Yamaha Rhino Injuries: Rollover Accident Rate Blamed on Defective Design

Reports of Yamaha Rhino injuries and deaths continue to mount due to the alleged inherent instability of this off-road vehicle. A Yamaha Rhino accident can occur during normal use, according to reports, and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission is currently investigating the vehicle's safety because of reported deaths and injuries.

At least 30 deaths and many serious injuries, including the loss of limbs, are blamed on the Rhino, which is classified as a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV). According to the many lawsuits filed, defective design including a high center of gravity and narrow wheel base makes a Yamaha Rhino rollover possible even at low speeds on flat surfaces. When the vehicle begins to tip, a rider's arms or legs could fall outside the vehicle, causing injuries as it lands. Often Yamaha Rhino injuries and deaths occur when a rider is ejected and becomes trapped beneath the UTV as it rolls over. These instances can occur even when wearing the seat belt.

Fatal Yamaha Rhino Injuries

Included in the numerous deaths attributed to the Yamaha Rhino in recent years are several children who were killed while riding in one. For instance, in 2007 a 9-year-old boy suffered fatal Yamaha Rhino injuries in Texas when the UTV he was riding in rolled over and pinned him underneath it, causing his death. The young boy was reportedly riding at a low speed and wearing a seatbelt at the time. The lack of doors was said to have enabled him to be ejected. The family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Yamaha Motor Corporation, claiming the product design made it prone to such rollover accidents and deaths. They hoped that filing the lawsuit would help save other children from a similar fate.

In the same year, a 10-year-old girl died when the Yamaha Rhino she was riding in tipped over, crushing her beneath it. She and the young adult driver were said to be traveling at a reasonable speed on a flat terrain at the time of the rollover.

The following year, two 11-year-old girls died as the result of a Yamaha Rhino accident. The UTV tipped over as they were riding on a paved road in their Mississippi subdivision, trapping them under it and resulting in fatal injuries. A Yamaha Rhino usually weights more than 1,000 pounds.

These are just a few of the many young lives lost while riding in a Yamaha Rhino. In addition to the deaths, numerous people have suffered serious, life-changing Yamaha Rhino injuries including the lost of limbs and brain damage. The families of those injured want the product recalled.

Although Yamaha sent letters to registered users of the UTV warning them of rollover risks, the corporation has failed to issue a Yamaha Rhino recall due to defective and unsafe design.

Injured in a Yamaha Rhino Accident

If you or a family member suffered serious injuries or death related to the use of this UTV, a Yamaha Rhino lawsuit can be filed for compensation. Although a lawsuit cannot heal injuries or bring back a loved one, a successful case can help recover medical expenses and other losses. It can also encourage UTV manufacturers to ensure the safety of their products during normal use.

If you would like to discuss your options for filing a claim, call the Gibson Law Firm at 713-650-1010 or toll free at 1-866-524-3476. The firm is  currently taking cases involving Yamaha Rhino injuries and deaths, and will provide a free, no obligation consultation.