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Question:

Is the motorcycle shop I went to, liable for damage to the motorcycle after the brakes I had worked on failed?

Approximately 3 weeks ago I brought my motorcycle to a repair shop because the front brakes were locking up (already caused one accident with one of my friends). They informed me that the bike was fixed and could be picked up. I jumped on the bike and rode off. Before I even reached 500 ft the brakes locked up again and threw me off the bike at 50 mph causing severe road rash along my entire body and fractures in my foot. My question is: is the repair shop liable for all costs involved, i.e medical costs, repair of the bike, pain and suffering? Here are some random facts:The bike is relatively new with 1200 miles on itI never signed anything waiving my rights for the repairsmy wife was following me in my car and seen the whole accident, now she has nightmares seeing me tumble lifelessly through the air. Should I attempt to seek therapy for her ?

Answer:

In most states the shop and the dealer of the bike are liable to what amount is up to the state law. Get a lawyer ASAP.
How did they lock up? Generally they will only lock up if you apply them way too hard for the situation, taking into account the road surface and weather at the time. If you go grab a big handful of front brake then any bike unless it has abs is going to spit you off it. I think that unless you can prove the brakes are faulty you are going to have to prove it was not rider error.
They are probably responsible for the repairs, as far as the accident goes I would talk that over with a Lawyer. I can tell you why your brakes are locking up, you either have moisture in the brake fluid and the seals are swollen, or there is dirt in the system. Either way the fix is to drain and flush the brake system and do a caliper rebuild kit to replace all the seals. I personally would do the back brake also as it probably also needs to be done.
In most states the shop and the dealer of the bike are liable to what amount is up to the state law. Get a lawyer ASAP.
How did they lock up? Generally they will only lock up if you apply them way too hard for the situation, taking into account the road surface and weather at the time. If you go grab a big handful of front brake then any bike unless it has abs is going to spit you off it. I think that unless you can prove the brakes are faulty you are going to have to prove it was not rider error.
They are probably responsible for the repairs, as far as the accident goes I would talk that over with a Lawyer. I can tell you why your brakes are locking up, you either have moisture in the brake fluid and the seals are swollen, or there is dirt in the system. Either way the fix is to drain and flush the brake system and do a caliper rebuild kit to replace all the seals. I personally would do the back brake also as it probably also needs to be done.

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