You trust your motorcycle to keep you safe. When a part fails because of a manufacturing defect or poor design, that trust gets shattered in the worst possible way. Unlike most crashes where someone made a bad decision, accidents caused by defective equipment put the blame on the companies that made or sold those faulty parts. If your bike malfunctioned and you got hurt because of it, that's not on you. Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC represents riders throughout Washington who've been injured by defective motorcycles and parts.
Common Motorcycle Defects That Cause Accidents
Some defects show up right away. Others hide until you're in exactly the wrong situation.
Brake System Failures
Your brakes are everything. When they don't work, you can't slow down or stop. Brake lines can leak fluid and reduce pressure. Pads might wear unevenly or fail to grip when you need them most. Even anti-lock braking systems malfunction sometimes, causing your wheels to lock up at highway speeds.
Tire Blowouts and Tread Separation
A tire blowout means instant loss of control. Poor bonding between rubber layers causes tread to separate while you're riding. Manufacturing flaws create weak spots that blow out without warning.
Fuel System Problems
Fuel leaks are terrifying. Defective tanks crack or develop weak seams. Fuel lines deteriorate faster than they should. In a crash, leaking fuel can ignite.
Throttle and Acceleration Issues
Your throttle sticks and won't return to idle. You're accelerating when you don't want to be. Electronic throttle control systems can experience software glitches or sensor failures, leaving you unable to control your speed.
Suspension and Steering Defects
Faulty forks or shocks can collapse completely or seize up. Defective steering components cause wobbling that you can't correct. These failures happen fast, giving you no time to react.
Electrical System Malfunctions
Electrical problems affect everything. Faulty wiring can cause complete power loss while you're riding. Defective batteries won't hold a charge. A starter that malfunctions can leave you stranded in dangerous locations.
Proving A Defect Caused Your Accident
Product liability cases aren't simple. You need to show that a defect existed and that it directly caused your injuries. Investigators examine the failed parts to figure out what went wrong. They'll review your maintenance records to rule out the possibility that you didn't take care of the bike. Expert witnesses reconstruct how the accident happened. Sometimes, manufacturer documents reveal that companies knew about problems but sold the products anyway. A Washington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer works with people who understand motorcycle engineering inside and out.
Types Of Product Liability Claims
Manufacturing defects happen when something goes wrong during production. The bike doesn't match the intended design. Design defects are different. The product itself is inherently unsafe, even when it's made exactly as planned. Failure to warn occurs when manufacturers don't provide adequate safety instructions about known risks. You can pursue claims against manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and parts suppliers.
Damages In Motorcycle Defect Cases
Equipment failures cause serious injuries. Medical bills add up fast when you're dealing with broken bones, road rash, or traumatic brain injuries. Compensation covers your past and future medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. In situations where manufacturers knew about defects but ignored the danger, punitive damages might apply.
Why These Cases Are Different
You're not just proving another driver was negligent. You're taking on corporations with entire legal teams dedicated to avoiding responsibility. They'll argue you didn't maintain the bike properly or caused the accident through reckless riding. Having a Washington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer who understands both motorcycle accidents and product liability law changes everything.
Taking Action After A Defect-Related Crash
Time matters, evidence deteriorates, and memories fade. Washington law imposes strict deadlines for filing product liability claims. Miss those deadlines, and you lose your right to compensation entirely. If you think a mechanical failure caused your motorcycle accident, don't let the manufacturer walk away. Contact our firm to discuss what happened and explore your legal options.
