ATV 4 Wheeler Rollover Accidents
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SOME ATVs ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN OTHERS - BEWARE
Rhino 660 - Manufactured by Yamaha
The Yamaha Rhino is rolling-over and killing and/or seriously injuring individuals at an alarming rate. In 2003 Yamaha introduced theYamaha Rhino 660. The Yamaha Rhino rollover accidents have caused numerous serious leg crush type injuries including several that needed multiple surgeries, skin grafts, muscle flap surgeries, and even amputation. The Rhino has also killed. In the summer of 2007 this brand of ATV, the Yamaha Rhino took the life of a young teenager in Southeast Texas. Our Law Firm is now part of a lawsuit against the manufacture of the Rhino. If you or a family member have been injured or killed while operating or as a passenger of a RHINO call our Law Firm, we can help. Put our Law Firm on your side. Call us toll free at 1-800-862-1260.
The Rhino has a high center of gravity and can be deadly. The high center of gravity of the Rhino, due in part for its' narrow wheelbase and powerful engine makes this ATV top heavy and dangerous. When a Rhino starts to roll over, the occupant's leg will involuntarily eject from the vehicle during a rollover accident due to gravity and momentum due to the lack of a footwell or a door to help hold one’s foot inside the more protective area. When a passenger’s or driver’s foot / leg gets caught outside the “ATV” it is often crushed by the weight and force of the vehicle and is trapped between the ATV and the ground. Additionally, when the 1049 lb Yamaha Rhino rolls over, it may be difficult to rescue a person that is trapped due to the tremendous weight of the rhino causing a critical delay in medical care for the injured person. If you or a family member have been injured or killed while operating or as a passenger of a RHINO call our Law Firm, we can help. Put our Law Firm on your side. Call us toll free at 1-800-862-1260.
Rhino 660 Side by Side "ATV"
The Rhino 660 is a “side-by-side” off road utility class "ATV." The Rhino is similar to the Polaris Ranger, Kawasaki Mule and John Deere Gator. The Rhino 660 has independent rear suspension and 12-inch ground clearance. The power train is used from the Grizzly 660 ATV, including the high/low-range automatic transmission with push-button 2WD, 4WD and 4WD-lock options. The rear bed dumps and can carry 400 pounds. The Rhino is 54.5 inches wide, so it exceeds the 48-inch maximum enforced on many public trails and will not be classified as an ATV.
Yamaha Rhino Safety Alert
Yamaha announced a SAFETY ALERT to the owners of all Yamaha Rhino in September of 2006. The Alert read as follows:
While the Rhino has been a reliable and versatile vehicle, some operators have engaged in aggressive driving (such as sliding, skidding, fishtailing, or doing donuts) or made abrupt maneuvers (such as turning the steering wheel too far or too fast) that have resulted in side rollovers - even on flat, open areas. Unfortunately, some occupants have been seriously injured during such rollovers when they put their arms or legs outside the vehicle, resulting in crushing or other injuries. Special Offer to Rhino Owners -Yamaha has developed new doors and additional passenger handholds for the Rhino. These new features, as shown in the pictures below, are designed to help keep occupants from sticking arms or legs out of the vehicle in response to a side rollover. They may also enhance passenger stability and comfort. Yamaha recommends that Rhino owners have these doors and handholds installed on their Rhino vehicles..."
We believe that Yamaha knew that the Rhino was rolling over at an alarming rate in testing and early sales. It is our opinion that a Yamaha Rhino Recall should have been instituted to correct the stability issues.
Yamaha Rhino Rollover Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or lost a loved one due to a Yamaha Rhino rolling over and causing severe crushing injuries, amputation or death, call our Law Firm for a Free and Confidential Consultation. Yamaha, the maker of the Rhino built a dangerous product that is considered unstable, prone to rollover, lacked proper warnings, lacked sufficient doors, hand grips /hand holds and other safety designs. As such, we believe this side by side ATV is dangerous. We believe that all injured parties have a legal right to bring a product liability lawsuit against Yamaha for their injuries and losses.
Talk to an Experienced Injury Lawyer
If you or a family member have been injured or killed while a passenger or as an operator of a RHINO call our Law Firm, we can help. Put our Law Firm on your side. Call us toll free at 1-800-862-1260.