelerating, cause the engine to stall, or result in complete engine failure, all of which could easily lead to an accident.
Electrical system defects: Electrical issues can result in a dead battery, dim or flickering lights, ignition problems, and other safety issues.
Faulty helmets and gear: In some instances, defective helmets and other protective gear can lead to catastrophic injuries in an otherwise minor accident.

Clearly, when a motorcycle or component is defective or flawed, the consequences can be tragic. If you believe your motorcycle accident was due to a manufacturer defect or failure to warn of a safety risk, it is in your best interest to consult a personal injury lawyer. At Johnson Attorneys Group, we can use our extensive know-how and resources to get you the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Support Your Product Liability and Defective Equipment Claim

In the aftermath of a severe motorcycle accident, there are a number of steps you can take to bolster your product liability claim and ensure your well-being going forward.

The following actions will go a long way in upholding your insurance claim or lawsuit:

Seek immediate medical attention: Prioritize your health and safety by promptly seeking medical attention. The initial medical records after the accident will be crucial in successfully winning any injury claim.
Document the motorcycle accident: Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident and your injuries, including the motorcycle’s damage and any relevant road conditions.
Promptly notify the manufacturer of the accident: Without notification, the manufacturer may have more leverage to weaken your product liability claim. Furthermore, alerting to unsafe components may protect other motorcyclists from harm.
Preserve the motorcycle: Don’t repair or modify the motorcycle. Keep it in the condition it was after the accident so investigators are able to determine any possible defects.
Gather any motorcycle maintenance records: Showing that you conscientiously made necessary repairs and routine maintenance can prove invaluable in proving defective equipment or malfunction.
Identify the motorcycle defect: Pinpoint the specific detail in the motorcycle that caused the defect.
Establish causation: Clearly show that the defective motorcycle or component directly caused your injuries and damages.
Contact a product liability attorney: A qualified lawyer can help you take the above steps and build a robust personal injury claim.

Product liability and defective equipment claims can be complicated to resolve. However, by seeking medical attention, keeping good records, and preserving the evidence, you can wage a successful legal claim and get your life back on track after the motorcycle accident.

Defend Your Rights With the Help of Johnson Attorneys Group

A devastating motorcycle accident can upend your life in the blink of an eye. An accident caused by defective or malfunctioning equipment can be that much more traumatic. In the wake of such an accident, you need sound legal guidance as never before.

The personal injury lawyers at Johnson Attorneys Group are ready to help you during this difficult period. We understand that product liability claims coupled with motorcycle accidents can be stressful and complex. We are not afraid to stand up to insurance companies and manufacturers to secure maximum compensation for our clients.

Our legal team has extensive experience in helping motorcycle accident victims get the justice they deserve. Call Johnson Attorneys Group, chat with us on this page, or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. We work on contingency, so we don’t get paid unless you do.