How Motorcycle Defects Can Lead to Serious Motorcycle Crashes
For motorcycle riders and enthusiasts, safety is a priority. They know that riding a two-wheeled vehicle is riskier than driving a car. Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in severe injuries, even death.
The best way to avoid becoming a casualty of a vehicular crash is always to pay attention to safety. Most motorcycle crashes and collisions can be avoided if the riders adhered to traffic regulations and requirement.
Safety education is still the best method in keeping the road a safer place. However, there are other factors which are out of the rider’s control. One of these is manufacturing defects on the motorcycle and its components.
Common Manufacturing Motorcycle Defects
Motorcycle manufacturers put a lot of time and effort into your bike. However, mistakes can happen, and defective parts are released to the market. Distributors can also damage these parts while on transit. Faulty motorcycle parts are serious problems, which can be fatally dangerous to riders and motorists.
When the defect becomes known, manufacturers call for a product recall. Make sure your contact details with your distributor are up to date. Do your part and always be on the lookout for news on recalls.
Here are a few product manufacturing defects that can be very disastrous if not mitigated quickly.
- Brake failure
Malfunctioning brake pads can lead to the sudden loss of braking and can increase stopping distance along with failure to yield situations. Brake failures, if left unfixed, can lead to crashes and serious injuries.
- Fuel Tank Leaks
You may think that a leaking fuel tank is not a serious problem. However, fuel leaks are fire risks, which can harm not just the driver, but everyone nearby the bike.
- Engine Failure
Engine problems in a motorcycle can cause serious problems. It can lead to blowing fuses, stalling engines, and it significantly increases the risk of crashes.
- Problematic Handlebars
Handlebar problems can cause riders to lose control. Many riders install aftermarket parts that are extremely dangerous. A driver that loses control is at high risk of crashes and accidents. Losing control at high speeds can result in fatal accidents. These scenarios are deadly to both the drivers, other motorists, and unknowing pedestrians.
- Tires
Tire problems can lead to tire blowouts, skidding, spinning, and the rider losing control. These scenarios can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
Manufacturers have the duty to conduct a safety recall, should there be issues with motorcycle parts and components. They have to notify owners of the recalled model or component. The manufacturers should check with the Department of Motor Vehicles for vehicle recall, and distributors for component recall.
Common Motorcycle Maintenance Issues
If you have received your motorcycle in excellent condition, it is now in your hands to keep it functional. There are certain mechanical aspects of your motorcycle that you should keep an eye on. Always take your bike only to professional and qualified mechanics, not to your friendly backyard mechanic.
- Accumulation of debris
Accumulation of dirt, soil, sand, and debris on the components and interior of your motorcycle can result in corrosion. Corrosion can result to your motorcycle breaking down while on the road. Comprehensive cleaning should be done regularly to ensure that your motorbike is safe for the road.
- Poor lubrication
Bike chains that are not adequately lubricated can snap and lock unexpectedly. Sudden chain trouble, while you are on the street, can lead to a potentially fatal accident.
- Fuel system problems
A fuel hose that is not properly replaced can result to fuel leaks and fuel system failure. Exposed fuel is a fire risk and the failure can result in sudden crashes.
Causes of Motorcycle Failures
If you are a conscientious and careful motorcycle owner and rider, any trouble with your motorcycle may be caused by other factors.
- Negligence of your mechanic
Your motorcycle must be regularly checked and maintained by a professional and trained mechanic. A mechanic’s workmanship must adhere to industry standards to ensure your safety. A mechanic can be held liable for his negligence if it leads to crashes and injuries.
- Transportation defects
Your motorcycle has traveled miles from its manufacturer to your distributor. Certain parts could be damaged while it is being transported.
- Manufacturing defects
As enumerated above, motorcycles can have different manufacturing defects. It can be that the machine that manufactured a certain component was not functioning correctly. This can result in a problematic component.
These claims are difficult to prove in road crashes, and as such, you will need a lawyer who is an expert in Michigan law. You have the burden of showing that it was not your driving nor your negligence that caused the accident. It is necessary that you keep all receipts and records of your motorcycle’s maintenance. It is also important that only qualified mechanics repair and maintain your motorcycle. Showing this proof will lift the burden from you to other parties.
Contact The Clark Law Office if you are involved in a Motorcycle Crash
Under Michigan Law, courts must apply the Comparative Negligence Rule. It simply means that you can be held partly or entirely liable for your motorcycle crash and injuries. If it is found that you are partly liable, your personal injury claims can be reduced, or even eliminated.
An experienced personal injury lawyer in Michigan can help you build up your negligence and personal injury claims. If you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle crash in Michigan, call The Clark Law Office for expert legal assistance and advice. We have helped many people of Michigan get their due claims for motorcycle injury lawsuits. Our team will assist you from step one to ensure that you are justly compensated including lost wages. Call us now.
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