Victim’s Estate Sues Harley-Davidson for Faulty Design

The estate of a man who was killed in a 2007 motorcycle accident is suing Harley-Davidson Inc. of Milwaukee for allegedly causing the fatal accident by faulty design.

On Oct. 3, 2007, Ben Davis of Fayetteville was riding his 2001 Harley-Davidson Wide Glide in Northwest Arkansas, according to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court by the estate of Benjamin Davis. Davis’ motorcycle model was known to weave or wobble while running at “normal highway speeds,” the estate said in the lawsuit.

The estate said this “Harley wobble” is known to the motorcycle manufacturer.

“The danger of this motorcycle is so well known that Harley Davidson advises customers on how to deal with the Harley Davidson wobble when it occurs,” the estate said.

When Davis was trying to exit Interstate 540, his motorcycle began to wobble, the estate said.

“Davis was unable to steer it and the motorcycle collapsed at least 50 mph catapulting Ben Davis over 200 feet down the Highway where he sustained brain injuries that ultimately ended in his death,” the estate said.

The estate said Harley-Davidson should have warned owners about the alleged manufacturing defect and fixed it. The estate is seeking an unspecified amount of damages.

A spokesperson for Harley-Davidson couldn’t be reached for comment.