Yamaha Rhino ATV

Overview

Welcome to the California Rhino Law web page. We’ve created this page especially for people who have been injured by the Yamaha Rhino and other all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s). You and your family can learn more about the safety failures in the design of the Rhino and other ATV’s, about the US Consumer Products Safety Commission’s recommendations for ATV safety, and the ATV industry’s track record of inadequate response to ATV accidents and deaths. If you or a loved one have been injured riding the Rhino ATV, you may have a claim against Yamaha, the manufacturer of the Rhino ATV.

The Yamaha Rhino ATV, introduced in 2004, has become notorious for frequent rollovers, even at very low speeds and on very slight grades. Rhinos have even flipped over on completely flat ground. Compared to other ATV’s, the Yamaha Rhino has a narrow wheelbase and a high center of gravity, characteristics which undermine its stability. The Rhino’s wheels and tires are measurably smaller than those of other ATV’s, also reducing its stability.

Hundreds of Rhino drivers and passengers have been injured or killed when their vehicle rolled over. The most frequent injuries, including fractures and crushed limbs, have been to riders’ legs, ankles and feet. The injuries have frequently been so severe that amputation has been required. Drivers and passengers have been killed when the Rhino ATV rolled over on them and crushed them. Because of their smaller size, children are especially vulnerable in ATV rollovers, and many children have lost their lives from riding in a Rhino

Yamaha recognizes the dangers associated with its 2 passenger ATV. In September 2006 it sent a letter to all Rhino ATV owners, whether they had bought their ATV new or used. In this letter Yamaha acknowledged the high risk of rollover on hills and uneven terrain, and when the vehicle executes sharp turns. Its solution? Two free warning stickers that remind driver and passengers to keep their arms and legs inside the vehicle. In August 2007 Yamaha offered to retrofit all Rhinos with small plastic doors and passenger handholds.

Although Yamaha acknowledges that the Rhino ATV is at risk for rollovers, this major multinational corporation has never assumed responsibility for the deaths and injuries caused by the ATV it manufactures and sells.

If you or a loved one has been injured, or a loved one has been killed in a Rhino accident, you may have a claim for injury or wrongful death. You will want to contact a product defect lawyer who has experience with ATV accident cases, and with the Rhino ATV in particular.