Accidents Arising From Defective Bicycle Parts

Oftentimes it is assumed that bicycle accidents are caused by negligent motorists who fail to respect bicyclists’ rights on the road or in a bike lane. However, in many instances, bicycle accidents involve only one rider who is injured due to a defective part or malfunction of his or her bicycle. Miami bicycle accident lawyer Robert Dixon assists victims of accidents caused by defective bicycle parts pursue legal action against the parties responsible for their harm. Liable parties may include manufacturers of the part or bicycle, as well as any distributors. These cases often involve detailed investigation into the manufacturing process and the circumstances leading to the bicycle accident. Mr. Dixon and his staff at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you evaluate all relevant factors, and make sure the proper evidence is collected in order to preserve your claims. Our firm represents clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as elsewhere in South Florida. If you’ve been injured or a loved one has died as a result of a bicycle accident you believe was caused by a defective part, please contact our office to set up a free consultation.

A victim injured by a defective bicycle part may be entitled to compensation in a products liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the product or part. Wholesalers, retailers, and assemblers may also be held responsible for injuries in these types of accidents, depending on the circumstances. Product defects apparent in bicycle accident cases generally fall within three types of categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn.

Design defects occur when an injury is the result of a poor overall design of a bicycle. This refers to a flaw inherent in the bicycle or part’s basic blueprint that makes it unsafe to users. This can include dangerous tire design, braking abilities, or other features that were not designed properly. Manufacturers are strictly liable for harm that results from a design defect, which means a plaintiff-victim needs only to show that the defect was present at the time the product or part was released. Additionally, plaintiffs must show the design created an unreasonable danger that could have been avoided by use of a safer design.

Manufacturing defects are present when an error occurs in a specific bicycle or part. This refers to only some proportion of the entire inventory being affected, such as those manufactured at a certain plant, or in a specific year. To establish liability for a manufacturing defect, plaintiffs need to prove that the defect occurred when the product left the manufacturer’s control, and that that defect caused the victim’s injury. Victims may also have a product liability claim based on a party’s failure to warn of certain dangers at the time of the bicycle’s sale.

Injuries caused by accidents arising from a defective bicycle part can be severe, and can range from broken bones and fractures to traumatic brain injuries and even death. It is advisable to contact a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your injury to ensure proper documentation is taken and evidence is preserved. Once liability is established, victims may receive damages in the form of past and future medical expenses, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Manufacturers are responsible for making sure their products are safe for consumers. When they fail to do so and victims are seriously injured as a result, manufacturers should be held liable for the harm caused. Bicycle accident attorney Robert Dixon is dedicated to helping victims with their legal claims, which are often necessary to assist with the financial impact of their injuries. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, please call the Law Offices of Robert Dixon at 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options. We work with clients in communities including West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.