At least 30 deaths have been linked to the Yamaha Rhino. Now, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating whether the off-road vehicles are safe.
Accord to an article in the Wall Street Journal, federal safety regulators are trying to determine whether the all-terrain vehicles (also known as utility terrain vehicles) pose a substantial risk of injury or death.
Introduced in 2003, the Yamaha Rhino has been responsible for countless injuries and even deaths. A driver and passenger sit side by side in this top-heavy ATV that rests on narrow tires, making it rollover-prone even at low speeds.
Compounding the danger is the absence of doors on the original model. Drivers and passengers have sustained broken legs, required leg amputations and even lost their lives because they tried to catch themselves as the ATV tipped over.
After the model was introduced to the market, Yamaha sent letters to owners, notifying them that sharp turns could cause the ATV to tip. The company also warned owners not to stick their legs out to stop a rollover. In 2007, Yamaha offered to retrofit all new and used Rhinos with doors and additional handholds. The 2008 models will come equipped with doors and grab handles.
However, the modifications do not fix the design flaws that make the ATV top-heavy and prone to tipping over.
If you or a loved one has been injured or a family member has been killed in an ATV accident, we urge you to contact Carey, Danis & Lowe. Our attorneys are experienced in helping people injured by dangerous ATVs. We will seek compensation for medical expenses, future and other affected wages, disability and other related damages, pain and suffering.
Carey, Danis & Lowe will provide you with a free initial consultation. We can meet with you in our office, at the hospital or in the privacy of your home. Contact Carey, Danis & Lowe online or call 877-678-3400.
