“Tank Slapper” Motorcycle Accidents
By Pyle Law, August 01 2023 4:45 pmEven with the right training, riding a motorcycle carries inherent risks. One such risk that a number of motorcyclists have experienced is the tank slapper. Also called a wobble or speed wobble, a tank slapper is a frightening experience that can harm a person both physically and emotionally.
The physical wounds from a tank slapper accident can be severe and, in some cases, fatal. Psychologically, a motorcyclist can struggle to ride a bike again after being in a terrifying accident caused by the force of out-of-control handlebars and an unstable front wheel. If you have survived, you may struggle to ride a motorcycle again because of the terrifying ordeal.
If you have been the victim of a tank slapper motorcycle accident in Kansas, you should seek the aid of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to help file a claim and be compensated for damages you suffered from this experience.
A tank slapper occurs when the front wheel of a motorcycle is misaligned and leads to instability and difficulty in maintaining control. This instability results in the handlebars jolting back and forth violently, slapping the tank from one side to the other. If the misalignment is not corrected, this motion can lead to a rider being thrown off the bike or getting into an accident with the motorcycle.
What makes this type of motorcycle accident so dangerous is that the force of your arms alone is not enough to prevent the force of the oscillating handlebars from throwing a person off of the bike.
Various circumstances can lead to front wheel instability. They include:
Once the handlebars of a motorcycle begin oscillating back and forth, regaining control of the bike can be difficult. We suggest taking preventive actions to reduce the risk of a tank slapper accident.
This tool helps to provide control to the front wheel, especially at high speeds. If a motorcycle is not equipped with a steering damper, then you may want to consider having one fitted for your bike. It can increase the damping force that helps the front wheel to self-correct in the event of an issue.
By leaning forward, you change the center of gravity to improve the dampening effect on your motorcycle’s front wheel.
An even, steady increase or decrease in speed can help ease the abruptness that a quick change can create for the bike. It can help to transition speeds and thus maintain the facility of the vehicle under normal conditions.
The manufacturer of your motorcycle may be at fault if the motorcycle experiences an error due to defective manufacture or other malfunctions. A government agency may also be at fault if your accident was a result of negligence or failure to maintain road conditions.
A tank slapper accident is a high-risk incident that can lead to severe injury and, in some cases, fatalities. If you have been the victim of a tank slapper accident, the attorney at Pyle Law can help you to develop a case and reclaim losses. Set up an appointment today with our experienced lawyer.
