Yamaha Rhino Lawsuits
Yamaha Rhino Update: Repairs Ordered
Yamaha Rhino All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have been the subject
of an investigation by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC). The results of the investigation were released on March
31, 2009. The investigation found serious design defects with
the Yamaha Rhino.
The Yamaha Rhino was investigated because of the large number of rollover accidents
reported. The CPSC studied over 50 incidents involving three models types of
Yahama Rhino ATVs, Model 450, 660 and 700. Over than 2/3 of the incidents investigated
involved rollovers. Nearly 50 drivers and passengers were killed in these accidents;
hundreds of others were seriously injured. Many of the rollover incidents occurred
at low speeds and flat terrain, meaning the injury and death toll could be
even greater at higher speeds and rough terrain.
As a result of the CPSC’s investigation, Yamaha Motor Corporation has
announced a free repair program to address the safety issues with the 3 Yahama
Rhino ATV models. The free repair includes the installation of a space on the
rear wheels, removal of the rear anti-sway bar, installation of half doors
and additional passenger handholds. Yahama has also agreed to suspend sales
of these models until they are repaired.
The CPSC warned “safety dictates not to use the vehicles until the repairs
are made.” Nancy Nord, the Acting Chairman of the CPSC, also expressed
her concern of the dangers associated with Yamaha’s ATVs, stating, “I
personally have been so concerned about the number of deaths and injuries associated
with these vehicles that I directed staff to step up their investigative efforts.” Only
when the repairs are made are the Yahama Rhino ATVs safe for consumers to use.
History
The Yamaha Rhino All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) was introduced to
the United States market in 2003. Many people driving and riding
on these ATVs have experienced roll over accidents causing the
following:
- Crushed ankles, arms, and legs
- Internal injuries
- Death
Accidents involving ATVs are not unusual. Many ATV owners drive
dangerously. Sometimes driver error is the cause of these accidents.
However, in the case of the Yamaha Rhino ATV, some accidents
resulting in serious injury can be linked to the manufacturer’s
hazardous design defects. Current and pending lawsuits involving
the Yamaha
Rhino site the following design defects
- High center of gravity / top heavy
- Small wheels
- Narrow wheelbase / frame
These design defects, coupled with a powerful engine, fast acceleration
and quick turning radius aid in making the Rhino potentially unstable
even at slow speeds and on flat surfaces.
Despite the fact that there are a large number of products liability,
personal injury, and wrongful death lawsuits filed against the
manufacturer, Yamaha has yet to issue a formal recall of the Rhino
ATV. Yamaha did send out a letter to owners September 11, 2006
warning them to not deliberately stick their legs out of the vehicle.
They also informed owners that they should avoid making sharp
turns, as they can provoke an unexpected rollover. In 2007, Yamaha
also offered to install doors and passenger handholds for the
Rhino ATV free of charge. The doors are meant to prevent riders
from sticking out arms or legs during rollover accidents. However,
Yamaha has not acknowledges its ATV’s design defects and
have not addressed the problems with design changes.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Yamaha
Rhino ATV accident, you may want to contact an ATV lawyer for
an evaluation of your case.
Give us a call at 800-992-6878, or please CLICK HERE for a free case evaluation.
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