When something on your motorcycle fails without warning, a brake gives out, the throttle sticks, the front tire blows, it can send you straight into a life-threatening crash. Mechanical failures and hidden defects are often overlooked after a motorcycle accident, but they’re more common than most riders realize. If your crash was caused by a defective part or poor maintenance, you may be able to hold a manufacturer, repair shop, or dealership legally accountable. These cases are complex, but the injuries are real and so are your rights. If you need a personal injury lawyer for motorcycle crashes, our team is ready to fight for your case. This guide explains how motorcycle defects cause crashes, who may be liable, and what to do if you were injured because something on your bike didn’t work the way it should have.
How Mechanical Failures Can Lead to Serious Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycles are precision machines, but when a critical part fails at the wrong moment, the outcome can be deadly. Even a minor defect can cause the rider to lose control, especially at high speeds or in emergency situations. Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists don’t have a protective frame or airbags. That means even a small mechanical issue like a sticking throttle or brake failure can lead to a high-impact crash. These problems often trace back to poor manufacturing, improper repairs, or inadequate inspections by dealers or service shops. Below are some of the most common defects that cause motorcycle accidents in Michigan:
| ⚙️ Defective Part | 💥 How It Can Cause a Crash |
|---|---|
| 🛑 Brakes | Inability to stop in time or uneven brake force |
| 🛞 Tires | Blowouts, loss of grip, or rapid deflation |
| ⚡ Throttle or accelerator | Sudden surging or stuck throttle |
| 🛞 Steering or suspension | Loss of control during turns or bumps |
| 💡 Lights or signals | Reduced visibility to other drivers |
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Motorcycle?
If a mechanical failure caused your crash, the next question is: Who’s responsible? The answer depends on where the failure originated. Was it a design flaw, a manufacturing defect, or a negligent repair? In Michigan, you may be able to file a claim against one or more of the following:
- The motorcycle manufacturer – If the part was poorly designed or assembled during production
- A parts manufacturer – If a specific component (like brakes or tires) was defective
- A dealership or retailer – If they sold you a bike they knew or should have known was unsafe
- A repair shop or mechanic – If improper maintenance, missed inspections, or sloppy repairs caused the failure
Proving liability in these cases often requires technical analysis, expert testimony, and a thorough investigation into how and why the part failed. But when someone else’s negligence puts a dangerous motorcycle on the road, they can be held accountable for the injuries that follow.
How to Prove a Motorcycle Defect Caused Your Crash
Unlike crashes involving another driver, defect-related motorcycle accidents often require expert-level investigation. Insurance companies and manufacturers will fight hard to deny these claims, so you need strong, specific evidence that connects the failure to the crash and your injuries. These cases often begin as single-vehicle motorcycle crashes with no clear cause, only to later reveal a defective part or system. The key is showing that the part didn’t perform the way it should have under normal conditions, and that its failure directly caused you to lose control. Here are some of the most important types of evidence used in these cases:
| 📂 Evidence Type | 🛠️ What It Shows | 🔍 Where to Get It | ⚖️ Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🧾 Repair & service records | History of maintenance or prior issues | Dealerships, mechanics | Shows if defect was known or missed |
| 📸 Photos of damage | Visual proof of failure mechanism | Scene photos, post-crash inspection | Helps identify mechanical failure |
| 🧪 Expert analysis | Engineering explanation of defect | Hired by your attorney | Crucial for proving liability |
| 📢 Recalls or complaints | Pattern of similar problems | NHTSA, manufacturer sites | Shows defect was widespread/ignored |
What Injuries Are Common in Defect-Related Motorcycle Accidents?
When a critical part fails and a rider goes down, the injuries are often severe. With no warning, no barrier, and no ability to steer or stop, these crashes can throw a rider into traffic, into a fixed object, or hard onto the pavement. In some cases, the rider may even be struck by another vehicle, especially if the failure occurs near a truck or bus, where maneuvering space is limited. Because the crash is often sudden and unmanageable, the resulting injuries are usually worse than in avoidable collisions. Here’s what we see most often in defect-related motorcycle accidents:
| 🤕 Injury | ⚠️ How It Happens | 🚑 Medical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 🧠 Traumatic brain injury (TBI) | Thrown from bike, helmet impact or failure | Memory loss, long-term disability |
| 🦴 Fractures and broken bones | Impact with pavement, barriers, or other vehicles | Surgery, mobility loss, long recovery |
| 🩹 Road rash & soft tissue injuries | Sliding across asphalt or gravel | Infection risk, scarring, nerve damage |
| 🪑 Spinal cord injuries | Direct trauma to back or neck | Paralysis or permanent mobility issues |
Talk to a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer About a Defective Bike
If a mechanical failure caused your motorcycle crash, don’t assume it was just “bad luck.” You may have a strong product liability claim against the manufacturer, dealer, or mechanic responsible for putting a dangerous bike on the road. At The Clark Law Office, we know how to handle complex motorcycle defect cases. We work with engineers, accident reconstruction experts, and industry professionals to uncover the real cause of your crash and fight for the compensation you deserve. You won’t deal with call centers or case managers, just experienced legal representation tailored to serious riders and serious injuries.
🔗 Get the facts on other crashes in our Guide to Motorcycle Accident Types.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Defect Accidents
What if I crashed because the brakes on my motorcycle failed?
If your brakes didn’t work properly and caused you to crash, you may have a claim against the manufacturer, dealer, or mechanic—especially if the failure was due to a defect or poor maintenance.
Can I sue a motorcycle company for a defective part?
Yes. If a defective part—like a throttle, tire, or steering system—caused your crash, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor.
How do I prove my crash was caused by a defect?
You’ll need evidence like repair records, expert inspections, photos of the damaged part, and any recall notices. An experienced attorney can help gather and analyze this evidence.
Is a recall enough to prove my motorcycle was defective?
Not by itself—but it can help support your case. If your crash involved a part that was later recalled, it may show that the defect was known and potentially preventable.
Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle defect case?
Absolutely. These cases are complex, and manufacturers often fight them aggressively. A lawyer with experience in both motorcycle and product liability law can protect your rights and build a strong claim.