Toledo Personal Injury Lawyer - yamaha rhino

ATV accidents, Yamaha Rhino accidents under scrutiny by U.S. government – Part III

Chuck Boyk — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:06:42 GMT

Our Toledo, Ohio ATV accident attorneys had help continuing their blog series on ATV safety from the co-founder of Concerned Families for ATV Safety, Sue Rabe.

The Rabe family lost their son, Kyle, to an ATV accident when he was only 10 years old. He had been riding for over a year and a half without any accidents. His parents write on the website that he was a very cautious, skilled rider wearing boots, gloves, several layers of clothing and a full face, approved helmet.

But all of those factors did not prevent an ATV accident.

“It’s devastating,” said Sue Rabe of Turner, Oregon. “Kyle was three months shy of his 11^th birthday. Until you have children, you won’t understand that they become your number one. They are everything to you.”

Sue Rabe fought hard to get Oregon Senate Bill 49, “Kyle’s Law,” passed, which would prohibit anyone under 12-years-old from operating an ATV. It would also put stronger restrictions on ATV riders between 12 and 15 years of age, and make helmet use mandatory.

While the bill did not pass, Sue believes that all of the lobbying and attention that Kyle’s Law received helped save lives.

“Last year not one child in the state of Oregon died in an ATV accident,” Sue said. “The year before, eight kids died. Apparently someone is listening.”

Stay tuned for our on-going series on ATV accidents as we report the information that Concerned Families for ATV Safety and Sue Rabe has provided us with.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk

ATV accidents, Yamaha Rhino accidents under scrutiny by U.S. government – Part II

Chuck Boyk — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:42:00 GMT

An ATV accident can be a devastating experience, causing severe personal injuries and emotional distress.

As discussed in “ATV accidents, Yamaha Rhino accidents under scrutiny by U.S. government – Part I,” ATV accidents can frequently be seen with the use of a Yamaha Rhino.

The Rhino’s high center of gravity and narrow wheelbase makes it tip easily, which can lead to ATV rollover accidents. The rollbar and seatbelts do nothing to protect the lower legs, which can be ejected during a tip or roll.

Injuries from an ATV accident can include broken arms or legs, including hands and feet. Often during a rollover ATV accident, the driver’s leg becomes pinned under the 1,100-pound ATV, crushing the limb. There have been cases where the injury to the leg leads to amputation.

Children involved in an ATV accident are more likely to suffer wrongful death. Their small bodies cannot control the weight of the ATV, making it easier for them to run into another object, roll the ATV over, or fall off the vehicle.

Severe head wounds are one of many injuries that can happen to kids during ATV accidents. Brain injuries, fractures, and spinal cord injuries can often occur, which could lead to wrongful death.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an ATV accident, order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Contact our office today for your free consultation and case evaluation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk

ATV accidents, Yamaha Rhino accidents under scrutiny by U.S. government – Part I

Chuck Boyk — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:38:47 GMT

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the U.S. government is investigating all-terrain-like vehicles, or ATVs, after numerous reports of ATV accidents have surfaced.

Our Toledo, Ohio ATV accident lawyers have seen firsthand the types of injuries that ATV accidents can cause, as well as how those personal injuries can affect a family.

In this first segment on ATV accidents, our Toledo, Ohio ATV accident attorneys will address how these accidents happen. Yamaha Rhino accidents, which seem to occur most often, can happen even when a driver is not driving recklessly.

Yamaha Rhinos are tall and have a narrow wheelbase, making it more likely that they will tip over during a turn. Even people who were wearing a helmet and using the factory-installed seatbelt suffered injuries from Yamaha Rhino ATV accidents. The types of injuries that a person can suffer will be discussed in our next blog, “ATV accidents, Yamaha Rhino accidents under scrutiny by U.S. government – Part II.”

Turning quickly, or riding up or down a hill at an angle can cause an ATV to rollover. Until 2008, Yamaha Rhinos were not equipped with doors. If a driver felt the ATV starting to tip, many times they would stick their leg out to prevent a rollover, since there was nothing to keep their legs inside the vehicle. Even seatbelted drivers would have their legs pinned under the 1,100-pound ATV.

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries from an ATV accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can provide you with a free consultation and case evaluation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk