Before heading out on a motorbike ride, every rider should take the time to check their vehicle over. This is your responsibility and not a task that can ever be ignored. There are a number of maintenance faults that can cause accidents, and M. Smith Law explores them in the guide below.
Old Fuel
This is a problem that tends to affect motorcycle owners who only ride seasonally. When a bike has been sitting in storage for a while, for instance, throughout the cold months of winter, it is vulnerable to fuel contamination. This can cause a series of clogs in your engine and make the bike unsafe. Avoid this problem by draining the tank completely during periods of stasis or investing in a fuel stabilizer before a big ride.
Tire Problems
Tires are something that all vehicles have, but so many owners neglect maintenance in this area. Despite it being one of the easiest ways to avoid a road accident, checking tires never seems to make it to the top of the list. Always look over the bike’s tires before setting out on a drive to make sure there are no signs of wear and tear, and that they are properly inflated.
Faulty Electrics
This tends to happen in older motorcycle models more often than newer ones, but electrical problems happen more often than you may think. This is why it is important to take your bike in for regular check-ups at a trusted mechanic site and to ensure that any modifications you make are professionally installed.
The Importance of Proper Maintenance
When a motorbike fault occurs, it often leads to major accidents on the road. Motorbike riders are one of the most vulnerable categories out there in terms of how an accident would impact their life and the type of injuries they may suffer from. Maintenance can be the difference between your bike malfunctioning and a smooth journey with minimal issues. It is an assumed duty of care to take good care of your vehicle, and there are plenty of ways to watch out for common issues. Make sure you check your brakes, clutch, lights, and tires before every ride and ensure that the battery is in good working order before setting off.
What Happens After an Accident?
If an accident takes place, and your motorcycle is not in top condition because of general maintenance neglect issues, then you could be liable for the damages. Get in touch with our team to see what the options are and how liability will be determined.
Motorcycle accidents tend to be grave incidents with catastrophic consequences. There are paths forward, but it is important to know what it takes to be a safe rider and look after your bike properly. This is your duty of care and is something that everyone should uphold when in charge of a vehicle.
M Smith Law is here to help, so do not hesitate to get in touch if you have a motorcycle related incident that you need legal support for.
Find our office here at 15 Broad St #800 Boston, MA 02109.
Call now for a free consultation on (617) 263-0860.