When we think of the dangers associated with motorcycles, our minds tend to think of what can go wrong when riding them. But for anyone who has ever loaded a motorcycle onto a truck, a whole new element of risk is present. After all, you have to move this giant piece of metal—sometimes weighing over 800 lbs—from the ground to a truck bed that is a couple of feet in the air.

Typically, the easiest way to load a motorcycle into a truck is by using a motorcycle ramp or a motorcycle lift. Unfortunately however, these lifts and ramps are sometimes defectively designed or manufactured, resulting in serious injuries to those using and surrounding the ramp. When companies sell defective motorcycle loading ramps and consumers get injured, SOS Injury Lawyers step in to help.

If a Motorcycle Loading Ramp or Lift is Defective, the Manufacturer and Retailer May be Liable for the Resulting Damages

Generally, any company involved in manufacturing and distributing a defective product is potentially liable for injuries caused by the defective product. That means if for example you purchased a Haul-Master motorcycle ramp from Harbor Freight, and you or your loved ones were injured because of a defect in the motorcycle ramp, you could potentially bring a lawsuit against Harbor Freight and the motorcycle ramp manufacturer.

While sellers and manufacturers are the most common defendants, that does not mean they are the only possible defendants. Each situation is unique and depending on the circumstances, there may be many more hidden defendants who are potentially liable for your injuries. Speak with an experienced attorney to confirm that you haven’t overlooked additional potential defendants who may be responsible for your injuries.

Motorcycle Lift and Loading Ramp Manufacturers

Some of the more popular motorcycle lift and loading ramp manufacturers are:

• Black Widow
• Bosski
• HD Ramps
• Rampage
• Ruedamann
• Titan Ramps

Common Motorcycle Lift and Loading Ramp Malfunctions and Defects

Some examples of motorcycle lift and loading ramp malfunctions/defects include:

• Cheap materials that cannot withstand the motorcycle or scooter’s weight, or foreseeable weather/environmental conditions, causing the motorcycle lift or loading ramp to come apart during use
• Materials that crack or split, causing collapse of the ramp, or cuts and abrasions to users
• Cheap, inadequate, or non-existent fastening devices that fail to secure the ramp or lift to the vehicle the motorcycle is being loaded into, causing the ramp/lift to slip, move, or become detached during the loading process
• Unreasonably slippery materials used on the ramp, causing users or the motorcycle to slip and fall during the loading process
• Poorly designed motorcycle ramps with unreasonably steep or sharp angles which cause the bottom of the motorcycle to scrape against the mesh point between the ramp and truck bed, resulting in injury when the motorcycle tips over during the loading process
• Confusing or inadequate instructions that result in improper/dangerous use. This can give rise to a warning defect claim.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you or your loved ones have been injured by what you think may be a motorcycle lift or loading ramp defect, call one of our experienced motorcycle lift and loading ramp defect lawyers now for a free consultation. 

Injuries Caused by Defective Motorcycle Lifts and Loading Ramps

Injuries caused by defective motorcycle lifts and loading ramps can include:

• Paralysis
• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Back and Spine Injuries
• Broken/fractured bones
• Limb disfigurement
• Lacerations
• Death

Determining Liability When Motorcycle Lifts and Loading Ramps Are Defective

While every state’s laws are different, to prove a strict product defect claim under Nevada law, the plaintiff must establish that:

1. The defect existed at the time the product left the manufacturer;
2. The defect made the product unreasonably dangerous; and
3. The defect caused injuries or damages

Proving that a product is unreasonably dangerous often requires experts and product testing, both of which demand significant case funding and knowledge regarding which experts to rely on and which tests to perform. Whoever you retain as your attorney, make sure they have a strong knowledge of which experts to rely on, and how to guide the strategy of your case in a manner that conserves valuable resources. 

Get Help from Our Nevada, California, Arizona, and Utah Motorcycle Lift and Loading Ramp Defect Lawyers

Product defect claims are complicated by their very nature. If you or your loved one has been hurt by a defective motorcycle lift or loading ramp, it is vital that you reach out to a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as you can. Failure to file a lawsuit by certain deadlines (i.e. the “statute of limitations”) can result in you giving up your claim forever.

Whether you’re in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, or anywhere else in the country, we’re standing by and ready to assist you with your case. Our law firm has significant experience in product liability cases and our lawyers are ready to talk with you about your unique situation. We’ll provide a free review of your case, and will inform you about your legal options and the best way to pursue a potential claim. If you believe a motorcycle lift or loading ramp may be defective, and that defect caused injury or death to you or your loved ones, call us now for a free case evaluation.