1.

What complaints have been made about Yamaha Rhino?

Drivers have complained of stability problems. In Yamaha Rhino lawsuits, plaintiffs have alleged that the Yamaha Rhino is prone to rollovers during turns even at low speeds on flat terrain. The Complaint charges that the Rhino is top-heavy, with too narrow a track-width, too high a center of gravity, and wheels too small to maintain stability.

2.

What injuries have occurred?

Serious injuries have been sustained by both Rhino drivers and passengers in rollover accidents. These injuries have often included broken or crushed legs, ankles and feet, as well as arms. In some cases the injuries were so severe as to require amputation. Injuries occur when limbs are outside the vehicle as the Rhino rolls over. Fatalities have occurred. Children have been trapped under the Rhino during rollover accidents and suffered severe head trauma and other severe bodily injuries.

3.

Has Yamaha recalled the Rhino?

No. Despite repeated rollover crashes, there has been no formal recall of the Yamaha Rhino by Yamaha Motor Company. Yamaha instead has announced a "special offer."

4.

What is the Yamaha "special offer"?

Yamaha manufactured Rhinos from 2004-2007 that were not sold with full doors, half doors or rails, all of which would improve keeping limbs inside in the event of a rollover accident. For the 2008 Rhino, Yamaha has added half doors and handholds.

In August 2007, Yamaha announced an offer to install doors and additional passenger handholds for the 2004-2007 Rhino ATVs. The doors are intended to prevent riders from sticking arms and legs out of the ATV during a Rhino rollover accident. Yamaha will install these new safety features free of charge to all 2004-2007 Rhino owners, regardless of whether the vehicle was purchased new or used. Owners should visit a local Yamaha dealership for details.

5.

Has Yamaha acknowledged any legal responsibility to drivers and passengers injured in rollover accidents involving the Rhino?

No. Yamaha has not acknowledged its legal responsibility to persons injured in Rhino rollover accidents nor modified the Rhino design to correct its stability problems. Only by filing a lawsuit or otherwise making a claim against Yamaha can injured Rhino drivers and passengers obtain justice and compensation for their injuries.

6.

What information on the safe use of the Rhino has Yamaha provided?

In Yamaha's manual for the 2007 Rhino, Yamaha lists multiple safety measures drivers and passengers should take. You can learn more on this page.

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.

7.

I was injured in a Yamaha Rhino accident. How quickly must I hire an attorney?

You should not feel pressured to make an immediate decision about hiring an attorney. Focusing on restoring your health or mourning the loss of loved ones should take precedence over liability issues at this difficult time. However, keep in mind that each state imposes a deadline for filing lawsuits. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, which in certain states is one year from the date of the accident. There might also be other deadlines imposed by state law that may require action sooner than one year.

8.

What are my legal rights after an accident or injury?

In most states, an injured person may bring a case for negligence, design defect and other legal claims for compensation. In wrongful death cases, close family members may bring suit.

9.

Will I have to pay a fee for your review of my case?

No. We do not charge to review your case. If we decide we can represent you, we will discuss our contingent fees (calculated as a percentage of the recovery we obtain) and then provide a written contract to be agreed upon.

10.

How long will a lawsuit take?

We cannot give any guarantees as to when your case will be resolved. First we must undertake a thorough investigation of the facts of each accident. In some instances, a case will settle to our client’s satisfaction shortly after it is filed, or perhaps even before. In other cases, a final resolution may take two years or more.

Rest assured, Lieff Cabraser works swiftly and efficiently to obtain the maximum compensation for our clients and to bring each case to a successful conclusion. We do not charge our clients hourly fees and earn no compensation for ourselves until you receive your recovery.

11.

How do I select an attorney to represent me?

You should seek a lawyer who has substantial experience in successfully handling similar cases. It is important to not only verify the reputation and experience of the law firm as a whole, but to be sure that your case will be handled by individuals with appropriate experience. Finally, in suits involving defective vehicles, a case can be expensive to litigate and typically requires the hiring of experts to assist your case. You should choose a law firm with substantial financial resources to conduct the case through trial and appeal if necessary.

12.

What recovery will I receive?

In most jurisdictions, if the defendants are found liable, you are entitled to a judgment that fully compensates you for your financial loss. If you suffered a personal injury, the defendant is responsible for paying for your medical care, both past and future, your past and future lost earnings, and an amount to compensate you for pain and suffering. Your spouse also might be entitled to an award.

If a loved one died, the recovery usually is based on the amount of economic support and services that you lost, plus, in some jurisdictions, an amount designed to compensate for your grief and mental anguish and loss of association. We have economists who specialize in evaluating these injuries and calculating the lump-sum amount to determine a monetary compensation for your loss.

If the conduct that caused the accident was egregious, you may also be entitled to an award of punitive damages in certain states.

13.

Do I need a lawyer? Why don't I just contact the defendants and work it out with their insurance company?

It is usually both impossible and inadvisable to try to resolve an accident case involving the loss of a limb, other severe injuries or a death on your own. An accident may involve multiple parties and questions concerning what happened, who was legally responsible, and how the matter should be resolved. Not only is a lawyer essential, but medical, accident reconstruction and design specialists are often needed. Without these experts, you may never know what really happened, or the true value of your case.

It is important to understand that Yamaha employs the services of expert lawyers that seek to avoid responsibility or at least to minimize the payments that will be made to the victims and families. In contrast, our duty is to identify all responsible parties, maximize the compensation under the law, and obtain justice for you.

Only established firms like Lieff Cabraser have the staying power to investigate these complex cases thoroughly, and to send a message to the defendants that they will not be able to escape the power of the courts to impose damages for their misconduct.

14.

How will you handle my case?

As our client, you possess the direction and control over the case. For example, if Yamaha should make an offer to settle the case, we will promptly inform you. We will advise you whether or not you should accept the offer based on the law and facts of your case. The decision, however, will be yours alone to make.

If you agree to retain our firm, we will prosecute your case as a personal injury lawsuit. You will be assigned an individual attorney who will keep you regularly informed as to the status of your case. At the same time, our attorneys work as a team, sharing evidence and following a strategic plan for the Yamaha Rhino litigation.

15.

Should I preserve the Rhino?

Yes. The Rhino is evidence that must be preserved. If you have sold it, or if it belongs to a friend or employer, we may try to locate it so that your case can be successfully pursued.