Yamaha Rhino Recall Lawyers Applaud U.S. CPSC

Austin Kirk

By Austin Kirk
Posted March 31, 2009

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After years of calls for a Yamaha Rhino recall to be issued due to design defects that make the side-by-side ATV prone to rollover, even when operated at a slow speed on a flat surface, the U.S. CPSC has finally forced Yamaha to suspend sales and make repairs to address the safety problems.

>>INFORMATION: Yamaha Rhino Rollover Problems

The Yamaha Rhino recall lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals throughout the United States who were injured or killed in a rollover accident that could have been prevented if Yamaha had taken actions earlier to address the rollover problems. Although the corrective actions should have been required years ago, we applaud the U.S. CPSC for taking action to require Yamaha to make simple design changes which may save lives.

On March 31, 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that owners have been asked to stop using about 120,000 Yamaha Rhino 450 and 650 model ATVs sold since Fall 2003 and about 25,000 Yamaha Rhino 700 model ATVs, until repairs can be made to add a spacer onto the rear wheels and remove the rear anti-sway bar to reduce the risk of a rollover.

In August 2007, Yamaha began offering after-market doors and additional passenger hand-holds which were designed to help riders keep their arms and feet inside the vehicle when it rolled over. However, that did not address the inherent stability problems with the side-by-side ATV.

It is too early for our attorneys to make a judgment about whether these design modification will be enough to make the vehicles safe, but at least it is a step in the right direction to require Yamaha to make the ATV safer.

The U.S. CPSC indicated that the actions were taken after they investigated more than 50 incidents involving 46 Yamaha Rhino deaths, more than two-thirds of which involved rollovers, many of which occurred while the vehicles were being turned at relatively low speeds on level terrain.

YAMAHA RHINO RECALL LAWSUITS

Hundreds of riders have suffered severe fractures, head injuries and other debilitating and fatal injuries in Yamaha Rhino rollovers since the vehicles were first introduced in 2003. Those who have suffered injuries which may have been prevented if Yamaha had made simple design changes to their utility ATV may be entitled to compensation through a Yamaha Rhino recall lawsuit.

To speak with an attorney and determine if you, a friend or family member may have a claim, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

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