What Are “Tank Slapper” Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can happen even when a rider does everything right, and when they occur, they can be devastating. Tank slappers, also known as speed wobbles, are a type of crash that can be scary and difficult to avoid. Understanding what these accidents are, what causes them, and who might be liable can help injured victims recover compensation and get their lives back on track.

What exactly is a tank slapper accident, and why does it occur?

A “tank slapper” (or speed wobble) is a sudden, violent side-to-side shaking of a motorcycle’s front wheel and handlebars. The term comes from the motion – when the handlebars shake so fast and so wide they often “slap” the gas tank.

How does a tank slapper happen?

Several things can cause this kind of accident:

• Instability at high speeds: Most tank slappers happen when riding fast. Hitting a bump, pothole, or uneven spot can cause the front tire to lose full contact and quickly shift from side to side.
• Front suspension problems: Weak, damaged, or improperly adjusted front suspension can make it much easier for wobbling to start.
• Tire issues: Incorrect tire pressure, worn-out tires, or a tire out of alignment can trigger a wobble.
• Unexpected obstacles: Road debris (like gravel, an animal, or trash on the highway) can cause the front of the motorcycle to jerk and unsettle.
• Mechanical failure or damage: Bent rims, faulty steering parts, or loose fasteners can make the front end unstable.

Once a tank slapper starts, it is very hard to regain control.

Why are tank slapper accidents so dangerous?

Tank slapper accidents are incredibly dangerous for a few reasons:

• Speed and suddenness: These accidents happen quickly, and riders often don’t have any warning that it’s going to occur. The handlebars shake violently, and because it comes on so suddenly, it’s really difficult to react properly.
• Loss of steering control: When a speed wobble starts, a rider can easily lose control of the motorcycle and become unable to make it go where they want it to.
• High crash risk: These wobbles usually throw riders from their bikes or force a violent fall onto hard pavement. Attempts to fight the wobble can sometimes make things worse.
• Exposure during ejection: Unlike a car, a motorcycle does not offer any type of protective frame. Riders may be directly thrown into other vehicles, traffic, walls, guardrails, or dangerous road surfaces.
• Potential for high-speed collisions: Tank slappers are often triggered at highway speeds, meaning an accident causes more severe impacts and injuries.

Because of all these factors combined, tank slapper accidents can easily become life-threatening and result in serious injuries.

Frequent injuries after a tank slapper accident

Tank slapper accidents happen quickly and often throw riders off balance, leading to serious crashes. The violence and loss of control involved can result in a wide range of injuries and bike damage, including: 

• Fractures and broken bones: Arms, wrists, collarbones, and legs are very vulnerable when a rider is thrown from the motorcycle.
• Head injuries: Even with a helmet, riders may suffer concussions or more serious brain trauma after hitting the pavement or another object.
• Road rash: Exposed skin can be painfully scraped along the road, causing cuts and wounds that may scar or get infected.
• Spinal injuries: Being thrown off a motorcycle in these often high-speed crashes can damage the back or neck, potentially causing long-lasting or permanent issues.
• Internal injuries: Hidden damage to organs may occur after hard impacts.

These accidents can leave riders facing major downtime, ongoing health issues, and expensive repairs or replacement bills.

Who could be liable for this type of accident in Maryland?

Some people think that if they’re injured by a tank slapper accident, there’s no one to blame but themselves. However, this is often not true. Many different people or entities may be financially responsible for a tank slapper accident in Maryland. Some of them include:

Other drivers or motorists

Sometimes, another driver can be responsible for this type of accident. For example, if a car cuts off a motorcycle or suddenly changes lanes, causing the motorcycle to quickly change direction, this can easily force the rider into a bump, debris, or fast adjustment, triggering a tank slapper. If this causes the crash, the driver might be responsible for your injuries and losses.

Public entities: Road hazards and defects

In some cases, dangerous roads lead to these accidents. Potholes, sudden drops at road edges, cracks, or confusing lane markings can start or make a speed wobble worse. Suing a town, county, or state for bad road conditions involves special procedures.

In Maryland, injured riders filing claims against the State usually have to provide quick written notice under the Maryland Tort Claims Act. The Local Government Tort Claims Act (LGTCA) also has strict filing requirements (including a one year deadline). If deadlines and requirements aren’t followed, the claim could be thrown out, so it’s important to work with a lawyer right away.

Bike or parts manufacturers and retailers

Serious mechanical failure, such as a cracked fork, defective steering damper, or flawed tire, can trigger immediate loss of control. If an original part, replacement, or aftermarket piece was dangerously designed or built, a rider hurt in a resulting crash could make a claim against the manufacturer or even the retailer in some cases.

Maintenance and motorcycle shops

Sometimes, professional repair shops are at fault for unsafe work. Routine repairs or tire changes should always be done properly. If a shop forgets an important part, does not properly adjust the suspension, or leaves something loose, they may be held liable if their work leads directly to a tank slapper accident down the line.

Construction companies

Construction companies may also be responsible for tank slapper or speed wobble accidents if construction zones aren’t managed safely. If they cause the road to be broken or uneven or leave construction debris where it shouldn’t be, it could cause an accident.

In these situations, injured motorcyclists may have a viable claim against the construction contractor or subcontractor who was in charge of maintaining a safe environment in and around their workspace.

Rider responsibility: Contributory negligence in Maryland

Motorcycle riders can sometimes be found partially at fault or fully responsible for their own tank slapper crash. For example, if a rider was speeding, weaving, or ignoring obvious dangers, this could have contributed to losing control.

Unfortunately, if you’re even slightly responsible for the accident, you can’t recover damages at all because Maryland uses a rule called contributory negligence. Proving you had no fault at all often becomes a significant issue in Maryland motorcycle crash cases.

Tank slapper accidents — and any kind of accident on a motorcycle — are often very serious and lead to serious injuries or even fatalities in some cases. If you’ve been injured in this type of incident, it’s very possible that someone else may have been responsible for what happened, and you might be able to recover damages. In these cases, working with a lawyer is the best way to figure out your next steps.

The team at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. is always available and ready to help you. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you never pay us unless we win your case. We’ve helped injured clients recover more than $500 million. Let us help you, too. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.