A paralyzed Chicago firefighter is now in settlement talks with Harley-Davidson. The motorcycle company opted for the talks rather than face a second trial. The first trial ended in a hung jury. The firefighter claimed his Harley began wobbling and shaking just before the crash on an Arizona Interstate in 2004.
The attorney for the victim said that bolts on the motorcycle were not properly secured. The motorcycle was new at the time of the crash with less than 900 miles on its odometer. Other lawsuits with similar claims have been filed, according to the victim’s attorney, who will be bringing them to court as well. The attorney for Harley-Davidson denies the charges. At the first trial, both attorneys used data from the motorcycle company in their arguments.
A new study shows that motorcycle deaths are down drastically compared to previous years. It’s a sudden decline. In 2008, more than 5,000 people – the most ever – died in motorcycle crashes. New 2009 statistics show the decline. Why? Some say it’s the recession because most motorcycle riding is recreational. Other possible reasons mentioned in the study include colder, wetter weather, fewer beginners, state and federal motorcycle safety programs and increased awareness of motorcycles by drivers of cars and other vehicles.