When most people think of a bicycle accident, they imagine a collision between bicyclists and motor vehicles. The truth is that many crashes occur with just the bicyclist and the bicycle. Some of these accidents result from the mechanical failure of one or more bicycle components due to a defective product. When a product is defective, and it can be proven that the defect contributed to an injury, all parties engaged in supplying the product to the public may be held liable for damages. The liable parties are the manufacturer, designer, wholesaler, distributor, and retailer. There are three types of product defects:
- Design defects
- Manufacturing defects
- Failure to warn – the product did not have proper instructions
Serious Injuries
On a bicycle, some parts that could cause serious injury are:
- Defective brakes
- Defective tires
- Defective gear shifts
- Defective frames
- Defective pedals
If you are injured by a defective cycling product, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention for your injuries. Keep all medical records as proof that you were injured. Take photos of the scene of the accident and your bike as soon as possible and write down everything that you can remember. Do not discard the bike or have any repairs done. The bicycle is an essential piece of evidence in your case. You have an excellent chance of recovering compensation for your injuries from the manufacturer and other parties if you can prove that the bicycle was defective. Keep any accessories, such as a helmet, that you may have worn when the accident occurred.
Call the Law Office of Joel A. Levine For Legal Assistance Today
Most importantly, you will need the services of a skilled Austin bicycle accident attorney. The experienced lawyers at the Law Office of Joel A. Levine are recognized leaders in this area of the law because we are committed to aggressively fighting for our client’s rights and winning large settlements so that financial worries do not burden them due to their injuries. Contact our law firm for a free case evaluation to begin your road to recovery at 512-982-1510.