The head of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says her agency is continuing to investigate Yamaha Rhino rollover accidents and deaths and may intervene to protect the public from what she describes as a "very high risk.''

The remarks from Inez Tenenbaum were part of a CBS Evening News investigative report on the accident history of the high-powered ATV, which has sold 150,000 units since being introduced in the U.S. in 2003.

CBS news reporter Armen Keteyian said Rhino rollovers have killed 59 people and are related to nearly 400 injuries. The machine has a high center of gravity and other design flaws that can lead to rollovers on flat, paved ground at speeds as low as 15 mph, CBS reported.

Eric Hageman, an attorney at Pritzker Olsen law firm, is on the plaintiff's steering committee for Yamaha Rhino lawsuits pending in U.S. District Court in Kentucky. Hageman, who has filed Rhino rollover lawsuits against Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, says the CBS probe reinforces his belief that the Rhino has an unsafe design and should be removed from the market.

Not surprisingly, Yamaha told CBS that it believes the Rhino to be safe and reliable.

Said Hageman: "The Rhino is incredibly dangerous, even at low speeds and on flat terrain, because of inherent flaws in its design, including having a narrow track width, high platform, high center of gravity, wheels too small to maintain stability, and top-heavy design. No repairs can fix all of those problems"

If you or someone you love has been injured in an ATV accident and it was somebody else’s fault, you may be able to receive valuable compensation for your loss. Some things can never be replaced, but through the legal process you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, loss of earning, and future loss of earnings. In the extremely unfortunate event that a death has occurred as a result of the accident, you can file a wrongful death suit.  Learn about personal injury lawyer Fred Pritzker.

Things You Need to Do after an ATV Accident

Here are some things you need to do if you have been in an ATV accident:

1. See a medical professional. Minor injuries can turn into major problems, especially with the neck and back. You will also need documentation of your condition if you proceed with the legal process.
   
2. Get as much information you can about your accident. Key items include the names, numbers and addresses of all the people involved, including witnesses; the precise location of the crash; information about the ATV, including the make and model number, etc. You will also need copies of all the insurance information.
   
3. Do not talk to anyone about your accident other than law enforcement officials . Anything you say to insurance company representatives or investigators could make it harder for you to settle your claim. It is also a good idea not to sign anything, particularly some kind of release form, without talking to an attorney first. This is just a smart way for you to protect yourself.
   
4. Keep in mind that you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. There is usually a statute of limitations, or a legal deadline, for filing a lawsuit when it comes to ATV accidents. If your claim is not brought within that time, it may be barred regardless of its merits.
   
5. Consult a lawyer. You probably have a lot to handle right now, and a competent lawyer can make sure everything gets done right. A lawyer can also make things a lot easier for you by negotiating with insurance companies and guiding you get through the legal process.

Labels: attorney, Lawsuit, Rhino rollover, Yamaha Rhino