A Polaris ATV recall has been initiated for thousands of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) manufactured by Polaris Industries, including Polaris RZR and Polaris Sportsman models. Polaris ATVs are reportedly responsible for hundreds of fires, dozens of burn injuries and at least one death. Consumers who have purchased an ATV manufactured and distributed by Polaris Industries may be eligible to pursue compensation for injuries with the help of an affiliated four wheeler accident attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated Polaris ATV recall attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Polaris ATV Recall
Polaris Industries has issued a number of recalls due to reports of burn injuries related to some of their off-road vehicles. Since 2009, thousands of Polaris RZR, RZR Turbo, Sportsman 850 and Sportsman 1000 ATVs have been recalled due to the risks associated with the vehicles.
Polaris Sportsman 850 and Polaris Sportsman 1000 Recall
On March 21, 2017, Polaris Industries Inc. began recalling Sportsman 850 and 1000 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) because the right side panel heat shield can melt, posing burn and fire hazards to riders. Additionally, the exhaust springs can stretch in 2015 Sportsman 1000 ATVs and damage the exhaust seal, which can result in exhaust leaks and pose burn and fire hazards. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Polaris has received reports of at least 793 incidents, including 47 fires and four minor burn injuries.
This particular recall involves all model year 2015 and 2016 Polaris Sportsman 850 and 1000 model ATVs. “Polaris” is printed on the front grill and “Sportsman 850” or “Sportsman 1000” is printed on the side of the steering column. The ATVs were sold in several colors at Polaris dealers nationwide from May 2014 through March 2017. The model number is located on the fuel tank cover. A full list of recalled ATVs and their model numbers can be found on the CPSC recall website.
Polaris RZR Recall
On April 19, 2016, Polaris Industries issued a recall on its RZR recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) because they can catch fire while consumers are driving, posing fire and burn hazards to drivers and passengers. The recall involved the following model year 2015 Polaris RZR ROVs:
- RZR 900
- RZR S 900
- RZR 900 XC
- RZR 4 900
- RZR XP 1000
- RZR XP4 1000
According the recall report issued by the CPSC, Polaris received four reports of RZR 900s with fuel leaks and two reports of the vehicles catching fire, one of which resulted in a minor burn injury. Likewise, Polaris received 25 reports of RZR 1000s with fuel leaks and no injuries.
In addition to problems associated with Polaris RZR off-road vehicles disclosed in the April 2016 recall, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that RZR vehicles were involved in more than 160 fires, which resulted in 19 injuries and the death of a 15-year-old girl in Utah.
2009 Polaris Sportsman ESP XP 850 and Sportsman XP 850
On July 22, 2009, Polaris Industries recalled approximately 4,700 2009 model year Polaris Sportsman ESP XP 850 and Sportsman XP 850 ATVs because the valve assembly could fail in freezing temperatures and cause oil to leak into the exhaust system, posing a fire and burn hazard to riders and passengers. At the time of the recall, there were six reports of failing valve assemblies, resulting in three fires. Minor fire damage to air boxes, ignition coils and the seat were reported.
| Market name and model number of recalled ATVs include: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sportsman ESP XP 850 A09ZX85AG | Sportsman ESP XP 850 A09ZX85AL | Sportsman ESP XP 850 A09ZX85AQ |
| Sportsman ESP XP 850 A09ZX85AR | Sportsman ESP XP 850 A09ZX85AS | Sportsman ESP XP 850 A09ZX85AX |
| Sportsman ESP XP 850 A09ZX8XAG | Sportsman ESP XP 850 A09ZX8XAL | Sportsman ESP XP 850 A09ZX8XAQ |
| Sportsman ESP XP 850 A09ZX8XAR | Sportsman ESP XP 850 A09ZX8XAS | Sportsman ESP XP 850 A09ZX8XAX |
| Sportsman XP 850 A09ZN85AL | Sportsman XP 850 A09ZN85AQ | Sportsman XP 850 A09ZN85AS |
| Sportsman XP 850 A09ZN85AT | Sportsman XP 850 A09ZN85AX | Sportsman XP 850 A09ZN8XAL |
| Sportsman XP 850 A09ZN8XAQ | Sportsman XP 850 A09ZN8XAS | Sportsman XP 850 A09ZN8XAX |
Recalled ATVs were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide from September 2008 through June 2009.
ATV Accident Injuries
In addition to burn injuries associated with ATVs catching fire, other injuries associated with ATV accidents include:
- Amputations
- Asphyxiation
- Brain damage
- Broken bones
- Facial injury
- Head wound
- Spinal cord injuries
- Thoracic injuries
- Death
A Polaris ATV recall attorney notes that children, inexperienced drivers and those who engage in dangerous or irresponsible joyriding are more likely to be injured or killed in an accident involving an ATV. Several states require ATV operators be at least 16 years of age to drive an ATV as well as undergo safety training before operating an ATV or off-road vehicle.
How a Polaris ATV Recall Lawyer Can Help
In many four wheeler accident lawsuits, the manufacturer of the ATV can be held responsible. If there is a defect in the vehicle that ultimately leads to a potential fire hazard or burn injury, the operator could be more likely to sustain injuries or die in a crash.
Proving liability in a four wheeler accident may be complicated. For instance, in the case of an injured child, not only can the manufacturer of the ATV be held accountable if it is evident that the company produced a defective product, but the person in charge of supervising the child may be liable as well.
When negligence results in injury, an injured party suffers loss in various ways. The law allows an injured party to pursue damages to recover those losses. Common types of damages recoverable in a personal injury case include:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of ability to earn
- Scarring and disfigurement
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
If the actions causing injury are malicious or so reckless that intent to harm can be inferred, the responsible party can be liable for punitive damages to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar conduct in the future.
Victims of negligence and their families are encouraged to seek the counsel of a Polaris ATV recall attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
