Leonard S. Slavit | August 22, 2024
Harley-Davidson, a major motorcycle manufacturer, was found legally liable in a lawsuit resulting from a 2020 accident involving a “trike” motorcycle. The plaintiff was seriously injured, while his passenger and longtime companion was killed in the accident. As a result, it will be forced to pay $287 million to the plaintiff, although the company plans to appeal the ruling.
Who is Harley-Davidson?
Harley-Davidson (sometimes referred to as H-D or simply Harley) is one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers, selling motorcycles, parts, and apparel. The company was originally founded in 1903 and is headquartered out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It made an annual revenue of $5.84 billion last year and is estimated to employ around 6,400 people.
What Happened in This Case?
The plaintiff and his companion were riding on a “trike” motorcycle, which has three wheels instead of the usual two. Without warning, the traction-control system on the trike malfunctioned, causing them to lose control of the vehicle and crash. The plaintiff, who was driving the trike, survived with serious injuries, but his passenger did not.
What Was the Legal Issue at Stake?
The primary legal issue was a question of whether the defective traction-control system was responsible for the crash. Harley-Davidson tried to claim that the accident was not their responsibility, and that it was ultimately the negligence of the plaintiff that led to the crash. However, their argument was undercut by the fact that this exact issue had been identified before and was supposed to have been fixed after a recall.
What Did the Court Rule?
Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, awarding him $284 million in damages resulting from the accident. This includes money to cover his medical expenses and the cost of the motorcycle, as well as compensating him for the loss of his loved one. However, Harley-Davidson has already announced plans to contest the ruling, and is likely to try to get the award reduced or reversed on appeal.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, seeking the advice from an attorney experienced in personal injury law will help assure you get the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Levine and Slavit, PLLC assist clients in New York City and Long Island in obtaining the damages they need to cope with being the victim of negligence. For more information or to schedule a consultation with our New York personal injury lawyers, call (888) LAW-8088 or fill out our contact form.