March 2009: Government Calls For Immediate Halt To Use Of Yamaha Rhino Due To Safety Issues |
On March 31, 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC"), in cooperation with Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A., announced a repair program for ALL Rhino 450, 660, and 700 models to address rollover safety defects which have killed at least 46 and injured hundreds of others in the U.S. Yamaha will suspend sale of these models immediately until they have been retrofitted. Consumers should immediately stop using these popular recreational vehicles until the free repairs are installed by a dealer. Read the CPSC press release. |
February 2009: Citizens Report Issued on Safety Hazards of UTVs Including the Yamaha Rhino |
On February 27, 2009, a group of safety advocates and victims issued a report warning about the safety defects of some Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs), also called "Side-by-Side" vehicles, that are causing a mounting toll of death and severe injury to their users. The report calls for basic changes in the design of these rollover-prone off-road vehicles, with a special focus on the Yamaha Rhino, to substantially increase their ability to protect occupants in rollovers. You can read a pdf copy of the Report or read a summary of the Report. |
Yamaha's Earlier Response to Increasing Number of Rhino Rollover
Accidents |
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On September 11,
2006, Yamaha issued a letter to customers
stating:
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driver and passenger "must always buckle
the seat belt" when riding in
the vehicle;
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driver and passenger "must wear
approved off-road motorcycle-type helmet
that fits properly";
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turning too fast or sharp increases
the risk of tip over; and
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if the Rhino "starts to tip,
gradually steer in the downhill direction
if there are no obstacles in your path.
As you regain proper balance, gradually
steer again in the direction you want
to go; if you are in a situation where
the vehicle is tipping over, do not
put your arm or leg outside the vehicle
to try to stop it."
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In August 2007, Yamaha announced
the development of doors and additional passenger
handholds for the Rhino. The doors are meant
to prevent riders from sticking out arms or
legs during rollover accidents. Yamaha is offering
to install these new safety features free of
charge to all 2004-2007 Rhino owners, whether
the Rhino was purchased new or used. Owners
are instructed to visit Yamaha dealerships
for details. |
In addition, Yamaha has issued
an on-product
warning label for the Rhino that recognizes
the risk of rollover and crushing injuries
with the Rhino, even on flat open surfaces
during quick maneuvers or tight turns. Read
a copy of the Yamaha safety information. |
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Yamaha
also noted that as of August 2007, the user
manual for the Rhino 660 has been updated
with new information relating to the vehicle
doors. Read
an excerpt of the safety information provided by Yamaha in the updated 2007 owner's
manual. For an entire copy of the updated
2007 Rhino owner's manual, click
here. |
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Yamaha Has Not Acknowledged
Its Legal Responsibility |
Even with the repair program announced in March 2009, Yamaha has still not acknowledged its legal responsibility to persons injured in Rhino rollover accidents. Only through filing a lawsuit against Yamaha can injured Rhino drivers and passengers obtain justice. Learn more
on our Rhino Yamaha Lawsuits Frequently Asked
Questions page. |
Contact Yamaha Rhino Accident Attorneys | Lawyers |
If you were injured in a Yamaha Rhino accident,
please click
here to contact a Lieff Cabraser attorney,
or call toll free 1-800-541-7358 and ask to
speak with Yamaha Rhino accident lawyer/attorney Fabrice Vincent. |
We will promptly review your case without
charge or obligation on your part. We can assist
you in recovering damages for your pain and
suffering and past and future medical expenses. |
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