The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is investigating deaths and catastrophic injuries caused by defective designs characteristics of the Yamaha Rhino off-road capable vehicle. The accidents involve Yamaha Rhino 450 and 660 models manufactured since 2003.
The inherently dangerous design of the Rhinos give them an increased risk of tip over or rollover under certain conditions. Uneven terrain or slopes which pitch the vehicle sideways, turning too fast or sharp, or a combination of conditions increase the risk of tip over.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A., of Cypress, Calif., is announcing a free repair program to address safety issues with all Rhino 450, 660, and 700 model off-highway recreational vehicles. Yamaha has also agreed to voluntarily suspend sale of these models immediately until repaired. Consumers should immediately stop using these popular recreational vehicles until the repair is installed by a dealer.
About 120,000 of the 450 and 660 model Rhinos have been distributed nationwide since Fall 2003. Some units have been equipped by Yamaha with half doors and additional passenger handholds, either before or after sale. Owners of the affected Rhinos should stop using them.