Article: Motorcycle Seat Failure

Arizona Motorcycle Lawyer for Seat Failure

In 2005, Yamaha issued its biggest recall ever in the U.S., recalling 190,000 motorcycles due seat brackets which could fail and cause the rider to fall. This massive recall highlights the danger of motorcycle seat failures. If a motorcycle rider’s seat comes loose, it can cause the rider to lose control of the bike and lead to an accident.

Due to the difficulty in operating a motorcycle, even a seemingly minor problem with a seat can cause the rider to lose control and have an accident. In addition, motorcycle riders are at much higher risk for injuries due to an accident. According to one estimate, 80% of motorcycle riders suffer some type of injury during an accident.

Therefore, motorcycle manufacturers have a responsibility to take great care in their products, as even a minor defect can have devastating consequences. Unfortunately, many defects are not discovered until after they have injured or killed someone in an accident.

If you or someone close to you was injured in a motorcycle accident and a seat defect played a role, the manufacturer can be held liable for damages. However, product liability cases can be difficult to win. If you have an accident in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa or elsewhere in Maricopa County, you should contact an experienced Arizona motorcycle attorney.

Liability

If a motorcycle rider collides with another vehicle or damages property in an accident in which he loses control, he may be found at fault and cited for the accident. If seat failure caused the driver to lose control, the rider must prove this in court, not only to recover damages from the manufacturer, but also to not be held responsible for other damages. If this is the case, you should consult an Arizona motorcycle attorney immediately.

Types of Motorcycle Seat Failure

Motorcycle seat failures are usually caused by faulty parts that cause the seat to come loose. These parts include:

  • Seat brackets
  • Bolts
  • Hinges on adjustable seats

In the case of the Yamaha recall, the problem was the rear mounting bracket, which could come loose and cause the seat to fall off the fender. In another example, BMW recalled motorcycles in 2000 due to a problem with its adjustable backrest. The backrest could come loose and cause the rider to lose his balance and crash.

Warning Signs of Motorcycle Seat Failure

If you lost control of your motorcycle and had an accident, a defective seat may be at fault. This is especially true in single-vehicle accidents in which there are no other obvious causes, such as dangerous weather, excessive speed, or driver impairment. If the seat wobbles or feels loose immediately prior to the accident, a defective seat may be at fault.

Contact a Phoenix Motorcycle Lawyer

If you think that a seat defect may have caused or contributed to injuries in your motorcycle accident in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale or elsewhere in Maricopa County, you should consult with a Phoenix motorcycle attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. For more information on tire defects or motorcycle accidents in general, visit www.azmotorcycleaccidentlawyer.com/