Yamaha Rhino UTV Rollover Injury Attorney

Yamaha Rhino UTVs were first introduced in 2003, almost immediately sparking criticism that they were too narrow and top-heavy to be considered safe. Since then, countless adults and children have been injured and killed in accidents involving these vehicles.  The Rhino is a unique all-terrain vehicle, with two side-by-side seats. Unlike other ATVs with handlebars, the Rhino has a steering wheel. The narrow wheelbase and small tires combined with a high center-of-gravity makes the Rhino prone to rollover, even when operated at safe speeds as low as 15 m.p.h. and on safe, flat terrain. 

Yamaha Rhino Design Defects

The Yamaha Rhino is criticized for its inherently dangerous design defects, including its narrow wheelbase, small tires, high center of gravity, and lack of doors.

Injuries Caused by Lack of Doors

Yamaha Rhinos were manufactured without doors from 2004-2007.  Although doors were available as an added accessory – it later became apparent that doors were a safety necessity. Dozens of foot, ankle and leg crush injuries, many requiring amputation were evidence of the need for doors. Doors and handholds became standard on models in 2008. Despite countless injuries and several hundred lawsuits filed by injured riders and surviving family members, Yamaha contends the vehicles are safe.

Both drivers and passengers are at risk for serious injuries in a Rhino rollover accident. Because design defects make the vehicle dangerously unstable, when the Rhino inevitably rolls over, tips over or flips over, passengers are subject to crushed limbs, ankle and feet injuries, and catastrophic injuries like brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, or death.

Fatal Yamaha Rhino Rollover Accidents

Sadly, there have been reports of more than 30 fatalities involving Yamaha Rhinos and similar recreational off-road vehicles. Here are a few devastating examples:

• October 27, 2007 – 10-year-old passenger crushed and killed when Yamaha Rhino tipped over going 12 miles per hour in Lebanon, Ohio.

• February 24, 2008 – A passenger in a Yamaha Rhino was ejected and killed at Imperial Sand Dunes in California

• October 18, 2008 – Two 11 year old girls killed when a 2005 Yamaha Rhino rolled over on flat, paved road in Mississippi. 

Yamaha Rhino Lawsuits

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) began investigating the Yamaha Rhino’s alleged safety issues in 2008, and issued a recall in cooperation with Yamaha Motor Corp on March 31, 2009. Attorneys at Estey & Bomberger, LLP are currently representing parties injured in Yamaha Rhino rollover accidents. We have experience in Yamaha Rhino lawsuits and if you have been injured – we can help you determine if you have a case.  Estimates suggest that there are several hundred Rhino UTV lawsuits pending in both state and federal courts.

Other Types of Side-by-Side UTVs

Yamaha Rhinos are sometimes called Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) or side-by-sides.  Competitors of the Rhino include:

• Polaris Ranger
• Arctic Cat Prowler
• Kawasaki Teryx
• Kawasaki Mule
• Honda Big Red

2009 Rhino Recall

After more than 46 deaths, Yamaha Motor Corp. USA  and the United States CPSC announced a recall of 120,000 off-highway recreational vehicles on March 31, 2009. Many deaths due to the Yamaha Rhino utility terrain vehicles involved vehicle rollovers. The CPSC said in a statement that the recall includes all Rhino 450 and 660 model vehicles distributed since the fall of 2003. Yamaha is also voluntarily recalling and offering free repairs on the Rhino 700 model. Owners are urged not to operate their vehicles until free repairs have been made at an authorized dealer. You can find more information about the recall here.

2008 Brake Malfunction Recall

The 2008 model year Rhino was recalled in 2008 for a potential brake malfunction.  A faulty left-side brake caliper was the reason for the recall, which could cause brake fluid to leak, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle. The recall included about 7800 Yamaha Rhinos sold at Yamaha dealers from October 2007 through March 2008.  At the time of the recall, no injuries were attributed to the brake defect. You can read about the recall here.

Rhino Rollover Attorney Consultation

We are committed to obtaining the highest possible results for our clients. If you have been injured or a member of your family died in a Yamaha Rhino UTV or any other all terrain vehicle, contact the law firm of Estey & Bomberger, LLP for a consultation.  We may be able to help you recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or the wrongful death of a loved one. To get the benefit of more than 70 years of experience practicing personal injury law in California, call us at (800) 925-0723. We do not charge a fee to review your case, and our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.  We are paid only if we win your case.

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