Motorcycle Defects that Can Cause Accidents

Like all other types of vehicles, motorcycles and their component parts are designed and manufactured by companies. Those responsible for the design, manufacture, sale, and distribution of these vehicles have a duty to provide and keep motorcycles that are safe for use. If a motorcycle accident occurs because of a defect in the vehicle the companies responsible may be held liable for any damages that result. At Mitch Grissim & Associates in Nashville, our team of dedicated legal professionals has advocated for many victims of motorcycle accidents and are here for you. To learn more about your legal options, call or contact our office today for a free case evaluation.

Common Motorcycle Defects

Any part of a motorcycle can be defective, but some parts are more likely to cause an accident than others. The most commonly cited defective parts in motorcycle accidents include the following:

Engine

If an engine stalls due to a defect, the result can be deadly for a motorcycle operator and their passenger. Engine defects can cause a motorcycle to stop running without warning, which can be dangerous in situations where vehicles are traveling at high speeds, such as the interstate, or where other vehicles are not expecting a motorcycle to stall, like an intersection.

Tires

Defective tires are particularly dangerous for motorcycles because a defective tire blowout can throw a rider from the vehicle with no protection that other, larger vehicles provide. A tire blowout can also cause a motorcycle to fall onto its side, pinning the rider as it skids down the road.

Fuel Tank

A fuel tank defect can also result in devastating accidents for motorcyclists. A defect in the gas tank can lead to leaks, which in turn can cause motorcycle fires while riding. This type of defect can also lead to fuel tank explosions, causing accidents and even more serious injuries for victims.

Brakes

Quality brakes are critical for a motorcycle’s function, and defective brakes can be catastrophic for victims of motorcycle accidents. An unexpected brake failure can lead to a motorcycle crashing into other vehicles or objects on the road, or result in a motorcycle going off the road because it is unable to slow down or stop.

Who is Responsible for a Defective Motorcycle?

There are many parties that may ultimately bear responsibility for a defective motorcycle. If the defect was part of the original design, then the designers may be liable for damages. If the design was sound but the part was manufactured defectively, the manufacturer may be responsible. If the motorcycle or its parts were manufactured properly but were damaged in the transport or while in storage, those companies responsible may bear the burden of liability. An experienced attorney can help determine where the defect occurred and who is responsible for the accident.

Call or Contact Our Office Now

If you or someone you know has been hurt while riding a motorcycle because of a defective part, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Mitch Grissim & Associates are here to help. Call our office or contact us online to speak with a knowledgeable Nashville personal injury attorney about your case and schedule a free case consultation today.