Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Accident Raises Product Liability Concerns

A recent lawsuit filed by a Midland man against Harley-Davidson and a local dealership following a severe motorcycle accident raises significant product liability concerns. The plaintiff, who purchased a 2023 Harley FLTRXSE CVO, claims the motorcycle suffered from persistent electrical issues, which were never resolved despite multiple attempts to repair it. 

In May 2024, the motorcycle unexpectedly lost power, causing a crash that resulted in the amputation of the plaintiff’s leg. This case highlights the serious consequences of what may prove to be a defective product and the responsibilities of manufacturers and sellers to ensure their products are safe for consumers.

The lawsuit alleges that Harley-Davidson is liable for designing and distributing a defective motorcycle, as the plaintiff experienced persistent electrical issues that made the bike unsafe to use. Despite these problems, Harley-Davidson did not inform the plaintiff of any potential defects or recalls. The plaintiff also accuses Legacy Motorcycle, the dealership that sold him the bike, of negligence and gross negligence. According to the claim, the plaintiff brought the motorcycle back multiple times for repair, but Legacy failed to fix the issue, dismissing it as minor. This failure to resolve the problem or warn the plaintiff of the potential danger contributed to the accident, resulting in severe injuries.

New Recall Highlights Broader Safety Issues

Although the plaintiff’s case involves a different model, Harley-Davidson recently issued a recall for certain 2023 CVO Street Glide motorcycles due to safety concerns. The recall, affecting 1,464 motorcycles built between May and October 2023, was triggered by the potential for loss of control when encountering environmental factors like wind gusts or road irregularities at speeds over 100 mph. Harley-Davidson’s reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describe the risk of increased vehicle response under such conditions, which could lead to accidents if the rider does not reduce speed and maintain a controlled grip, as outlined in the owner’s manual.

While this recent recall does not directly relate to the motorcycle in the plaintiff’s case, it underscores a common theme in product liability claims: the critical importance of identifying and addressing defects that could impact rider safety. Just as the CVO Street Glide recall highlights potential loss of control, the electrical issues experienced by the plaintiff in his 2023 Harley FLTRXSE CVO point to the need for manufacturers and sellers to take prompt and effective action when product defects arise. Both cases reflect the serious consequences of failing to ensure that vehicles perform safely under all conditions.

Lawsuits like the one against Harley-Davidson have a significant impact on the motorcycle industry, pushing manufacturers to prioritize consumer safety and improve product testing and recall processes. Holding manufacturers and sellers accountable for defective products is crucial, particularly when those defects lead to severe injuries.

This information is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.

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Mikal Watts

Written on behalf of Mikal Watts, and reviewed by Watts Law Firm LLP

Mikal C. Watts is Board-Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a Martindale-Hubbel AV Rated Lawyer.