For dedicated bikers, the excitement that accompanies the purchase of a new motorcycle is unparalleled. Gone are the days of undergoing seemingly constant repairs, and a feeling of security comes with owning the latest and greatest safety features.

With nearly 802,000 registered motorcycles, California is first in the nation for motorcycle ownership. The city of Los Angeles alone boasts nearly 20 percent of those registrations; however, any Los Angeles accident attorney might warn that owning a new motorcycle does not automatically translate to greater safety. Defects from the factory can make a new bike as dangerous as an older model.

Recalls Often Announce Dangerous Defects

On any given day, Motorcyclist Online presents a list of motorcycle recalls and many notices involve brand new models. Unfortunately, manufacturing defects often involve more than chipped paint or flat tires. All too often, recalls announce substantial safety risks, such as the following:

• Fire hazards caused by defective hoses
• Stalling caused by a number of electrical issues
• Loss of vehicle control due to transmission lock-ups
• Loss of stopping ability caused by leaking front brake calipers

Overall, manufacturers issue recall notices to known vehicle owners as soon as they know about the defects. Unfortunately, those owners may not always receive the notices. Additionally, even when perfect vehicles leave the factory, other damage can be caused while a vehicle is in transport to the dealerships or even after delivery to the dealerships. These one-off defects are not subject to recall notices.

Injury Victims Can Experience Challenges When Third-Party Liability is Involved

Some defects, such as vehicle fires, can result in biker injuries directly, without relating to an accident with other vehicles. Other defects cause bikers to lose control of their vehicles, increasing the risk of severe accidents, often with other motorists.

When bikers fail to stop or swerve in the path of other vehicles, they are generally assumed to be at fault due to initial appearances. In most accident cases involving two or more vehicles, all motorists remain at the scene to explain their roles and begin to identify possible fault. Motorcycle riders often cannot remain at the scene because they have severe injuries requiring immediate emergency room treatment.

In fact, even those who heal to a point where they can make a statement later may not remember precisely what happened — particularly if they sustained any form of head injury.

In circumstances like these, bikers should not automatically assume that their actions caused an accident. Enlisting help from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can unleash a thorough investigation into possible recall-related defects or other issues beyond the biker's control and pointing toward third-party liability. Before assuming fault, call us at (844) 478-3626 / (844) 4RUDMAN, at our Los Angeles office at (213) 375-3777 or at our Studio City office (818) 769-6969 to preserve all legal rights.