Why Is the Role of Mechanical Engineers Critical in Motorcycle Crash Investigations?

September 29, 2025

Dennis Hernandez

The importance played by mechanical engineers in motorcycle crash events investigations arises from their special skills.

Mechanical engineers work to find underlying reasons for the motorcycle accidents. The experts exhibit detailed understanding of mechanical system operation and failure modes. Their professional guidance assists personal injury attorneys in determining if mechanical system malfunction was the cause of their motorcycle accident. Using motorcycle gear breakdown data along with crash data and the accident site condition is essential. This information helps personal injury lawyers determine negligence by the liable party in rider injury cases.

Most cases are resolved based on expert technical evidence, according to the team at Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys. The law office collaborates with top mechanical engineers nationwide. This partnership helps us determine liability in cases involving defective products and negligent maintenance.

We fight to get you paid!

What Do Engineers Inspect After a Motorcycle Accident?

The first stage of investigation involves the collection of all evidence documentation. Engineers collect:

The core elements of motorbikes — which are brakes, tires, engine parts, suspension system, and steering technologies.
How the vehicles and debris are lying as well as make note of skid marks and impact angles at the accident site.
Additional evidence consisting of witness statements together with traffic and digital data from the vehicles.

Engineers use photogrammetry and 3D Laser scanning for accidents reconstruction to find design flaws, maintenance issues and product failure.

What Brake Problems Do Engineers Search For?

On a motorcycle, the brakes usually fail due to its system components. Engineers look for:

Brake pads and rotors that are excessively worn.
Brake lines showing punctures or leaks.
Brake fluid that appears to be degraded, or with evident contamination signs.
ABS system that fails to function properly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 22% of motorcycle crashes are due to brake failures.

Why Is Tire Inspection Essential During a Crash Investigation?

Tire inspection plays a critical role in crash investigations based on its importance.

A motorcycle relies completely on the tires to maintain contact with road surface. Engineers evaluate:

Tread depth and overall wear.
Tire pressure levels at the time of the accident.
Evidence of blowouts, sidewall damage, or punctures.
Wheel balance, alignment, and structural integrity.

The condition of the tires and service records can support recall claims. They may also indicate possible poor maintenance services.

How Do Steering and Suspension Failures Cause Motorcycle Crashes?

Motorcycle crashes due to steering and suspension system failures occur for particular reasons.

How a motorcycle responds to the commands of the rider relies on the steering and suspension systems. Engineers assess:

Fork condition and handlebar alignment.
Shock absorber
Inspection of the suspension wear status and damages along with aftermarket modifications checks.

Choppy forks and worn shocks yield less control when you have to steer in a hurry. The evidence is crucial to decide product defect or maintenance negligence responsibilities.

Can Engine or Transmission Failures Cause Motorcycle Accidents?

Yes, motorcycles can crash due to loss of power or engine seizure. This often happens because of breakdowns in the engine or transmission.

Engineers examine the engine and transmission for:

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

The loss of power and engine seizure due to mechanical failure can indicate underlying issues. Experts can use this information to demonstrate potential manufacturing defects or inadequate maintenance. This evidence can establish who is responsible for liability.

How Do Engineers Help Prove Legal Liability?

The documentation created by mechanical engineers serves as important evidence in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Their evidence includes:

Causation: Demonstrating the mechanical defect or failure was the direct cause of the accident.
The origin of the defect can be identified through a prompt professional examination. This will determine if the defects arise from design, production, or maintenance issues.
Expert testimony: Translating complex failure into gentle reading for courts and juries.

For example, in the case of Hardin v. Kawasaki Motors Corp., the court used expert evidence. This evidence showed that a steering failure caused a crash, leading to a successful product liability lawsuit.

Can Manufacturers Be Held Liable After Production?

Manufacturers may be held legally responsible for their products once they’re off production lines.

Absolutely. The motorcycle company will accept responsibility to pay when engineers find a production or design defect caused the accident. The resulting measures could be:

Product
Financial compensation.
Redesigns and updated safety measures.

We saw a total of over 1,000,000 motorcycle mechanical-related recalls in the USA alone during 2021. At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we help find these potential hazards in the course of our investigations.

What Happens If a Maintenance Provider Is Responsible?

Maintenance neglect or failures leading to accidents leaves shops and dealerships exposed to potential liability. Engineers search for:

Records showing both incomplete data and unauthorized modifications
Fitting of substandard parts that are not in original manufacturer’s specifications.
Mishaps from shoddy repair work or overlooked safety checks

Service provider’s fault is clear when engineers identify both defective work and inspection failure indicators.

Are Motorcyclists Ever Responsible for Their Own Accidents?

Rider error is responsible for the majority of motorcycle crashes. Engineers evaluate:

Rider speed at the time of the crash.
Emergency maneuvering
Braking performance and gear use.
The use of helmets and protective gear by riders.

Riders involved in the crash who bear some fault can still obtain gain under Florida Statute §768.81. The court decides compensation amounts by considering the contributory percentage that a rider holds in the crash under the comparative negligence.

Does Standard Maintenance Help Prevent Mechanical System Failures?

Definitely. Preventative maintenance minimizes mechanical breakdowns and assists protects injury claims through showing no rider negligence. Riders should:

Check tire pressure weekly
Replace brake pads and fluids on schedule
Maintain proper alignment and suspension settings

Well recorded maintenance creates evidence to keep riders safe in courts of law.

Why Is It Important to Document Maintenance and Recall Notices?

Service records along with receipts and inspection results help establish that the rider did take appropriate steps. It’s also crucial to:

Monitor manufacturer recall notices.
Check for open recalls by going to the NHTSA’s Recall Lookup.

This evidence demonstrates that the rider is not responsible for the accident. It also supports claims related to product liability.

How Does a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Use Engineering Evidence?

A skilled motorcycle injury attorney will:

Work with mechanical engineers to conduct expert evaluations.
Present technical findings as courtroom testimony.
Prove that defects in the product directly led to the injury.

Clients of Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys have recovered millions of dollars through this proven legal strategy for motorcycle crashes.

We fight to get you paid!

What Should You Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?

To be eligible for your claim protection and mechanical fail proof you must follow these steps:

Get immediate medical care.
Preserve the motorcycle — do not modify or repair it.
Gather witness information and photograph the scene.
Contact a motorcycle injury attorney promptly.

Our legal team preserves your vehicle for inspection and preserves evidence necessary to prove your case.

What Services Do Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys Provide?

Our motorcycle accident attorneys fight for clients in cases arising from mechanical malfunctions. We offer:

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

Attorneys at Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys have extensive experience advocating for clients in the courtroom. They manage expert witnesses and navigate complex situations with unwavering dedication to protect your rights.