Yamaha Rhino Rollover Lawyers Will Push Forward

Austin Kirk

By Austin Kirk
Posted August 28, 2009

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The first Yamaha Rhino trial concluded this week in Texas, involving the death of a 13 year old boy who was operating the side-by-side ATV when it rolled over, crushing him.

Although evidence was presented to establish that the Rhino was defectively designed, the jury concluded that Yamaha Motor Corp. was not responsible for the young boys death. Despite the verdict, the Yamaha Rhino lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. continue to believe in the strength of these cases and each of the more than 500 lawsuits currently pending will be judged by a jury on the individual facts and circumstances of the accident.

The trial in Texas involved a claim by the family of Forest “Eddie” Ray, who died in September 2007. The plaintiff’s case was litigated by Troy Rafferty, who is an excellent trial attorney. You can read the account of the trial from Bloomberg News.

The facts of this case were difficult from the start. Although the Yamaha Rhino operated by Forest “Eddie” Ray was only travelling about 14 to 17 miles per hour when it rolled over while turning from a field onto a paved road, Ray was only 13 years old at the time and Yamaha argued that his death was caused by operator error. Rays father also testified at trial that the child was driving without a helmet.

While lawyers representing victims of Yamaha Rhino accidents certainly wish that the jury had reached a different conclusion (and if the same facts were presented to a different jury they may have), the defense verdict will not deter the prosecution of other pending Yamaha Rhino lawsuits.

The Yamaha Rhino rollover attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are also continuing to investigate new cases for individuals who suffered serious or catastrophic injuries in an accident. Yamaha Motor Corp. negligently cut costs during the design of the Rhino, at the expense of consumer safety, and sold a vehicle that is extremely prone to rollover without adequate warnings or safety features to reduce the risk of driver or passenger injuries.

To review a potential case for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

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