Yamaha Rhino® UTV

Since introduction of the Yamaha Rhino® UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) to the U.S. market in September 2003, numerous drivers and passengers have been seriously and permanently injured and at least 30 have been killed, including two young girls in October, 2008. These injuries and deaths are a result of a series of design defects that render the Yamaha Rhino® extremely susceptible to rollover even at low speeds and on flat level ground, without adequate safety provisions to protect the passengers.

These “new breed” of terrain vehicles have been classified as UTVs rather than traditional ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles), because of design differences such as a steering wheel, in contrast to the ATVs’ handlebars. As a result of this classification, the Yahama Rhino® is not covered by safety standards that apply to ATVs or any other mandatory regulatory standards.

The Yamaha Rhino® UTVs’ narrow wheelbase and frame, high center of gravity, fast acceleration, small wheels, and quick turning radius, can cause the vehicle to tip or roll over even at low speeds and on flat ground. Despite the increased incidence of roll-over, Yamaha did not design the vehicles with adequate protection, including, but not limited to, lower leg or foot protection. As a result, when the Yahama Rhino® tips or rolls over, the driver’s or passenger’s leg can come out of the vehicle and be crushed. These crush injuries often require multiple surgeries, bone grafts, muscle flap procedures, and sometimes amputation. In other instances, some victims have been killed due to the vehicle coming down on top of them.

Instead of acknowledging the problem and recalling the Rhino® UTVs, or making adequate changes to its design, Yamaha continues to sell its UTVs without attention to the flurry of injuries and deaths. This law firm is currently involved in the national litigation that advocates for a safer design and seeks to hold Yamaha accountable for those needless injuries and deaths that have already resulted from its defective vehicle.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of a Yamaha Rhino® rollover or tip-over accident, please call us immediately for a consultation. There is no charge to discuss this matter and the call is toll free: (888) 841-9623.