RHINOROLLOVERS.COM
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Roll-over accidents on ATV's can cause significant injuries. In 2001, ATV injuries requiring an emergency room visit increased to over 110,000 incidents. One third of these victims were under the age of 16. Also that year, 634 deaths were associated with ATV’s. Today, over a hundred children die annually from all-terrain vehicle accidents. More than 47,000 people are injured seriously. These figures are according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The Yamaha Rhino 660™ is a relative newcomer to the ATV market. It is also called a side-by-side because of its seating configuration. It has been on the market for just a few years.
Why this site? My name is William Means. I am a private investigator. In September of 2004, my client, Dwight, was eager to try out his brand new Rhino™. Part utility vehicle, and part all-terrain vehicle, he thought it would be perfect for his ranch. A few hours later, Dwight’s life changed forever.
After a lengthy hospital stay, Dwight hired an attorney who subsequently filed suit against Yamaha.
As part of my investigation for Dwight’s attorney, I published this site. Dwight told me he wasn’t the only one who had been hurt while riding a Rhino™. This site is a way for me to hopefully meet some of those people, if I can. I want to hear their stories and document any similar accidents.
Yamaha Rhino 660™
Matt, one of our clients, lost his leg after being injured in a Rhino roll-over accident in 2004. With Matt's permission, his photo is shown below:
So what are the defects
alleged? One of the main allegations in
the suits will be that the vehicle is designed with insufficient protection for
the lower extremities. In the event of a roll-over, we feel there is
considerable danger to the legs, especially the driver’s. Yamaha is likely to
say, as a defense, that these are isolated incidents; the driver’s fault. We
are investigating to see if Yamaha’s defective design may be the real problem.
How will you prove that?
One of the ways is to document other accidents similar in nature to our cases,
which is what the law allows us to do. Further
expert testimony about these issues will also be a big part of the case.
What will happen next?
Our cases are relatively new, the first one having only been
filed and served early last year (2005). This is not a class-action case. The
discovery process will take about a year, and as the cases get closer to a trial,
they will either be settled or there will be jury trials. Discovery has
started to establish the facts and get to the
truth.
What happens if I send
information? If you have information
of interest you would like to share, I will provide any necessary assurance that
your privacy is protected. The information will be relayed solely to Anthony J. Klein, of Klein,
DeNatale, Goldner, Cooper, Rosenlieb, &
Kimball, LLC, 4550 California Ave, 2nd Floor, Bakersfield, CA
93309. (661) 395-1000.
www.kleinlaw.com. You are free to call Mr. Klein directly as well.
We want to document
when and where Yamaha Rhino ™ machines rollover, tip, fall, crash, or in
any fashion cause injuries to the riders.
How can I contact you?
You can email me directly at
whm100@sbcglobal.net
Related Links- http://www.sidebysideaccidents.com
http://www.yamaharhinoaccidents.com
January 2006 Update.
Since Dwight's case, we have been retained to represent several other Rhino accident clients.
As of October 2006, we represent over 25 clients across the US.
October 2006 Update
We are now representing or are conducting investigations with over 25 clients in the following states: California, Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri, Florida, Oklahoma, Illinois, South Carolina, Maryland, and Nevada.
November 2007 Update
It has been an extremely busy year since the last update. We are now representing 75 clients throughout the United States and Canada and we continue to gather new information and inquiries daily. As of November we have successfully settled 8 out of 8 cases that have come up for trial.
YAMAHA RECALL Of great importance was the announcement by Yamaha last month offering free installation of side doors and a passenger grab handle to any rhino, regardless of age. It is our understanding the 2008 Rhino models will come factory equipped with side doors and the grab handle. While too late for our clients, we obviously feel this was a much needed action.
We also want to thank everyone who has communicated words of support to our clients and to our endeavor.
Thank you for visiting this site.
Disclaimers:
Rhinorollovers.com is an electronic newsletter from William Means Investigations (WMI), a licensed private investigation firm in California. This website provides information about product defect litigation currently in the California court system, and may provide updates on information relative to Yamaha Rhino ™ product litigation. Legal advice is not given nor is it intended. Always consult your own attorney for any legal advice. WMI will, to the full extent permitted under the law, protect your name and confidential information against disclosure, publication or unauthorized use. WMI is not an employee of The Law Offices of Klein, DeNatale, Goldner et al.
Trademark Notices:
WMI is not affiliated in any way with any trademark owner. The use of any trademarks on this site is for product identification and information only purposes only. “Yamaha Rhino ™ “is a trademark of Yamaha Corporation.
Copyright © 2005, 2006
William Means Investigations
Last modified: 4/14/2006
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