Certainly, All-Terrain Vehicles have some inherent risks. However, when the manufacturer of an ATV does not take the necessary steps to ensure that their product is as safe as possible, it exposes riders to an unnecessary risk of injury or death. Recently, Polaris Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of recreational ATVs, announced multiple recalls affecting the company’s Ranger and RZR models. These defects not only affect the vehicle’s stability but also make the ATV catch on fire unexpectedly.
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a Polaris ATV accident, it may have been due to one of the several recalls the company has issued in recent months. As a consumer injured by a dangerous product, you have the right to pursue a claim for compensation against the company. If successful, you could recover meaningful compensation to help you cover the costs of your medical care, lost wages, and other damages you suffered as a result of the accident. Not only that, but product liability lawsuits also send a strong message to manufacturers that they cannot continue to market products they know to be harmful without warning consumers
At the law firm of Console & Associates, P.C., we understand the frustration that comes in the wake of a serious injury, especially when it’s the result of a manufacturer’s failure to ensure a safe product. Our team of product liability lawyers is actively investigating claims against the Polaris based on the undisclosed rollover and fire risks its Ranger and RZR models pose to riders. As a part of our investigation, we are scheduling free consultations for individuals who were injured while driving or riding on a passenger on a Polaris ATV. Our ATV accident attorneys can help you understand your rights and explain your legal options, so you can make an informed decision on how to move forward.
“Polaris has issued no less than five other recalls related to its RZR and Ranger vehicles…” Recently, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Polaris issued an “Important Safety Recall” notice to consumers regarding 2020-2021 Ranger 1000 and Ranger XP 1000 off-road vehicles. The notice stated that “affected units were manufactured with throttle pedals that can return to the idle position more slowly than anticipated once the operator releases the pedal or can stick in the depressed position.” This defect “can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, posing a crash hazard and the risk of serious bodily injury.”
However, in addition to this recall, Polaris has issued no less than five other recalls related to its RZR and Ranger vehicles, including the following models:
2021 RZR Pro XP and 2021 RZR Pro XP 4 (3,100 Vehicles)
These vehicles have a raised edge on the machined surface of the turbocharger castings at the oil supply line sealing surface, which may result in an oil leak. Oil leaks create an increased risk of fire which may lead to serious injury or death.
2021 RZR XP Turbo and RZR Turbo S (30,250 Vehicles)
These vehicles are susceptible to clutch failure, which may cause debris or clutch components to be ejected from the clutch housing, posing a potential risk of injury to drivers and passengers.
2021 – 2022 RZR Pro XP 4 (3,500 Vehicles)
These vehicles may develop a fuel leak at the fuel pump assembly joint on the fuel tank. The potential leak area is in close proximity to a hot surface, which increases the risk of fire hazards and serious injury or death.
2020 – 2022 RZR XP 1000 and RZR Turbo S Velocity (38,900 Vehicles)
These vehicles may have steering wheels that can separate from the vehicle, resulting in a loss of control. This is a major crash hazard, significantly increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
2022 RZR Pro R 4 Premium and 2022 RZR Pro R 4 Ultimate (1,285 Vehicles)
These vehicles may have an incorrectly routed battery cable, which may contact the prop shaft during vehicle operation. Prolonged contact of the battery cable with the prop shaft may result in an electrical short, posing a fire hazard and risk of serious injury.
In each of these recalls, Polaris is advising dealers to stop selling the machines and for those consumers who have already purchased them to stop riding the vehicles until the necessary repairs are completed.
Regardless of any defect, rollovers are one of the biggest risks associated with riding any ATV. However, ATVs that are not properly designed or suffer from a manufacturing defect often have a much higher risk of rolling over.
When an ATV rolls over—and in any ATV accident, for that matter—riders are sometimes thrown away from the vehicle. While this can certainly cause serious injury, the real risk is being trapped underneath the vehicle as it becomes inverted. Some of the most common injuries in ATV accidents include:
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Yes, Polaris was recently named in a complaint following a 2021 accident involving a Ranger 1000. Evidently, Polaris sold an ATV to a company that rents the vehicles for recreational use. The company rented the ATV to the Plaintiff in the complaint. According to the record, Plaintiff was operating the ATV in a reasonable manner, and when he took his foot off the throttle pedal, the ATV did not react as it should. Specifically, the ATV did not reduce its speed and rolled over onto its left side. The ATV landed on top of the Plaintiff, trapping him underneath and causing him to experience severe and permanent personal injuries.
The 2021 Ranger 1000 the Plaintiff was driving is subject to Polaris’ safety recall, and as of June 22, 2022, Polaris’ website indicated that the defect had not been fixed. The victim claimed that he sustained significant damages as the direct and proximate result of the defective throttle pedal of the Polaris ATV.
Of course, this is just one lawsuit; there are likely many others. However, each product liability claim against Polaris is unique, and courts will assess each claim based on its individual merits. Thus, it is essential for anyone considering a Polaris ATV lawsuit to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney for assistance.
Founded in 1954, Polaris Industries is a manufacturing company based in Medina, Minnesota. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets power sports vehicles, including the RZR and Ranger models. Polaris is also well-known for its snowmobiles. Polaris is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “PII.” Polaris employs approximately 16,000 people worldwide and generates roughly $8 billion in annual revenue.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a Polaris ATV such as the RZR or Ranger, Console & Associates, P.C., is here to help. At our product liability law firm, we proudly represent consumers who were injured as a result of dangerous and defective products, helping to connect them with meaningful compensation. At Console & Associates, P.C., we are actively investigating Polaris ATV rollover lawsuits on behalf of those who were seriously injured or killed while riding these dangerous vehicles. If you are interested in learning more about pursuing a product liability claim, reach out to an experienced product liability lawyer at Console & Associates, P.C., at 866-778-5500. We will attentively listen to your story, answer your questions, and offer you guidance about how you may be able to pursue a claim against Polaris.
