Motorcycle Defects and Recalls in Cranford

Motorcyclists understand that riding a motorbike can come with risks if they encounter a negligent motorist, but another risk is the potential for a defective component on their vehicle.

If you survived a motorcycle crash and you believe a defective component contributed to the accident, contact a product injury attorney at Voto & Cavalli immediately. We have a track record of excellent results representing the victims of motorcycle defects and recalls in Cranford.

How Product Defects Cause Motorcycle Accidents

Operating a motorcycle safely requires considerable skill and a vehicle in excellent operating condition. Motorcycles must balance on two wheels and be highly maneuverable to avoid the multitude of hazards and obstacles that can cause an accident. Even minor defects can lead to a situation that causes a biker to crash. Some of the more common defects that can cause a motorcycle accident in Cranford include:

• Brakes that do not operate effectively
• Frame that cracks or distorts under normal riding conditions
• Handlebar defects that impact steering
• Tires that blowout leading to loss of control

Failure of any component that impacts a motorcycle’s operation can contribute to a serious accident. Our attorneys will review all the available evidence to determine whether a defective motorcycle part had a role in an accident, including obtaining reports from skilled mechanics and engineers to confirm the reason for the crash. When a defective part is a contributor to a serious accident, our legal professionals will hold the manufacturer liable for a biker’s losses.

Proving a Manufacturer Is Liable

Manufacturers are strictly liable when they place a product into the market and a defect causes a user to suffer losses. When a motorcycle component causes an accident, a Cranford attorney must demonstrate that the component was defective, the defect was the direct cause of the crash, and the biker suffered documentable losses.

Proving that a product is defective requires showing that its design was flawed, the manufacturing process was faulty, or the warnings and instructions that came with the product were inadequate. Compiling evidence to demonstrate a product defect can require a significant investment in time and effort.

New Jersey Statute § 2A:14-2 allows an accident victim two years from the date of injury to bring a lawsuit. It is advisable for anyone hurt in a motorcycle accident to contact legal counsel soon after the crash, to allow sufficient time to investigate and gather evidence.

The Impact of Recalls

When manufacturers receive reports that their product is not performing as it should or is causing injury, they often voluntarily recall the product. In some cases, government regulators will force a manufacturer to issue a recall. Recalls can have a significant impact on an injury case in one of two ways.

When an accident happened before a notice of recall was issued, the recall is compelling evidence that a product was defective. Proving manufacturer liability is simpler when the manufacturer essentially acknowledges a problem with the product by recalling it.

On the other hand, a case is weaker if a biker ignores or delays responding to a recall notice. Even when a Cranford attorney can demonstrate that the defective motorcycle part caused an accident, the failure to respond to the recall notice may reduce the manufacturer’s liability.

Consult a Cranford Attorney When a Defective or Recalled Motorcycle Causes a Crash

Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries and even death, so it is imperative that it is in safe working order. When a defective part contributes to these devastating consequences, the manufacturer must be held accountable. Contact our personal injury law firm when motorcycle defects and recalls in Cranford have contributed to an accident that caused you harm. We may be able to get you compensated under a product liability claim.