Widow sues Harley dealership after husband crashes

A New Orleans widow is suing a motorcycle dealership after her husband was killed in a crash.

Angy M. Riley, individually and on behalf of the estate of her deceased husband, Clevon B. Riley, and Clevon Riley's five minor children, filed suit against New Orleans Harley-Davidson, Hurricane Harley-Davidson, Crescent City Partner and Kevin D. Thompson June 21 in Orleans Parish District Court.

Riley says she bought a 2004 Suzuki Hyabusa motorcycle in June 2009, three days before the fatal crash. She claims that she and the sales staff discussed that her husband would be driving the motorcycle on local streets and would be the sole operator. Riley claims the sales staff told her the motorcycle was in excellent condition and did not inform her of any alterations or modifications made to it.

Riley says she later learned the motorcycle's engine had been altered so it could reach illegal speeds in excess of 205 miles per hour.

Although the vehicle had a label that warned it was for "race use only," the defendants are accused of negligence for selling the motorcyle to a non-professional rider. The defendants are also accused of negligence for failing to warn the buyer of the speed capabilities of the motorcycle, failing to properly inspect and repair the motorcycle, failing to advise the purchaser of the motorcycle's modifications, failing to advise the purchaser of the alteration of the motorcycle, failing to properly instruct or train the purchaser and failing to properly warn the purchases of the unreasonably dangerous nature of the motorcycle.

Riley says the defendants violated laws by removing the speed/acceleration governors.

Riley is seeking damages for emotional trauma, loss of society and loss of consortium, loss of financial support, her husband's medical expenses and property damage plus interest and court costs.

Riley is represented by attorneys John W. Redmann and Robert W. Tschirn of Law Office of John W. Redmann in Metairie.

Judge Michael G. Bagneris is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2010-6356