San Francisco UTV Rollover Accident Attorneys
The Yamaha Rhino and other "side-by-side" or utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) have caused more than 30 fatalities and hundreds of other serious injuries. Almost immediately after it came on the market in 2003, the Yamaha Rhino raised concerns that it could easily overturn at low speeds and on flat ground. With a high center of gravity of the off road vehicles, combined with inadequate seat belts, insufficient padding to cushion injuries, and lack of proper doors, the Yamaha Rhino was quickly recognized as potentially dangerous. After countless reports of accidents, Yamaha began retrofitting all Rhino models in 2007, and in 2009, Yamaha halted sales of Rhinos and all existing Rhinos were recalled for repairs to make them safer and less likely to overturn. However, many original vehicles were never repaired and are still on the road today.
Types of UTV Rollover Accident Injuries
Occupants of utility terrain vehicles may suffer very serious or catastrophic injuries in a UTV rollover accident. Because of the lack of protection, including proper doors and a retention system to keep the upper torso inside a vehicle, occupants may be ejected and crushed by a UTV during a rollover, or run over by other vehicles traveling behind a vehicle that overturns. Even in low speed accident cases, serious injuries resulting from a UTV rollover accident include:
- Amputation/dismemberment injuries
- Bone fracture/crush injuries
- Degloving injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries/paralysis
- Other blunt trauma injuries.
Who is Responsible for a UTV Rollover Accident?
Many ATV and UTV accidents are blamed on driver error and inexperience, and other negligent or reckless driving. However, accidents that occur under safe driving conditions on relatively even surfaces may not be the fault of the UTV operator, but caused by the defective design of the vehicle. In these situations, the manufacturer of the Rhino, Yamaha Motor Corp., may be liable for the injuries or deaths of the victims. If you have been injured in any accident involving a Yamaha Rhino, or other UTV such as a Kawasaki Mule, Polaris Ranger, or John Deere Gator, you should contact an experienced San Francisco product liability lawyer as soon as possible. Because these cases are challenging and vigorously defended, choosing an attorney with experience and proven results may greatly impact the outcome of your case, and how much compensation you ultimately recover.
San Francisco UTV Rollover Lawyers
In 2010, a jury in Georgia awarded $317,000 to a man who injured his leg in a Yamaha Rhino rollover accident. The case was significant because it was the first time a jury found Yamaha Motor Corp. liable for an accident. Hundreds of other product liability injury and wrongful death cases are pending across the country.
The San Francisco Yamaha Rhino rollover attorneys are currently representing victims of Yamaha Rhino rollover accidents throughout northern California. If you have been injured as a passenger or operator of a Rhino or other UTV, or if a loved one has died in a UTV rollover crash, contact us for a consultation with a San Francisco personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. All consultations are free, with no obligation. Because you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible following an accident.