Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help Clients throughout New Jersey Who Have Been Injured by Defective Equipment

Motorcyclists take to New Jersey highways well aware of the challenges they face thanks to negligent motorists and dangerous road conditions. It’s less commonly known that motorcycle equipment defects are a leading cause of crashes in Union, Essex, Middlesex, Hudson counties and across North Jersey.

It’s the rider’s responsibility to keep their motorcycle in good, safe working order. However, when a piece of equipment fails due to defect, there may be no warning. If you or someone you know has experienced severe injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident caused by an equipment defect, contact Team Law right away for a free consultation about your case. We will work tirelessly to hold the manufacturer, supplier, distributor, installer or retail outlet responsible for the negligence that led to your accident.

Common Motorcycle Equipment Defects Can Cause Accidents

We have offices by appointment in Elizabeth-New Brunswick-West New York-Plainfield-Edison-Perth Amboy-Newark-Jersey City-Orange-Westfield-and Summit New Jersey

Every rider knows that it’s important to do a check of the motorcycle before going out for a ride in Summit, Westfield or New Brunswick, NJ. Of course, it’s important to make sure the gas tank is filled if you are going on a long ride. You should also check the tires, chains, brakes, and your helmet to make sure everything is in good working order. It’s better to be safe than sorry. If there is something wrong with the bike, it’s better to find out in your driveway instead of rush hour traffic in Newark or Rahway.

All riders should check the following items to make sure they are in good condition before a ride:

• Tires:
  • Tire Pressure: Make sure tires are properly inflated. Riding with low pressure in your tires can cause a blowout or wobbling that will make it difficult to control the bike.
  • Tire Tread: If your tires are wearing unevenly or you have a few two many miles on them, your bike will not handle properly. Replace worn tires.
  • Check for anything that is loose or bent on the rim or spokes.
• Remove any objects stuck in the treads and don’t ride on tires that have cuts in the tread or sidewall.
• Controls & Cables: Anything that doesn’t work smoothly or is broken should be replaced immediately. If these items break during a ride, the results can be devastating.
• Headlights, Tail Lights & Brake Lights: They need to be working and clean.
• Pedals and Levers: It goes without saying, all pedals and levers, especially the brake pedal, must be in good working condition.
• Horn: This is an important safety device. Make sure it works.
• Mirrors: New Jersey law requires each motorcycle to have at least one mirror. Keep it clean and well-adjusted. Never try to adjust a mirror while riding.

What to Do If You are Experiencing Motorcycle Equipment Failure in Edison, Orange, Irvington or Anywhere Else in New Jersey

Let’s assume that you always check your bike before heading out for a ride. Even so, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience an equipment malfunction or failure while out on the road. If this happens, it can be extremely dangerous. A crash will likely leave you with severe injuries.

Not all equipment defects present as an emergency. For example, if your turn signal malfunctions, you can use hand signals to alert other motorists of your intentions on the roadway. Wobbling (the bike shaking from side to side) may be a sign of a serious problem (a tire blowout) or a more minor issue you can pull to the side of the road to deal with. The following things that may cause a wobble: underinflated tires, unevenly distributed cargo, maladjusted handlebars, bent wheels or an alignment problem, and an issue with the windshield.

• If you are having engine trouble, you may hear a loud metal scraping sound. Additionally, if your low oil pressure light comes on, you’ve likely got engine trouble.
• If you start to hear a loud knocking sound, you may have a rod or piston issue.
• If your bike frame starts vibrating vigorously, the problem may be valves or bearings.
• If your transmission is sputtering, you need to get the clutch checked.
• If your transmission is kicking you out of gear or jamming, you likely have an extremely serious problem; your gears could be damaged.

Any or all of these problems could be basic wear and tear; stuff happens. However, these and many other issues could be signs of a serious equipment defect. Contact Team Law today so we can fully investigate what happened to your motorcycle. If we find that the problem is a defective or recalled piece of equipment, we will fight hard to hold the manufacturer, supplier or vendor responsible for repairs and injuries caused by the faulty product.

Speak to a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today for Free

Accidents happen, that’s for sure. Usually, it’s because of driver negligence or dangerous road conditions. However, if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and you suspect that defective equipment – a mechanical part of the biker or your helmet, for example – caused the crash, contact Team Law right way. There are no upfront legal fees. We will discuss your case and determine the best course of action that will result in maximum compensation for you and your family. Contact us today to get started and we’ll fight to get you the justice you deserve.