Vehicle manufacturers in Sandy Springs should be careful to put out safe products. But sometimes, defects happen and cause severe injuries. This can be the case with defective motorcycle parts that lead to accidents.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by defective parts, you might deserve compensation. You and your family shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s carelessness. Talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer about recovering your medical costs, lost wages, and more.
John Foy & Associates can look at the cause of your crash and what you deserve. We are not afraid to fight for fair compensation for each client. We also don’t charge a fee unless we win your case.
To get a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How Motorcycle Defects Cause Accidents
Motorcycles, like all vehicles, are complicated devices with hundreds of moving parts. If something goes wrong or is defective, the results can be catastrophic.
Motorcycle defects that might cause accidents include parts like:
- Motorcycle frame: A structural issue in the bike’s frame can cause cracks during everyday riding. Average weather conditions can lead to rust and other problems that can increase the risk of an accident.
- Brakes: Defective brakes can be incredibly dangerous, even deadly. The rider can’t stop if they don’t have functioning brakes. While this is terrible on any vehicle, it’s especially bad on a motorcycle with less crash protection.
- Engine: Engine defects can lead to sudden engine failure. A motorcycle might stop or stall without warning, causing horrific accidents and injuries.
- Tires: Manufacturing defects can lead to faulty tires and wheels. The motorcycle might swerve into other lanes of traffic or fail to stop correctly.
- Fuel tank: Defective fuel tanks can lead to gas leaks, which can cause fires and horrific injuries. A biker might not realize a fuel tank issue until it’s too late.
- Handles: Defective handles on a motorcycle can make it impossible to steer correctly. The bike might swerve or topple unexpectedly because of handlebar defects.
- Full motorcycle design: Sometimes, a manufacturing defect affects that entire motorcycle design. Any defect can cause an accident without a moment’s notice.
Motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer severe injuries during an accident. That’s because they have less protection compared to cars and trucks. A motorcyclist has little between them and the open road. Whether the accident involves just the rider or other people, the aftermath is often horrible.
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Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Defective Parts
Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burns
- Extreme bruising
- Neck and back injuries
- Concussions and other brain injuries
- Amputations
The defective part itself or the accident can cause terrible injuries. Some injuries can leave a rider paralyzed, disfigured, or scarred for life. That doesn’t even include the mental and emotional harms of an accident.
A rider might not notice a defect until right before an accident. At that point, the rider can’t take action and avoid injury.
Other Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Defective parts are not the only cause of motorcycle accidents. Unfortunately, other drivers often overlook or disregard motorcycle riders, leading to accidents.
Besides defects, other causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Failure to yield
- Following too closely
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Improper lane changes
Knowing Who’s Responsible for a Defective Parts Accident
After a defective part causes an accident, it’s important to know who’s responsible. More than one party might be at fault for what happened, including:
- The motorcycle manufacturer
- A parts manufacturer
- A motorcycle shop owner
- Another driver or motorcycle rider
The manufacturer is usually liable when a defective bike leaves the factory. They are also typically at fault for a design defect.
A shop owner or driver could be at fault if the defect becomes known later. Shop owners must respond to recalls and fix or replace the bike. If a driver or rider learns about a recall for their vehicle, they should respond immediately to avoid an accident.
Partial Fault in an Accident
Georgia has partial fault laws under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-33. If the injured person is partly at fault for an accident, they still have rights. An injured party can still recover damages if they were less than 50% at fault.
For example, say you were five percent at fault for your accident. You would still be able to file a claim for compensation. But your damages would be decreased by five percent.
If you’re worried about partial fault for your accident, talk to a Sandy Springs motorcycle accident lawyer. A lawyer can look at the details and determine your rights. They can also see if more than one party is at fault for your accident.
Damages to Claim from Defective Parts Accidents
After your injuries, you can file an injury claim with the responsible person or party. Most of the time, you’ll start by filing a claim with the insurance company. Before filing your case, you’ll need to know your damages.
Motorcycle accident damages can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
An experienced lawyer can calculate all of your damages, including future medical treatment you might need. If you lost a loved one in the accident, you might have a wrongful death claim.
A Sandy Springs Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
If a defective part might have caused your motorcycle accident, you likely have a case. However, it’s important to get started right away. The deadline to bring a lawsuit in Georgia is usually two years, and sometimes it’s sooner.
You shouldn’t have to pay for the costs of someone else’s mistakes. Talk to a Sandy Springs motorcycle accident lawyer about your compensation rights before it’s too late. You might be entitled to fully recover your medical costs, lost income, and more.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have been working with motorcycle accident victims for over 20 years. Plus, we don’t charge a fee unless we win your case. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
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