Man Injured in Calabasas Motorcycle Accident after Bike Steering Locks Up

Matthew Murray, 27, was injured in a motorcycle accident in Calabasas after he says his bike’s steering locked up as he was taking a turn at about 40 mph. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, a GoPro video captured Murray as he drove through the Santa Monica Mountains and veered toward a gravel turnout and flew out about 250 feet and landed. Somehow, Murray managed to walk to his motorcycle to get to his phone and call 911. He also managed to climb up the hill and flag down a driver when he got to the side of the road.

A Fortunate Escape

Murray suffered several broken bones. He believes his motorcycle’s steering locked up and caused him to lose control. He says he was doing 40 mph and went to lean into a turn. But he found that his bike wouldn’t lean and he flew right off the mountain. Murray told CBS that he has given up riding for good and that he wished he had never taken a spin up the mountain.

It is indeed extremely fortunate that Murray did not suffer catastrophic injuries in this motorcycle accident. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

What Caused Steering to Lock Up?

Based on this news report, it appears that the motorcycle accident because the bike’s steering locked up as Murray attempted to lean into a turn. And he wasn’t even speeding at 40 mph. This begs the question as to whether there was a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the motorcycle that caused or contributed to this injury accident. It is important in such cases to preserve the vehicle in its current, crashed condition so that an expert can thoroughly examine it for evidence of vehicle defects, malfunctions and design flaws.

Product Liability Issues

If the crash occurred as the result of a vehicle defect, the manufacturer of the motorcycle or the maker of the part that is deemed to have been defective, can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation from the manufacturer for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitative treatment, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer who has successfully handled auto defect claims. The best personal injury and product defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.