When it was first introduced in 2003, the Yamaha Rhino's off-road capabilities excited consumers, but soon, reports of rollovers and injuries began to pile up. The Yamaha Rhino was designed to compete with other ATVs being produced at the time, including the Kawasaki Mule.  It features powerful acceleration and a small turning radius. Most importantly, the Rhino's design comes with a higher center of gravity and shorter wheel base than other ATVs, which makes the vehicle prone to rollovers, especially while turning. Accidents are not restricted to incidents involving rocky surfaces and high speeds; even over relatively flat surfaces and at low speeds, rollover accidents have occurred.

When a person using a Rhino is faced with the potential rollover of the vehicle, the natural tendency is to stick a leg out to brace oneself and prevent the vehicle from toppling over. This is a futile action and one that can cause serious injuries to the rider. The weight of the vehicle will cause it to topple over regardless, possibly trapping the rider's leg and body beneath its crushing force. 

Yamaha Rhino Rollover Injuries

Most rollover related injuries include crushing injuries when body parts like hands, legs and feet are caught beneath thousands of pounds of force.  Amputation is often necessary to minimize the health risks of these injuries.  Riders may also suffer head injuries, causing concussions, contusions and, in worst cases, severe brain injuries that can impair mental function.  Neck and spinal cord injuries have also resulted from these accidents, in some cases, leaving children as young as 14 years old paralyzed.

In 2006, there were 555 deaths that resulted from ATV accidents, 111 were children below the age of 16.  More than 146,000 ATV rollover related injuries were reported in the same year.  Yamaha has done little to enhance the safety features of its ATV; instead the company suggests sloped, rough terrain is to blame. These vehicles are marketed as "all terrain vehicles" and as such the company has a responsibility to ensure that its product can safely operate on any type of terrain. In spite of repeated accidents, Yamaha has failed to recall its defective Rhino ATV; these vehicles continue to cause serious accidents and injuries.