One Death Linked to Recalled Polaris Vehicles That Pose Fire Risk

Off-road vehicle maker Polaris issued 15 recalls over the last 12 months many of them to do with fire risks. According to a news report in the Miami Herald, fires caused by these defective vehicles have resulted in at least one death, serious injuries and property damage. The first occur in the 2013-17 Polaris RZR 900 and 1000 recreational off-highway vehicles or ROVs while consumers are driving. This poses a serious danger of burn injuries to both drivers and passengers.

Fatal and Injurious Fires

Polaris has reported more than 160 fires one of which killed a 15-year-old after a rollover. The vehicles also led to 19 reports of injuries including first-, second-, and third-degree burns. A joint statement released this week by Polaris and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that in spite of the recall, users of the vehicles that were repaired as part of the April 2016 recall continue to report fires. The 2017 RZRs were not included in the April 2016 recall. But these models have also experienced fires.

The purpose of the joint statement was to highlight the problems posed by these vehicles for anyone who might have missed the previous recalls. In the recalled vehicles, the return fuel line can be improperly secured causing the fuel to leak, posing a hazard. In 2016, two Arizona women died in a fire caused by a Polaris off-road vehicle. Several lawsuits have been filed against Polaris over these types of fatal and fiery accidents.

Product Liability Issues

In such cases where defective and recalled products cause injuries and fatalities, the manufacturer can be held liable for the damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages as well.

If you have been injured by a defective product, it would be a good idea to preserve it in its current condition so an expert can examine it thorough for evidence of defects, malfunctions, design flaws, etc. An experienced product defect attorney will be able to advise injured victims and families regarding their legal rights and options.

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/outdoors/article191494744.html