Yamaha Rhino Lawsuit & Recall Information

Filing a Yamaha Rhino lawsuit is an option for anyone with injuries linked to this popular and potentially dangerous off-road vehicle. Classified as a Utility Terrain Vehicle, the Yamaha Side-by-Side UTVs were first introduced in 2003. Reports of injuries and deaths began soon after their release.

Although a voluntary Yamaha Rhino recall was issued for about 7,800 of the 2008 Rhino YXR450 and YXR700 Side-by-Sides due to a defective brake caliper, no formal recall of previous models has been issued. Due to numerous reports of injuries, however, Yamaha did send a letter in 2006 to registered users who had previously purchased the UTVs, warning them of potential safety hazards. The letter advised users to keep arms and legs inside the vehicle if it started to roll over. Warning stickers to be applied to the Rhino were included with the letter. The following year, Yamaha added small side doors and additional passenger hand holds to new models and offered to install them on previous models.

The Yamaha Rhino is often called an all terrain vehicle (ATV), but the UTV more closely resembles a mini Sports Utility Vehicle or modified golf cart. Driver and passenger sit side by side, and a steering wheel is used rather than handle bars. Additional passenger seating is not provided, although the flat bed is often used for holding more riders.

Hundreds of users have filed a Yamaha Rhino lawsuit due to injuries or deaths, claiming the UTV is a defective product dangerous due to inherent instability. The lawsuits claim the off-road vehicle is unstable even at low speeds on flat terrain because it's too top heavy, has a narrow wheel base and the tires are too small. These and other alleged defects make the vehicle prone to tipping during normal use and possible for a rider's ejection during rollovers. Many serious Yamaha Rhino injuries and deaths occurred when riders were ejected and trapped beneath the UTV in a rollover.

At least 30 deaths and numerous injuries are blamed on the Rhino, and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating. Those injured say a Yamaha Rhino recall should be issued for all models of the unstable off-road vehicle.   

Filing a Yamaha Rhino Lawsuit

If you or a family member suffered injuries or death related to use of the UTV, you may be entitled to compensation. In addition to providing an opportunity for monetary recovery of your losses, a Yamaha Rhino lawsuit sends a message that something must be done to prevent others from suffering injuries or deaths due to use of the potentially dangerous UTV.

However, you must file a Yamaha Rhino lawsuit within your state's State of Limitations. In Texas, the time limit for filing a personal injury or product defect claim is two years, generally from the date of the accident, but that does not mean you can wait until the time limit is about to expire before taking action. Investigating a claim and building a case takes time, so you should contact an attorney immediately if you intend to file a lawsuit.

Contact the Gibson Law Firm

The Gibson Law Firm in Houston is currently taking cases regarding injuries and deaths related to use of the Yamaha Rhino. An attorney will provide a free consultation to answer any questions you might have and help you determine if you have a case. To discuss the possibility of a Yamaha Rhino lawsuit, call 713-650-1010 or toll free at 1-866-524-3476.