Motorcycle enthusiasts are bound to give a wide range of answers when asked what they love most about riding a motorcycle. From the freedom of the open road to the strong sense of camaraderie to the connection to the outside world, there is nothing quite like riding a motorcycle. However, when a rider is involved in a motorcycle accident, they are likely to suffer severe, often fatal injuries because there is nothing protecting them from the force of the impact. In fact, close to 80 percent of motorcyclists who are involved in a collision are seriously injured or killed. Whereas some accidents are caused by driver negligence, others are caused by defective motorcycle parts. If a motorcyclist is seriously injured in an accident caused by a defective part, a catastrophic injury lawyer will work closely with the victim to determine who is liable for the accident and ensure that they receive the financial compensation they deserve.
There are over 800,000 registered motorcycles in the state of California alone. This is largely because California has the most roads listed on the Top 100 Motorcycle Roads on motorcycleroads.com. Unfortunately, this also means that California has more motorcycle accidents than any other state. The counties that have had the most motorcycle accidents include Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County. Many of these accidents caused the motorcycle rider to suffer permanent brain injuries and spinal cord injuries that resulted in paralysis. In most cases, the severity of the injuries was associated with the motorcycle’s engine size. The larger the engine, the faster the motorcyclist was likely to travel, which had a direct impact on the severity of the injuries.
To run properly, all the moving parts of a motorcycle must be in good working order. If there is a defective part, the motorcycle may not be safe to operate. Defects can occur during the manufacturing process, the design process, or in the production phase. Regardless of when the defect occurs, it can increase the risk of serious or fatal injuries if the motorcycle rider is in an accident. The following are examples of common motorcycle defects:
The following are additional examples of motorcycle defects that can be extremely dangerous:
In addition to the motorcycle itself, helmets and other protective gear may be defective. This can increase the severity of an injury or even result in a fatality. For example, if a motorcyclist’s helmet is defective, an injury that would otherwise be relatively minor, such as a concussion, could be extremely serious or even fatal if it causes a traumatic brain injury or a brain bleed.
There are a number of parties who may be held liable for an accident caused by a defective motorcycle part. Liability will depend on whether the defect occurred during the design process, the manufacturing process, or if the motorcycle was damaged in the showroom. A design defect is particularly dangerous because it affects the entire product line, whereas a manufacturing defect may affect only one part. A skilled catastrophic injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to determine where the defect occurred so that the negligent party can be held liable.
When the occupant of a passenger vehicle is involved in a car accident, he or she is protected by the frame of the vehicle. In addition, the seat belts, airbags, and other safety technology provide additional protection that is often extremely effective at protecting the vehicle occupants from serious injuries. However, the only thing that protects motorcyclists in the event of an accident is their helmet and their durable clothing if they are wearing any. Unfortunately, this does not always protect motorcyclists from suffering multiple injuries and fatalities. The following are examples of some of the most commonly reported injuries from motorcycle accidents:
Motorcyclists can protect themselves and reduce the severity of an injury caused by a defective part by keeping the following safety measures in mind at all times:
Motorcycle accidents that are caused by defective parts often lead to serious injuries and fatalities. If negligence was involved, the injured victim will be eligible for the following damages:
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by a defective part, you are urged to contact the Los Angeles products liability lawyers at ACTS LAW at your earliest convenience. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the details of the accident and determine who is liable for your injuries. Our dedicated legal team is committed to securing the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries and we will not stop fighting for you until we have your complete satisfaction. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 833-228-7529 or contact us online.
With offices located in Los Angeles and San Diego, we serve clients throughout Southern California.
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