Common Motorcycle Defects That Cause Injury
Understanding the Hidden Dangers Behind Mechanical Failures
Motorcycle riders already face a greater risk of injury in a crash than drivers of passenger vehicles. But when an accident is caused not by road conditions or driver negligence, but by a defect in the motorcycle itself, the consequences can be even more devastating—and more complex legally.
At the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C., we help injured riders throughout Georgia hold the right parties accountable when defective motorcycles or parts cause serious harm. If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash that may have involved a mechanical failure, here's what you need to know.
How Motorcycle Defects Lead to Serious Accidents
A motorcycle is a high-performance machine, and every part—from the brakes and tires to the frame and throttle—must function properly to keep the rider safe. Even a minor defect can lead to a catastrophic failure on the road.
Common motorcycle defects that lead to crashes include:
- Brake System Failure: Defective calipers, lines, or master cylinders can prevent a rider from stopping in a timely manner or at all.
- Tire Blowouts: Poor tire design, manufacturing defects, or premature tread separation can lead to a sudden loss of control.
- Throttle Malfunction: If the throttle sticks open or doesn't respond correctly, the bike may accelerate without warning.
- Steering Or Suspension Defects: Cracked forks, defective handlebars, or faulty shocks can lead to wobbling or handling problems.
- Fuel System Problems: Leaks or pressure issues can lead to fires or stalls at critical moments.
- Electrical System Failure: Malfunctioning lights or wiring may prevent riders from signaling or seeing properly, especially at night.
Unlike collisions caused by careless drivers, accidents resulting from defective equipment may not be immediately apparent. It often requires a detailed inspection by a qualified expert to determine whether a part has failed or is defective due to design or manufacturing issues.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Defect?
Product liability law in Georgia allows individuals who have been injured by defective products to pursue claims against manufacturers, designers, and even distributors or retailers. These cases fall into three main categories:
Design Defects
The motorcycle or its parts were inherently dangerous due to a flawed design, even before they were built. These cases often involve entire model lines that present a hazard, such as a poorly designed fuel tank that leaks in a low-speed crash.
Manufacturing Defects
The design may have been safe, but something went wrong during the production process. A bolt was missed on the assembly line, the brake pads were contaminated, or the frame wasn’t welded correctly. These defects can affect a single unit or an entire batch of units.
Failure To Warn (Marketing Defects)
The manufacturer or distributor didn’t provide proper warnings about risks or didn’t include clear instructions for safe use. For example, a tire may have speed limits that were never disclosed, or maintenance guidelines that weren’t shared with buyers.
Each of these scenarios can lead to a product liability claim, often involving major manufacturers, international parts suppliers, or retail chains. These companies have deep pockets and well-equipped legal teams ready to deny responsibility, but we have a proven track record of going toe-to-toe with them and know what it takes to get results in these types of cases.
Motorcycle Recalls and Safety Notices
Thousands of motorcycles are recalled each year due to serious safety concerns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversees recalls and investigations into defective motorcycle parts.
Some well-known recalls in recent years have involved:
- Harley-Davidson brake systems and clutch assemblies
- Kawasaki front brake master cylinders
- Yamaha throttle controls
- BMW fuel system leaks
- Honda rear brake dragging issues
If your motorcycle has an open recall, the manufacturer is required to notify you and offer a repair. However, many riders don’t discover this until after a crash has occurred. Worse, some dealers resell recalled bikes without making repairs. If a known defect caused or contributed to your accident, you may have a strong legal claim even if the recall occurred earlier.
How to Know If a Motorcycle Defect Caused Your Crash
Because mechanical failures often happen fast and may not leave obvious evidence at the scene, they’re sometimes misattributed to rider error or road conditions. That’s why it’s so important to preserve the motorcycle and conduct a thorough investigation.
Red flags that suggest a mechanical defect may have played a role include:
- Sudden loss of control with no impact from another vehicle
- Brakes or throttle behaving unpredictably
- Unusual noises or vibrations just before the crash
- Recalls issued for your bike or its components
- Multiple riders reporting the same problem with the same model
Our legal team works with mechanical engineers and motorcycle safety experts to conduct forensic inspections, test components, and identify failures that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
Motorcycle defect cases often involve serious, life-altering injuries. Victims may be eligible for compensation covering:
- Emergency room and hospital costs
- Surgery and long-term medical treatment
- Lost wages and future loss of earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage (bike repair or replacement)
In cases where a manufacturer knew of a dangerous defect and failed to act, punitive damages may also be available under Georgia law. These are designed to punish especially reckless behavior and send a clear message that rider safety is a top priority.
Don’t Let Negligent Manufacturers Shift the Blame
After a crash, manufacturers often try to blame the rider, suggesting that you were going too fast, failed to maintain control of your bike, or took an unreasonable risk. But if a defect caused your injury, you deserve better than excuses.
Gary Martin Hays & Associates has the resources and experience to investigate motorcycle defect cases and hold the companies responsible accountable. We dig into technical manuals, manufacturing records, and service history to find the truth. Our team builds strong, evidence-backed cases that demand accountability and full compensation.
We understand that injured riders are often out of work, in pain, and overwhelmed. That’s why we offer a No Fee Guarantee: you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
What to Do If You Suspect a Motorcycle Defect Caused Your Accident
If you were in a motorcycle crash and believe a part may have failed, follow these steps:
- Do not repair or dispose of the motorcycle – Preserve it as-is so it can be inspected.
- Get medical attention – Document every injury, no matter how minor it may seem.
- Gather records – Keep your purchase documents, service records, and recall notices.
- Take photos – Of the bike, the crash scene, and your injuries.
- Contact our legal team – We’ll start investigating and protect your rights from the very beginning.
We offer legal representation to injured riders across Georgia, including Atlanta, Duluth, Marietta, Lithonia, and surrounding areas. Whether your crash involved a manufacturing flaw, a recalled part, or a dangerous design, we’re ready to stand with you and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Get Georgia’s Power Law Firm in your corner. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
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