There's an old adage that a motorcycle is only as safe as its rider. But some motorcycles have manufacturing defects that no rider can overcome. And these defects are one of the causes of motorcycle accidents.
Each year, dozens of recalls are issued on motorcycles and their parts. While some are for technical violations such as emissions controls, many of these recalls involve safety issues that can cause serious injury if not addressed.
Tens of thousands of riders are injured and several thousand are killed every year in motorcycle crashes. While it's not clear how many of these injuries and deaths can be attributed to defective motorcycles or parts, surely some of them can be.
There are a number of places that motorcycle owners can check for recalls for their particular bikes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration updates safety recalls for all sorts of motor vehicles every night. Check the NHTSA website for details.
In addition, be sure to check the website for the manufacturer of your particular brand of motorcycle for recall information. There is also a website called Motorcycle Recalls that lists recalls by make and year.
Why Product Defects Happen
Why do some motorcycle parts fail? There can be many reasons: flawed design, weaknesses introduced in the manufacturing process, or incorrect installation. Sometimes a part fails from age and wear long before the designer or manufacturer anticipated, causing safety issues. Occasionally manufacturers fail to notify customers of the proper way to use various parts, or warn of the danger of misuse. Other times, one part of the motorcycle may cause unanticipated wear and tear on another part just from normal use.
Any of these problems may lead to serious safety defects, which could result in crashes or other injuries.
If you have been injured by a motorcycle, talk to a lawyer who knows about motorcycles and personal injury law.
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