Yamaha Rhino ATV Rollover
Design defects in Yamaha Rhino greatly increase risk of rollover accidents and injuries
Keywords: Rhino | ATV | Rollover | Santa Rosa | Lawyer | Attorney | Lawsuit | Yamaha | Accident
The dangers associated with the use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are becoming increasingly apparent. While all ATVs carry a certain degree of risk, the design defects in the Yamaha Rhino make the Rhino unusually susceptible to rollovers even at low speeds and on flat ground. The Rhino is top heavy, has small tires and a narrow width, and many models were sold without the protection of side doors. This defective design has led to numerous rollover accidents and injuries, some of them fatal.
In 2003, Yamaha put the Rhino on the market. In September 2006, Yamaha issued a letter to owners of the Rhino warning of its propensity to tip over during sharp turns. The letter advised users to wear seat belts and helmets, avoid making sharp turns at high speeds, and to keep arms and legs inside the vehicle in the event of a rollover. The letter also advised drivers on how to steer once the Rhino starts to tip in order to avoid a rollover. The letter had little effect, the Rhino's design defects remained in place, and injuries continued to mount.
In August 2007, Yamaha offered to modify all Rhino 660 and Rhino 450 ATVs in an effort to reduce the dangers of its defective design. Yamaha offered modifications free of charge to all owners, whether they purchased their Rhinos new or used. The modifications would include side doors to discourage riders from sticking arms or legs out of the Rhino in attempts to stop rollovers, as well as additional handholds for passengers. In addition, Yamaha included an on-product label warning of rollovers.
At no point, however, did Yamaha recall the Rhino or pull it from the market. Furthermore, Yamaha's proposed modifications do not address the defective design that causes rollovers. Finally, any modifications by Yamaha do nothing to compensate all those already injured or killed by the defectively designed Rhino 660 and Rhino 450 ATVs.
Additional Information on the Yamaha Rhino ATV
Warning Label
New Feature Guide
Updated Rhino Owner's Manual
Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a Yamaha Rhino rollover accident, you may have valuable legal rights. For a free and confidential consultation, please fill out the form to the right or contact attorney Tarik J. Naber at (707) 545-1660 or tnaber@gsoglaw.com.
