ATV rider and his lawyers win case against Honda Motor Company for negligent vehicle design

Accident Type: 
Other Type of Accident
Result Date: 
Monday, May 4, 1992
Monetary Result: 
$840,000
  Robert Rangel, 17, was riding his Honda three-wheeled all-terrain-vehicle at a popular off-road riding area in Southern California when he collided with a dunebuggy at a blind curve. In the accident, Rangel lost the use of his left arm, suffered possible brain damage, and facial injuries. He underwent one surgery and two hopitalizations totaling ten days. Due to his injuries, Rangel hired an attorney to sue the makers and dealers of the ATV, the Honda Motor Company. He and his lawyers alleged that the vehicle's design did not permit him to turn in time for the accident. In addition, formal training should have been recommended by the constructor and the dealers of the vehicle. They also claimed that a roll-over structure should have been a saftey feature on this ATV. Honda and its lawyers countered that Rangel entered a blind curve on the wrong side of the path and that he was at excessive speed. In the end, the jury sided with Rangel and his lawyers, awarding him $4,200,000, however he was found 80% at fault. Honda was found 5% at fault and the dealers 15%. Due to a joint and several liability law, which provided that a party at fault with the means to pay the full liability must do so, Honda payed Rangel $840,000.

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