Motorcycles provide riders with an unmatched sense of freedom on the open roads. However, operating a motorcycle also comes with serious safety risks that drivers of enclosed vehicles do not face. Motorcyclists lack the protections of airbags, safety belts, crush zones, and other standard safety features found in cars and trucks. This increased vulnerability means that motorcycle crashes frequently result in severe or fatal injuries.
When a motorcycle accident is caused by a defective component or design flaw, the injuries sustained can be catastrophic. In these devastating situations, identifying the party at fault and pursuing fair compensation is extremely important for victims and their families.
Motorcycle Safety Concerns in Iowa
Iowa ranks very high nationally for motorcycle ownership and use. With its scenic roads and long riding seasons, motorcycling is a popular activity. But Iowa’s motorcycle fatality rate is also disproportionately high. Over the past decade, motorcycle fatalities accounted for approximately 16% of all traffic deaths in the state, while motorcycles represent just 4% of registered vehicles.
Several factors contribute to the increased risks for motorcyclists in Iowa:
- Lack of helmet use – Iowa repealed its universal helmet law in 1975. Currently, only riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, over 60% of fatally injured motorcyclists in recent years were not wearing helmets.
- Impaired riding – Almost half of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes in Iowa had blood alcohol concentrations over the legal limit of .08.
- Rural roads – Nearly 75% of Iowa’s motorcycle fatalities occur on rural roadways. High speed limits and lack of lighting on rural roads pose hazards.
- Poor road conditions – Gravel roads and deteriorating pavement also endanger motorcyclists. Over 10% of motorcycle fatalities in the state happen on gravel roads.
When Defective Parts or Design Cause a Motorcycle Crash
While rider behavior contributes to many motorcycle crashes in Iowa, equipment issues can also cause accidents. Some examples include:
- Defective tires – If motorcycle tires are improperly manufactured and experience tread separation or sudden air loss, this can lead to loss of control and crashes. The same is true if worn tires are not replaced promptly.
- Brake defects – Issues with braking systems like faulty brake pads, leaking hydraulic fluid, or problems with anti-lock braking mechanisms can negatively affect stopping ability and lead to collisions.
- Throttle defects – Sticking throttles or throttles that do not properly return to idle position when released are very dangerous defects that can cause accidental acceleration and make bikes difficult to control.
- Suspension problems – Faulty forks, shocks or swing arms that malfunction and alter motorcycle handling could result in a crash.
- Lighting defects – Inoperable headlights or brake lights jeopardize the ability to see and be seen at night.
When defective motorcycle parts or components cause an accident that leads to injuries, determining legal responsibility can be complicated.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Defective Product Motorcycle Crashes?
Several parties may share liability when flaws in motorcycle design or manufacturing result in a crash:
Motorcycle Manufacturers
Motorcycle manufacturers have a responsibility to properly design their vehicles and ensure all components operate safely. If an accident is directly caused by an original design defect, inadequate safety testing, or a manufacturing error, the motorcycle company will likely bear some liability. However, it can be challenging to prove this responsibility.
Parts Suppliers and Component Makers
Many motorcycle parts like tires, brakes, and clutches are made by outside suppliers, not the motorcycle company. If defective materials, faulty production or improper installation instructions for a particular component leads to an accident, legal responsibility may fall on the parts supplier.
Mechanics and Repair Shops
When improperly performed repairs or faulty service cause a component failure that results in a crash, liability can extend to the mechanic or repair shop. Using aftermarket parts that malfunction could also lead to responsibility for mechanics. Maintenance work that does not address wear and tear issues in components like tires or brakes could potentially contribute to liability in a crash as well.
Previous Owners
If a defective motorcycle or part that was never adequately addressed gets resold to another owner who then crashes because of the issue, liability can potentially involve previous owners who failed to repair known problems before selling the bike.
Overcoming Complex Legal Challenges
The multi-faceted nature of motorcycle product liability cases makes securing fair compensation extremely challenging:
- Specialized engineering expertise required – Recreating events and pinpointing precise defects requires extensive technical analysis by experts.
- Manufacturers often aggressively defend claims – They work vigorously to absolve themselves of blame by citing rider error or placing responsibility elsewhere.
- Multiple defendants and insurance policies involved – This fragments and complicates the claims process significantly.
- Contributory negligence may be argued – Defendants may allege that victims’ own negligent behavior like intoxication or speeding contributed to accidents. This can limit financial recovery in some states.
Why Hiring a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney is Crucial
Due to the legal complexity surrounding defective product motorcycle accidents, partnering with an experienced personal injury law firm is highly advised. An attorney can handle the intricate legal and investigative demands these cases involve and help victims and their families recover damages including:
- Medical expenses from accident injuries
- Costs related to lost income and reduced future earnings
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged vehicles
- Pain, suffering and emotional distress damages
At Monge & Associates, our team has represented many motorcycle accident injury victims throughout Iowa. We have 32 offices located in 19 states, including Iowa, Nebraska, and Tennessee, and we always conduct thorough investigations, aggressively pursue evidence like product testing data, consult with engineering and medical experts, and build strong legal arguments to fight for maximum compensation in your case. Everything we do focuses on helping victims heal and rebuild their lives.
If you or a loved one have suffered harm in a motorcycle crash caused by a defective component or design flaw, contact our office today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at (888) 477-0597 or request a meeting online to discuss your situation and legal options. With an ally like Monge & Associates on your side, you can feel confident your rights will be protected.