Polaris ATV Accident Lawsuits: Legal Options for Injured Riders
Polaris all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are popular for their off-road power and performance, but they’ve also been tied to serious safety issues. Over the years, numerous riders have filed Polaris ATV accident lawsuits following rollovers, fires, and mechanical failures that caused catastrophic injuries.
If you or a loved one has been hurt while using a Polaris RZR, Ranger, or other ATV model, you may be eligible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Polaris ATV, ROV and UTV models have been recalled for various reasons in recent years. According to medical records and data compiled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly 700 ATV-related deaths occur each year, many related to safety hazards.
The majority of ROV accidents are considered preventable if the vehicles are handled properly and equipped with basic safety features, including roll bars and safety mesh. ATV and ROV accidents have been linked to over 300 deaths in just Ohio in the last 10 years.
Consumers should stop using any recalled Polaris ROV model and if a passenger has sustained an injury, should contact a medical professional and an experienced attorney for potential legal action and rightful compensation.
Joe Lyon is an experienced Catastrophic Injury Lawyer and Product Liability Attorney with experience litigating serious ATV and ROV accidents.
Mr. Lyon has represented plaintiffs nationwide in a wide variety of product liability, wrongful death and injury claims.
Polaris Ranger ROV Recalls
Attorneys and plaintiffs claim Polaris has neglected alleged ATV fire hazards in its ATVs and ROVs. Lawsuits say that Polaris’ Prostar engine, fuel lines and exhaust system are prone to generating excessive heat that can lead to fires and injury. Polaris has allegedly been aware of these issues for years but has failed to eliminate the safety hazards.
As a result of the dangers ATVs and ROVs present to the consumer, the CPSC has called them “hazards” and has questioned manufacturers regarding numerous safety risks. The CPSC has recalled several ATVs and ROVs, including Polaris Ranger and Polaris RZR models due to the following:
- Defective Throttles
- Fire Hazards—defective fuel tanks
- Roll bar Defects
- Suspension Defects
- Safety Mesh Defects
- Battery Defects
- Transmission Defects
- Violations of Safety Standards
- Brake failure
- Debris Intrusion
Common Polaris ATV Defects and Safety Concerns
Polaris Industries has faced several recalls and lawsuits for defects that have endangered riders. Commonly reported issues include:
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Fire Hazards: Polaris ATVs and RZRs have been linked to engine overheating, fuel leaks, and spontaneous fires.
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Rollover Accidents: Certain Polaris models have a high center of gravity, making them prone to tipping during turns or uneven terrain driving.
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Brake and Steering Problems: Faulty components can cause loss of control and severe crashes.
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Lack of Rider Protection: Many vehicles lack proper roll cages or restraints, leading to ejection or crushing injuries during rollovers.
These safety issues have resulted in thousands of injuries and multiple fatalities across the country.
ABOUT THE LYON FIRM
Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.
The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.
NO COST UNLESS WE WIN
The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.
Polaris Ranger ATV Accidents
Polaris Ranger accidents commonly include injuries following rollovers. ROV frontal rollovers, side rollovers, and rear rollovers can all result in the driver being thrown from the vehicle and suffering severe injury. The most common allegations of causes of ATV and Polaris Ranger accidents and injuries include:
- Defective design
- Roll bar defects
- Removal of safety features
- Defective safety mesh
- Removal of safety mesh
- Tire Blowouts
- Lack of driver training
- Poorly maintained riding trails
- Inadequate manufacturer warnings
- Brake failure
- Fire risks
Polaris Ranger Injury Cases
Children are particularly vulnerable to ROV injuries and deaths and riders under 18 years of age suffer about a third of recorded ATV and ROV injuries. Many of these injuries are severe and life-threatening, including:
ATV recalls are usually only issued after severe accidents and injuries are reported. Attorneys claim the company knew about safety risks and decided to conceal its knowledge of defective products.
Polaris has settled some injury claims out of court to hush the news reports, though consumer protection lawyers aim to better protect the public with widespread recalls and compensation for injured riders.
ATV Burn Injury
ATV and ROV Accidents are so common that many consumers consider them normal occurrences. But many ATV injuries happen through no fault of the owner. Defective and recalled ATV models can pose serious safety risks. The Polaris RZR is one such vehicle, with a dismal safety record.
Product Liability lawyers across the nation have filed burn injury claims and design defect lawsuits on behalf of ATV owners who suffer preventable accidents and injuries. Off-road vehicles can be a lot of fun, until they malfunction or when safety mechanisms fail.
Serious fire hazards linked to the Polaris RZR have prompted injured ATV riders to file suit against the company, which has been forced to recall several models of ROVs and ATVs over the last ten years. But the safety issues still persist, and Polaris may be responsible for hundreds of ATV injuries each year.
ATV Debris Intrusion
Fires and rollover accidents may be more common issues but debris intrusion is also a potential safety hazard. ATV owners often install extra protection to flooring and side panels due to a lack of floor model protection from sticks and other sharp objects.
Companies sell floor guards, fender guards, or fender armor so consumers can protect themselves. But attorneys argue Polaris may have a duty to manufacture their UTV, ATV and ROV models with enough protection.
There have been ATV injury reports related to debris intrusion. At least one man was operating his UTV when a sharp stick cut through the bottom of the vehicle and impaled him. Such injuries are considered preventable and foreseeable.
Polaris ATV Recalls and Product Safety Issues
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued repeated recalls involving Polaris ATVs and UTVs due to fire risks, stability problems, and fuel system defects. Some recalls affected hundreds of thousands of vehicles.
In some cases, internal company documents suggested Polaris may have delayed notifying the CPSC about known hazards. Such actions can expose the company to liability for negligence and failure to warn consumers about foreseeable dangers.
Legal Grounds for Polaris ATV Lawsuits
Victims of defective ATVs may pursue compensation under product liability laws, which hold manufacturers accountable for producing unsafe vehicles. Legal claims may include:
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Defective Design: The ATV’s structure or configuration makes it inherently unsafe.
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Manufacturing Defect: Errors in assembly or materials caused a dangerous malfunction.
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Failure to Warn: Polaris failed to warn riders of known risks or operating hazards.
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Negligence: The company failed to take proper action once defects were discovered.
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and wrongful death benefits.
Steps to Take After a Polaris ATV Accident
If you were injured in a Polaris ATV accident, follow these steps to protect your rights and potential claim:
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Get immediate medical treatment for all injuries.
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Do not repair or alter the vehicle—preserve it as evidence.
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Take photos of the ATV, accident site, and your injuries.
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Gather witness statements and any police or incident reports.
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Contact a product liability lawyer before speaking with insurance or Polaris representatives.
Why Hire The Lyon Firm for a Polaris ATV Accident Lawsuit
The Lyon Firm is a nationally recognized product liability law firm with extensive experience in defective vehicle and ATV injury cases. Attorney Joe Lyon and his team have built a reputation for taking on large corporations and holding them accountable for consumer injuries.
When you hire The Lyon Firm, you gain a partner who will:
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Conduct a detailed, independent investigation into the ATV defect.
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Work with top mechanical and safety experts to build a strong case.
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Negotiate aggressively or take the case to trial when necessary.
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Keep you informed and supported throughout the legal process.
ATV accidents can cause lifelong physical, emotional, and financial harm. The Lyon Firm’s goal is to help you obtain full and fair compensation while preventing similar tragedies for other riders.
