The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent nationwide recall of over 19,000 Intimidator and Mahindra brand utility terrain vehicles (UTVs). These popular off-road vehicles, widely used in California for work and recreation, contain a defect that can lead to crashes, posing a significant risk of injury or even death.
In addition, these vehicles’ open designs provide minimal protection for occupants. A crash may catastrophically injure or kill occupants. The CPSC strongly advises owners to stop using the recalled vehicles until they repair them.
If you or a family member have been hurt in a UTV crash, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your injuries and losses. Wilshire Law Firm’s committed and compassionate vehicle accident injury lawyers are ready to help you. We have successfully represented many individuals and families who’ve suffered life-altering injuries or the tragic loss of a loved one in a UTV accident, securing the compensation they deserve.
Why Are Intimidator and Mahindra UTVs Being Recalled?
According to the CPSC, the universal joint on the affected Intimidator and Mahindra UTVs can fail, piercing and severing the brake line. The defect poses a serious crash hazard to users. Intimidator has received 40 reports of incidents so far, including 12 that involved brake line impacts.
Intimidator and Mahindra jointly announced the recall on their websites. Arkansas-based Intimidator partnered with Mahindra, a UTV and tractor manufacturer based in Mumbai, India, in 2015 to expand their line of UTVs and dealerships. The companies continue to collaborate on UTV design and production.
What Intimidator and Mahindra Models Does the Recall Include?
The recall involves approximately 19,264 vehicles across 21 model names sold from 2013 to 2023.
The specific models included are:
- Intimidator GC1K Classic (2018-2023)
- Intimidator GC1K Crew (2019-2023)
- Intimidator GC1K Truck (2019-2023)
- Intimidator 750 Classic (2013-2023)
- Intimidator 750 Crew (2014-2022)
- Intimidator 750 Truck (2013-2022)
- Intimidator 800 Classic (2015-2018)
- Intimidator 800 Crew (2015-2018)
- Intimidator 800 Enforcer (2016-2018)
- Intimidator 1000 Diesel Classic (2013-2023)
- Intimidator 1000 Diesel Crew (2013-2022)
- Intimidator 1000 Diesel Truck (2013-2023)
- Intimidator Electric Classic (2013-2023)
- Mahindra Retriever 750 Classic (2015-2020)
- Mahindra Retriever 750 Crew (2015-2020)
- Mahindra Retriever 750 Truck (2015-2020)
- Mahindra TGB Classic (2015-2020)
- Mahindra TGB Crew (2015-2020)
- Mahindra Retriever 1000 Diesel Classic (2015-2020)
- Mahindra Retriever 1000 Diesel Crew (2015-2020)
- Mahindra Retriever 1000 Diesel Truck (2015-2020)
If you own one of the recalled Intimidator or Mahindra UTV models, stop using it immediately and contact an authorized dealer for your free repair. Intimidator is also contacting registered owners directly by mail with more information.
What Is a UTV?
UTVs, or utility terrain vehicles, are off-road vehicles with side-by-side seating, a steering wheel, foot pedals, and seatbelts.
In California, UTVs are popular for exploring the state’s mountains, forests, deserts, and beaches, but they also serve many practical purposes. The vehicles provide quick and convenient modes of transportation that can travel on trails and rough, unpaved landscapes that larger vehicles can’t navigate.
Their many uses include:
- Agriculture, farming, and ranching
- Hunting
- Landscaping and groundskeeping
- Construction
- Emergency services, rescue operations
- Mining and industrial applications
- Trail maintenance
- Resort and property management
- Snow removal
The popularity of UTVs has surged across the U.S. in recent years. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, sales of new UTVs and ATVs surpassed motorcycle sales for the first time in 2022.
What’s the Difference Between UTVs and ATVs?
ATVs are generally smaller, lighter vehicles drivers straddle like bicycles and control using handlebars. UTVs are larger and equipped with side-by-side bucket seats that accommodate more people and cargo. Drivers use a steering wheel to control UTVs.
Compared to ATVs, UTVs have more advanced suspension systems. Most UTV models also have rollover protection systems (ROPS) consisting of bars or cages that help protect occupants in rollovers.
The Dangers of UTVs
UTVs have exploded in popularity recently, becoming a go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts and workers alike. These rugged, versatile machines offer a thrilling way to explore off-road trails and tackle tough terrain. However, beneath their exterior lies a darker reality – UTVs can be incredibly dangerous given their design, intended uses, and frequent defects.
UTVs, ATVs, and similar off-highway vehicles (OHVs) caused a staggering 2,178 deaths in a recent three-year period, according to CPSC data. For every death, many more people were seriously injured.
The CPSC reports that emergency rooms and trauma centers treated 517,700 people for UTV and other off-highway vehicles in one recent five-year span. That’s an average of 103,500 people each year. Fatalities in more recent years reported by the Consumer Federation of America indicate that UTV deaths are rising significantly.
But what makes UTVs so dangerous?
Some of the hazards associated with these vehicles include:
- Rollover risk, especially when driven on slopes, rough terrain, or at high speeds
- Lack of doors, netting, handholds, or other protections to keep occupants inside during a rollover
- Non-compliant seatbelts that unlatch during crashes
- Brake failures
- Steering issues
- Engine fires
- Fuel leaks
Rollovers and collisions with other vehicles, trees, or other stationary objects are the deadliest UTV accidents. In many of these tragic incidents, occupants were ejected from the vehicle.
Injuries Associated with UTVs
As the popularity of UTVs continues to rise, particularly in California and other states with wilderness and varied landscapes, riders must understand the potential risk of catastrophic injury and death resulting from UTV accidents.
These accidents happen in a flash, causing serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Fractures and crush injuries
- Amputations and disfigurement
- Burns
- Lacerations and road rash
- Internal organ damage
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a UTV accident, you don’t have to face the challenges ahead alone. The skilled legal team at Wilshire Law Firm can help you navigate the complex process of seeking justice and compensation for your injuries. With our experience and dedication, we’ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
What Should You Do After a UTV or ATV Accident?
You may recover substantial compensation if you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash involving a UTV, ATV, or other off-road vehicle.
Product liability cases involving defective vehicles require legal representation by a highly skilled and experienced lawyer who can investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Win With Wilshire
Wilshire Law Firm has successfully represented many individuals and families harmed in UTV and ATV accidents across California. Our compassionate and client-focused team of personal injury lawyers is committed to helping clients through what may be the most painful and dark time of their lives.
Let us use our experience and resources so you can focus on healing and recovery. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case.
Contact us today at (213) 335-2402 or reach out online for your case evaluation.
