Yes. If a defect in your bike caused a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma that left you injured, Oklahoma law gives you the right to sue the manufacturer. These cases fall under product liability law, and Oklahoma applies what is known as strict liability to these claims. That means you do not have to prove the manufacturer was careless. You only need to show that the product was defective, that the defect existed when it left the manufacturer’s control, and that it caused your injuries.
This is important for riders because not every crash is the result of something that happened on the road. For example, something like a fuel line that leaks due to a production error can send a rider to the ground through no fault of their own. In cases where that happens, the focus of the claim shifts away from driver negligence and toward the product itself.
What Types of Motorcycle Defects Can Lead to a Product Liability Claim?
Product liability claims involving motorcycles generally fall into one of three categories:
- Design defects are flaws built into the product from the start. If the motorcycle’s design is inherently dangerous, every unit produced under that design carries the same risk. These cases often lead to widespread recalls.
- Manufacturing defects occur during the production process. Unlike a design flaw, these problems may only affect a single unit or small batch. An improperly installed brake line is one common example.
- Failure to warn claims arise when the manufacturer does not include adequate safety instructions or warnings about known risks. If critical information about safe operation is left out of the owner’s manual, the manufacturer could be on the hook for injuries that result.
A personal injury lawyer in Tulsa can help you identify your best course of action during a free consultation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Motorcycle Product Liability Case?
Your claim is not limited to the company that assembled the motorcycle. Under Oklahoma law, anyone in the supply chain who played a role in bringing the product to market could face liability. That includes everyone from the original designer down to the retailer who sold it.
You also do not need to be the person who purchased the motorcycle. If you were a passenger on the bike or even a bystander injured by the defect, Oklahoma law still gives you the right to file a claim.
What Do I Need To Prove in a Product Liability Lawsuit?
The strength of a product liability claim comes down to evidence. Preserving the motorcycle and the defective component is critical. If the part is repaired or thrown away before it can be inspected, proving the defect becomes significantly harder. Expert testimony is also typically required, since these cases involve technical questions about engineering and design that go beyond what a jury can evaluate on their own.
As alluded to above, however, you don’t actually have to prove that the manufacturer was careless in any way. Strict liability exists for these claims to put the onus on businesses to ensure their products are safe for customers to use.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney
Were you recently involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a defective part in Oklahoma? You may be entitled to significant compensation, but these aren’t easy cases to win. An experienced attorney with Gorospe Law Group can help you make the most of your claim.
Contact us today to learn more and to set up a free consultation at (918) 359-7458. We’re ready to get to work for you right away.