YAMAHA RHINO ROLLOVER
The Guthrie Firm, PLLC is representing Mississippi Yamaha Rhino rollover victims and their families in lawsuits against Yamaha Motor Corporation.
The situation
Four-wheel, side by side Rhinos are manufactured by Yamaha Motor Corporation, and they have become one of the more popular Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) sold on the market in the U.S. and Canada. Unfortunately, in accidents nationwide dozens of people have been killed, and many more have been seriously injured as a result of design flaws, including a top-heavy design, and a track width that is too narrow. Many of these accidents have occurred at relatively low speeds and on level terrain.
In 2009, Yamaha recalled approximately 120,000 Rhino utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), namely some of their 450, 660 and 700 models.
What You Should Do:
- If you own any Yamaha Rhino model, manufactured at any time, if you haven’t already done so you should check with a Yamaha dealer and return your Rhino to the dealer for free repairs. They will likely install a spacer on the rear wheels and remove the rear anti-sway bar to help reduce the chance of rollover and to improve vehicle handling.
- If you are hurt in an accident involving a Yamaha Rhino, contact us at 601-991-1099 for a free review of your case. We will help you if we can.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Yamaha Rhino cases:
1. What complaints have been made about Yamaha Rhino?
Multiple lawsuits have already been filed, and most of these suits claim that the Yamaha Rhino contains multiple design flaws, including being top-heavy, being equipped with defective or no doors, inadequate seat belts, and a faulty roll cage.
2. What injuries have occurred?
Typical injuries include broken or crushed extremities, some requiring amputation, head injuries, and almost 60 deaths. Children love these vehicles, and they are not immune from these bad injuries.
3. Has Yamaha done anything?
In 2007 Yamaha offered to install half doors and a passenger handhold on certain models manufactured between 2003-2007. These modifications became standard equipment in 2008. In 2009 Yamaha announced a “voluntary repair program,” where it would install a spacer on the rear wheels and remove the anti-sway bar. Yamaha instructs Rhino owners not to use the vehicle pending the repairs. Rhino owners should contact a local Yamaha dealership for details on Yamaha’s repair program.
4. Has Yamaha accepted responsibility for these flaws in the Rhino vehicle?
No.
5. What are my legal rights in Mississippi after a Rhino accident or injury?
In Mississippi, an injured person may bring a case for negligence, design defect, and other legal claims for compensation. In wrongful death cases, close family members may bring suit.
6. Will I have to pay a fee for your review of my case?
No. We will not charge to review your case. If we want to move forward with the representation we will discuss contingent fees (“no fee unless we recover for you”) and we will sign a contract.
7. Should I keep the Rhino that caused my injury?
Yes. Keep it as evidence. But if you have sold it or trashed it keep track of it, as we may need it to successfully pursue your case.
