Last Updated: 2/8/2024

Man in full protective gear on motorcycle in black and whiteBetween 2008 and 2016, over 41,000 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents and more than 1 million went to the emergency room for non-fatal injuries, according to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While some of these accidents can be attributed to poor driving skills, weather-related factors, or the negligence of other drivers on the road, others can be attributed to motorcycle defects, for which a manufacturer might be liable.

Holding the Manufacturer Liable for Your Injuries

If you suffered a motorcycle-related injury because of what you believe is a bike or part defect, or even a defect in your safety gear, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer to recover damages such as:

  • Medical bills.
  • Lost wages.
  • Pain and suffering.

Injured bikers can hold negligent manufacturers who knew of a defect, or should have known about it, liable for their injuries, but some claims may be based on strict liability. Strict liability holds manufacturers liable for injuries that their products cause: claimants do not have to demonstrate negligence.

Some of the defective motorcycle parts that can increase the risk of crash include:

  • Malfunctioning brake pads, leading to brake failure.
  • Defective tires that cause blowouts.
  • Engine failure, resulting in sudden stalls.

Proving Your Case against the Manufacturer

In order to successfully prove your case and receive a settlement for your injuries, you’ll need to present adequate evidence. A claimant can work with an attorney to build their case, collect evidence, and present it to the courts in such a way that demonstrates the manufacturer’s liability.

Some of the evidence you can use includes:

  • Photos of the motorcycle.
  • The actual defective parts of the bike.
  • Expert witness testimony from mechanics, accident reconstructionists, or parts specialists.
  • Product recall information.

How to File a Claim or Lawsuit Against a Manufacturer

If you’ve been injured because of your bike’s malfunction, the first thing you’ll want to do is contact a local attorney. There’ll be paperwork to draw up, a period of discovery, and evidence to collect. You and your attorney can discuss the facts of the case, calculate your damages, construct the case to demonstrate the manufacturer’s fault, and then push for the best possible outcome.

You’ll also find a lot of helpful information on filing a motorcycle claim in our FREE book, Iowa Consumer’s Guide to Motorcycle Crashes. In it, we discuss how motorcycle laws work in an easy-to-understand format and answer common questions people have when filing a claim.

Consulting Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Des Moines

To discuss your case with an attorney, call Walker, Billingsley & Bair in Des Moines for a FREE legal consultation at (888) 435-9886 or contact us online. We can review the specifics of your case, determine if the manufacturer can in fact be held liable, and then help you pursue any compensation to which you’re entitled.

Corey Walker
Connect with me
With over 28 years legal experience, Corey has been recognized for his work as an injury attorney.