Ski-Doo Snowmobiles Recalled; Riders Can Be Thrown From Snowmobile

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), in cooperation with BRP US, Inc., announced a voluntary recall of Ski-Doo Model Year 2008 and 2009 snowmobiles.  Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

The CPSC reported that the recall was based upon cracks that can develop in the welded joints of the drive axle assembly of the snowmobile and can result in complete breakage. If this happens the track of the vehicle can unexpectedly lock, causing riders to be ejected off the vehicle or lose control and collide with bystanders, a fixed object or other vehicles. This poses a risk of serious injury or death.  As of the date of the recall, BRP received 20 reports of locked tracks, including one report of a broken femur.

Model numbers included in the recall are printed on the side panels of the snowmobiles and are listed below:

Ski-Doo® Model Year 2008

MXZ X 800R PowerTEK; MXZ X 600HO SDI; MXZ Adrenaline 800R PowerTEK; MXZ Adrenaline 600HO SDI; MXZ TNT 500SS; MXZ Trails 500SS; GSX Limited Touring 600HO SDI; GSX Limited 800R PowerTEK; GSX Limited 600HO SDI; GSX Sport 500SS; MXZ Renegade X 800R PowerTEK; MXZ Renegade X 600HO SDI; MXZ Renegade 800R PowerTEK; MXZ Renegade 600HO SDI; Summit X 800R Power TEK; Summit Everest 800R PowerTEK; MXZ X 600RS  

Ski-Doo® Model Year 2009

MXZ TNT 600HO E-TEC

Consumers should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their local Ski-Doo® dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair. Consumers with recalled snowmobiles are being sent direct notice from BRP.  For additional information, contact BRP toll-free at (888) 638-5397 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.ski-doo.com.

If you or someone you know has been severely injured, permanently disabled or killed by these snowmobiles or other brand of snowmobiles, contact the Law Office of Ben W. Lieberman to find out how to pursue your legal rights.

 

  

Razor Recalls ATV Models

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), in cooperation with Razor USA LLC, announced a voluntary recall of Razor® Dirt Quad Electric Powered Ride-On Vehicles.  The CPSC recommended that consumers stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

The CPSC stated that the reason for the recall was that the control module for the throttle can fail and cause the vehicle to unexpectedly surge forward, posing a risk of injury to the user or a bystander.  At the time of the recall, Razor received 60 reports of the vehicles unexpectedly surging forward, including two reports of injuries.

Product ID numbers included in the recall begin with 103110-01 or 103110-02. The product ID numbers are located on the bar code affixed to the right step of the vehicle, on the charger and on the retail packaging.  Product ID numbers beginning with 103110-03 or later are not included in this recall.  These vehicles were manufactured in China and sold at authorized dealers nationwide from August 2006 through September 2007 for about $400.  Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Razor for a free replacement controller.  Those who want more information about this recall should contact Razor USA at 1-800-813-3155 or visit the company’s website at www.razor.com/recall.

Defective ATVs, off-road vehicles and quads are responsible for hundreds of deaths each year.  Crashes involving ATVs often result in catastrophic injuries or deaths.  Spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries are quite common and an increasingly high number of these accidents involve children and teens.  Lack of supervision, lack of safety gear or lack of adequate training can result in these unnecessary tragedies.

If you or someone you know has been severely injured, permanently disabled or killed by these ATVs or other brand of off-road vehicles, contact the Law Office of Ben W. Lieberman to find out how to pursue your legal rights. 

Mother Cannot Relocate with Children, Court Says

In 2004, the marriage between “Joe” and “Mary” ended in divorce with both parties agreeing to remain in or near Salt Lake City, Utah to raise their children under a joint custody arrangement.  A few years later, Mary changed her mind, and she notified Joe that she intended to move to another state and take their children with her because her new husband decided to take a job there.  Joe fought the move in court.  After a two day trial, a Utah Third District Court Judge agreed with Joe.  The judge ruled that it was not in the best interest of the children to allow them to relocate out of state.  Joe was represented at trial by Ben W. Lieberman and Bryant J. McConkie.

Legal representation in a matter of divorce, child custody, visitation, alimony, or other domestic matter, contact the Law Office of Ben W. Lieberman for a free, no obligation consultation.

The “Hidden” Benefit of Homeowner’s Insurance

People often assume that their homeowner’s insurance covers only damage to their home and perhaps personal property in their home.  Actually, most homeowner’s insurance policies are much broader, covering liability for bodily injury or property damage that you or family members cause to other people, even if it is unrelated to your home.  It often pays for both the cost of hiring a lawyer to defend you in court and for any damages a court rules you must pay (or out of court settlement).  

For example, ski and snowboarding accidents are common in Utah and Colorado.  If a person is injured by another skier, he or she may sue that skier for negligence in the same way as if the accident occurred on the highway while the parties were driving their cars.  Homeowner’s insurance generally covers the person being sued for negligence in the same way that car insurance covers a person sued for negligence in an auto accident. 

The personal liability coverage in your insurance policy does not protect you and members of your household damage that you sustain in these types of accidents, however. The property damage component of your policy, your health insurance or another party’s liability insurance may provide coverage for those kinds of damages or injuries. While it is not truly a “hidden” benefit, personal liability coverage is often overlooked when buying homeowner’s insurance.   Generally, most homeowners insurance policies provide a minimum of $100,000 worth of liability insurance, but higher amounts are available.  Increasingly, it is recommended that homeowners consider purchasing at least $300,000 to $500,000 worth of coverage of liability protection.