Yamaha Rhino UTV Rollover
The Yamaha Motor Corporation introduced its Rhino UTV (utility terrain vehicle) line in 2003. Although very popular, the Rhino vehicle was met with criticism for specific design flaws that make it susceptible to roll-over crashes, even at a low speed. Since its introduction to the market, reports of Rhino-related injuries have increased. The Rhino has now been linked with 46 deaths and hundreds of injuries, including very serious, life-altering harm.
The Rhino UTV looks like a hybrid of a traditional ATV and a golf cart or small pick-up truck. It is designed to fit two occupants- a driver and a passenger- side-by-side. Inherent flaws in the Rhino’s design including a narrow wheelbase, small wheels and high center of gravity make the Rhino vehicles prone to roll-over crashes. Since the driver and passenger’s bodies and limbs are exposed, many serious injuries occur when a person’s arm, leg or body become trapped under the 1,000 lb. vehicle after a roll-over crash.
Although many injuries have been caused by user-error, many people who have cautiously and carefully operated the Rhino under normal conditions were still injured or killed due to the poor design of the Rhino. Under pressure from safety groups, Yamaha announced in 2007 that all Rhino models made after 2004 would be retrofitted with hand holds and doors. They also issued a roll-over crash warning to customers. However, this did little to stop questions about the Rhino’s safety. In 2008, the increase of reported injuries and the severity of the injuries prompted the federal government’s Consumer Safety Product Commission (CSPC) to announce that it was investigating the safety concerns associated with the Rhino UTV and issued a warning to all consumers. As a result, on March 31, 2009, Yamaha and the CSPC announced that the sale of Rhinos would be halted and 1450,000 existing Rhinos would be recalled and repaired in order to prevent possible serious injuries to the driver and passenger of the vehicle.
Yamaha Rhino Roll Over FAQs
What model Rhinos are affected by the Yamaha announcement?
All Rhino 450, 660 and 700 models
What injuries have been caused by Yamaha Rhino rollovers?
Hundreds of serious injuries including broken bones, crushed arms, legs and feet and head injuries. At least 46 of the more severe cases have resulted in death.
When did Yamaha recall the Rhinos?
Technically Yamaha calls the agreement with the CPSC a “voluntary repair program” instead of a recall. However, as March 31, 2009, Yamaha agreed to immediately stop selling Rhinos and further agreed to retrofit all recalled Rhinos with additional safety equipment free to the consumer.
What should I do if I own a Rhino?
Stop using the Rhino immediately. If you have been injured in a rollover accident you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal rights. You can take your Rhino to a Yamaha dealer for the free repairs, but be sure not to sign any documents that may include a waiver of your right to make a claim for injuries.
What repairs are going to be done under this recall program?
A spacer will be installed on the rear wheels and the rear anti-sway bar will be removed. Half doors and additional passenger handholds will also be added if your model does not already have them.
Has Yamaha accepted legal responsibility for the rollover accidents?
No. Yamaha has only agreed to the retrofitting of the Rhinos. You will need to contact an attorney to help you collect compensation for injuries and medical bills.
I was injured in a Rhino rollover accident. How soon should I call an attorney?
Each state imposes different deadlines for filing suit. In some states including Louisiana, you must do so within one year from the accident. You should call an attorney as soon as possible to discuss these time limitations to protect your rights.
Yamaha Roll-over Lawyer
Yamaha is facing hundreds of lawsuits due to the design flaws of the Rhino UTV. Hundreds- possibly thousands- of Americans have been injured, some severely, due to the negligent design of the Rhino UTV. If you or a loved one has been injured while operating or riding in a Rhino UTV, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault to help you after a Rhino accident. You should seek legal advice in order to protect your rights. You only have a limited time after your injury to file a claim, however, so you must act quickly. Call 1-800-256-1050 today or submit an online request.
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