Why Are Mechanical Engineers Crucial in Investigating Motorcycle Crashes?

September 2, 2025

Dennis Hernandez

Mechanical engineers play a key role in accident investigation through the identification of hidden factors responsible for motorcycle accidents. The specialists possess extensive knowledge about the functioning and breakdown patterns of mechanical systems. Their findings play a critical role in determining if mechanical system failures led to the accident. The investigation process involving motorcycle assessment and crash data analysis combined with accident site evaluation enables engineers to assist personal injury attorneys in establishing the responsible parties for injured motorcyclists.

The team at Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys understands that expert technical evidence often decides the outcome of a case. The firm works with competent mechanical engineers to demonstrate liability in cases where mechanical issues or maintenance errors occur.

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What Do Engineers Inspect After a Motorcycle Accident?

The first requirement is to obtain complete documentation of evidence at the accident site. Engineers collect:

Motorcycle components: Brakes, tires, engine parts, suspension, and steering systems
Scene details: Vehicle and debris positions, skid marks, and impact angles
Supplementary evidence: Eyewitness statements, traffic camera footage, and onboard digital data

The reconstruction of crashes with design flaws and product failures and maintenance issues can be identified through photogrammetry and 3D laser scanning techniques.

What Brake Problems Do Engineers Search For?

Brakes are one of the most common failure points in motorcycles. Engineers look for:

Excessive wear on brake pads and rotors
The condition of brake lines suffers from problems that include leaks and punctures
Brake fluid shows contamination as well as deterioration
Malfunctioning anti-lock braking systems (ABS)

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), brake-related problems contribute to 22% of motorcycle crashes that involve vehicle failure.

Why Is Tire Inspection Crucial After a Motorcycle Crash?

A motorcycle’s tires represent its exclusive contact points with road surfaces. Engineers evaluate:

Tread depth and overall wear
The amount of tire pressure present during the crash incident
Evidence of blowouts, sidewall damage, or punctures
Wheel balance, alignment, and structural integrity

The condition and maintenance history of tires serves to validate tire recall claims while showing potential maintenance provider negligence.

What Role Do Steering and Suspension Failures Play in Motorcycle Crashes?

The steering and suspension systems function to determine how motorcycles respond when riders apply control inputs. Engineers assess:

Fork condition and handlebar alignment
Shock absorber performance
The state of suspension components including their wear and any modifications made to the suspension system

A fork that is misaligned with its handlebars or has excessive wear on its shocks produces diminished steering control while performing emergency maneuvers. This evidence helps establish responsibility between defective products and improper maintenance practices.

Can Engine or Transmission Failures Lead to Motorcycle Accidents?

Yes. Engineers examine the engine and transmission for:

Leaking fluids or oil
Signs of overheating
Transmission slipping or gear-shifting issues
Records of improper servicing or neglect

A loss of power or engine seizure from mechanical failure can be linked to manufacturer defects or poor repair work which supports liability claims.

How Do Engineers Help Prove Legal Liability?

The testimony of mechanical engineers creates vital documentation that helps establish cases for personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits. Their evidence includes:

Causation: Showing that a mechanical defect or failure directly caused the accident
The source of defects can be determined by understanding whether they originate from the design process or manufacturing stage or result from inadequate maintenance
Expert opinion: Explaining complex failures in simple terms for courts and juries

Expert testimony in Hardin v. Kawasaki Motors Corp. led to a successful product liability claim after experts demonstrated that a steering defect triggered the accident.

Can a Manufacturer Be Held Liable After Production?

Absolutely. A motorcycle company becomes accountable when mechanical engineers demonstrate that production or design errors resulted in the accident. This may result in:

Product recalls
Financial compensation
Redesigns and updated safety measures

The United States recorded more than 1 million motorcycle mechanical issue recalls throughout 2021. Our investigations conducted at Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys help expose these safety threats.

What Happens If a Maintenance Provider Is Responsible?

The legal system recognizes repair shops and dealerships as responsible entities when maintenance failures result in accidents. Engineers search for:

The documentation process requires full records together with unmodified content
Service providers must use only OEM parts and avoid low-quality components
Safety checks that are not performed properly together with substandard repairs

Service providers demonstrate negligence by providing evidence showing inadequate inspection procedures and substandard repair practices.

Is the Rider Ever at Fault for a Crash?

The most frequent reason behind motorcycle accidents stems from rider errors. Engineers evaluate:

Rider speed at the time of the crash
Emergency maneuvering actions
Braking performance and gear use

Wearing helmets and protective gear becomes essential for motorcyclists to prevent injuries.

The law of Florida Statutes §768.81 permits riders to obtain compensation despite their involvement in the accident. The court will decrease the compensation amount based on how much the rider contributed to the accident through comparative negligence.

Does Scheduled Maintenance Help Prevent Equipment Breakdowns?

Definitely. The practice of maintenance as prevention stops mechanical failures and helps to defend injury claims because it demonstrates that the rider took no responsibility. Riders should:

Check tire pressure weekly
Regular brake pad and fluid replacements must be performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
Proper alignment and suspension settings should be maintained

Rider maintenance documentation creates both credibility and safety for legal claims.

What Is the Significance of Keeping Records About Maintenance and Recalls?

The rider demonstrates responsible behavior through the documentation of services and receipts and inspection results. The following are essential steps to follow:

Monitor manufacturer recall notices
You can use the NHTSA Recall Lookup tool to find open recalls on your vehicle

This documentation serves two purposes: to demonstrate that the rider was not responsible for the accident and to build evidence for product liability cases.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Use Engineering Evidence?

A lawyer who specializes in motorcycle injuries possesses the following capabilities:

Mechanical engineers from our firm will conduct expert evaluations with your assistance
Present technical findings as courtroom testimony
The defense lawyer can establish responsibility by establishing how product defects caused your crash injuries

The strategy of Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys has resulted in obtaining millions of dollars for motorcycle crash victims.

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What Should You Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?

A claim becomes stronger through proving mechanical failure and you must protect your evidence during the following steps:

Get immediate medical care
The motorcycle should remain untouched for inspection purposes until the authorities arrive
Document every witness statement while taking pictures of the entire accident site
Contact a motorcycle injury attorney promptly

Our legal team ensures the safety of your vehicle during inspection and maintains evidence which supports your case.

What Services Do Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys Provide?

The motorcycle accident lawyers at our firm specialize in defending clients against mechanical defect cases. We offer:

Independent crash investigations
Collaboration with engineering experts
Strategic negotiations and litigation support
Evidence preservation and analysis

Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys combines courtroom expertise with expert witness management and a strong dedication to achieve justice for their clients.