Approximately 140,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for injuries sustained while riding four-wheel vehicles. In a twenty-year period, from 1982 to 2002, 6,500 people died in four-wheeler accident, and nearly a third of those deaths were children under the age of sixteen. Due to the immense popularity of these vehicles, these numbers are only expected to rise. These vehicles are prone to rollover accidents, which can result in crushing injuries and death and loss of limbs.
An infamous name we hear about in the ATV cases we deal is the Yahama Rhino. These very popular four-wheel all-terrain vehicles were introduced in 2003. In August, 2007, Yamaha Motor Corporation announced that it was offering to make modifications to the defective Rhino 660 and 450 ATVs in an effort to make the vehicles safer.
The Yamaha Rhino is basically a vehicle for off-road use. As such, vehicle safety principles should be applied to the Yamaha Rhino. First, the roll cage should be reinforced properly. Second, the restraint system should provide proper restraint. Third, there should be doors to help prevent ejection. Lastly, the fuel tank should be protected to prevent fires in the event of an accident.
Sadly, these safety principles known as crashworthiness principles are not being followed. Accordingly, people are being needlessly injured and killed in rollover accidents involving the Rhino.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or was killed by a Rhino ATV or any other kind, please contact the experienced Oklahoma ATV lawyers at Carr & Carr, Attorneys at Law today. Our Oklahoma ATV attorneys have offices in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
Posted by Amanda
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