PRODUCT LIABILITY – POLARIS RECALLS ATVS DUE TO FIRE HAZARD
Posted on Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 at 11:28 pm
The product liability case began with the death of a 15 year old Utah teenager last year. Baylee Hoaldridge of Provo, Utah died four months after being severely burned in an ATV accident. The Polaris RZR 900 Baylee was riding on burst into flames after it tipped onto its side. The ATV was only going about five miles per hour when it tipped over and burst into flames. The rented ATV was being driven by Baylee’s father. Her father and two other passengers were able to get out but Baylee suffered third degree burns over 65 percent of her body.
After four months and 27 surgeries, Baylee lost her battle and passed away. Attorneys for the family said in a statement that they are committed to obtaining justice for the family. The family called for Polaris to take responsibility for the fire hazard caused by the design and manufacture of the ATV. They urged Polaris to recall the ATVs and correct the problem to ensure no one else had to suffer or die the way Baylee did.
Polaris Takes Action
This month, Polaris Industries, Inc. cooperated in a recall of approximately 133,000 ATVs due to the fire risk. The recalled models include Polaris model years 2013 through 2016 RZR 900 and RZR 1000 all-terrain recreational off-highway vehicles. Consumers are being warned to stop using these ATVs immediately. They should contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a time for a free repair to correct the problem that causes the fire hazard.
Polaris has also agreed to voluntarily suspend all sales of the effected models until the problem is fixed. One hundred sixty reports of fires have been made and 19 people of been injured by first, second, and third degree burns from fires caused by the ATVs.
In an unrelated recall, Yamaha agreed to recall 7,000 of its 2016 YXZ ATV models due to a defect in the throttle cable. Water can get into the throttle cable and freeze during cold weather. The ice can prevent the throttle from returning to idle causing the driver to lose control of the ATV increasing the risk of crashes and injuries. No injuries have been reported yet related to this defect.
Have You Been Injured By A Product and Need a Product Liability Attorney?
When you purchase and/or use a product, you have the right to expect that product to perform safely. If you are injured by a product due to a defect in the design or manufacture of that product, you also have the right to be compensated for your damages, losses, and injuries. Our product liability attorneys can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured by a product, contact the product liability lawyers of the Tiemann Law Firm for a free case evaluation with one of our Sacramento product liability attorneys. Call (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to schedule a free consultation.
You have a limited amount of time to file a product liability lawsuit so you need to act quickly to protect your legal rights. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis; therefore, you can afford to have the legal representation you need to hold the parties responsible for your injuries accountable for their actions.
