Illinois product liability attorneys should be aware that yesterday the Yamaha Motor Corp. recalled about 120,000 utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), namely the Rhino models 450, 660 and 700 models. The four wheel side by side Rhino manufactured by Yamaha has become one of the most popular UTVs sold in the U.S. The design flaws that prompted the recall include a top heavy design resulting in a high center of gravity and a track width that is too narrow.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has announced a free repair program to address these issues. Of the more than 50 incidents investigated by the CPSC more than two thirds involved rollovers, many of which involve turns at relatively low speeds on level terrain.
Utility Terrain Vehicles have fallen within a regulatory crevice. These vehicles were introduced to the market and have been sold to consumers without having to meet government safety and performance standards. It is critical that federal and/or state state safety agencies act to protect consumers from the growing number of fatalities and severe injuries
Consumers who own any of the models involved should return the vehicle to their Yamaha dealer for free repairs. Repairs include installation of a spacer on the rear wheels as well as removal of the rear anti-sway bar to help reduce the the chance of rollover and to improve vehicle handling.
Consumers or anyone who have been injured or died in a rollover should immediately consult with a product liability attorney to ensure preservation of the vehicle and to begin appropriate engineering analysis. Should you wish you can call our office toll free 877-494-1309 for a prompt review of your case without charge or obligation
