In the past several years, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, and Honda have all issued motorcycle recalls to correct defects that could cause serious crashes. These companies and other motorcycle manufacturers have strong incentives to address defects that may put riders at risk of serious injury.
The motorcycle accident lawyers at CaseyGerry closely monitor the motorcycle industry to track defect and recall developments. Bikers injured in connection with motorcycle defects and recalls in San Diego can turn to our experience for guidance in seeking compensation.
California product liability law places responsibility on manufacturers for three types of motorcycle defects:
Examples of motorcycle design defects include high centers of gravity, brakes not suited for the bike’s speed, unprotected fuel lines, and improperly shielded electrical systems.
These defects arise from components with manufacturing flaws. For example, Harley recently recalled its Softail model motorcycle to fix a rear-shock adjuster that could fracture and puncture the bike’s rear tire.
Motorcycle manufacturers are obligated to provide bikers with clear instructions on the proper use and operating conditions. Manufacturers are liable for a failure to warn when they knew or reasonably should have known of certain risks but did not provide adequate information about those risks.
Proving a motorcycle defect and connecting that defect to an accident that injured a rider requires motorcycle industry knowledge and legal expertise. Bikers who are injured in San Diego should make sure that their product liability attorney has the necessary background and experience to handle the complex aspects of a motorcycle defect case.
A recall may be proof that a motorcycle manufacturer knew about a design, manufacturing, or marketing flaw, which is a necessary component of a product liability lawsuit. To recover damages, however, an injured rider’s lawyer must show that the defect was the direct and proximate cause of the accident.
In most motorcycle product liability lawsuits, manufacturers will often argue that:
Our San Diego attorneys have the industry knowledge and legal expertise needed to analyze the facts and present your motorbike defect case in a way that could overcome these and other defenses.
Under California law, an injured rider has two years from the date of a motorbike accident to file a lawsuit. The same deadline applies to motorcycle product liability lawsuits.
It may not be immediately apparent after an accident, however, that a San Diego crash was the result of a motorcycle defect. To assess whether a manufacturer is at fault, your attorney could analyze the evidence and commission an expert inspection of your bike. You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your crash to allow sufficient time to complete this analysis.
The lawyers at CaseyGerry have advocated for injured riders since 1947. If you believe that you have been injured in connection with motorcycle defects and recalls in San Diego, please call our offices for a complimentary assessment of your case. We can explain your options, investigate whether you may have a product liability claim, and help you take steps toward recovery after an accident.
