Vehicle Arctic Cat 1000H2EFI Thunder Cat 1000 Mud Pro 700 Prowler XTZ 1000 BAJA Dilin DL502 JAMBOLINO DL503 COBIA DL604 DIABLO DL603 HELIX DL801 DMX 300 (Utility) DL802 DMX 300 (Sport) E-ton 9EE0 FIA0 FIE0 ATV250 ATV100 UV100 Honda TRX90 TRX420TM Fourtrax Rancher TRX420FM Fourtrax Rancher 4X4 TRX420FE Fourtrax Rancher 4X4 ES TRX420TE Fourtrax Rancher ES TRX420FA Fourtrax Rancher AT TRX420FPA Fourtrax Rancher AT GP Scape TRX250TE Fourtrax Recon TRX250TM Fourtrax Recon ES John Deere Gator Special Edition Kymco MXU500 MXU300 MXU250 MXU150 MAXXER 300 MAXXER 250 MAXXER 90 MAXXER 50 UXV 500 KTM 525XC 450XC 450MXR Kawasaki KFX90 KMM3550 Teryx 750 4X4 KMM3550 Teryx 750 4X4 (Camo) KMM3550 Teryx 750 4X4 LE KMM3550 Teryx 750 4X4 LE (Camo) KMM3550 Teryx 750 4X4 NRA Outdoors Prairie 360 Mule PGO BUG RIDER 50 BUG RIDER 150 BUG RIDER 200 BUG RIDER 250
MAXXIS ATV OE FITMENTS Model Year Front Tire Size 2009-2005-2006 2007-2009 2007-2009 2007-2009 2007-2009 2007-2009 2007-2009 2008-2009 2008-2008 2007-2008 2007-AT24x8-12 AT24x8-12 AT25x8R12 AT28X9-14 AT26X9R14 AT16x8-7 AT16x8-7 AT19x7-8 AT19x7-8 AT21x7-10 AT21x7-10 AT18x7-8 AT21x7-10 AT16x8-7 AT21x7-10 AT21x7-10 AT21x7-10 AT18x7-10 AT20x7-8 AT24x8-12 AT24x8-12 AT24x8-12 AT24x8-12 AT24x8-12 AT24x8-12 AT22x7-11 AT22x7-11 27X9R14 NHS AT25x8-12 AT22x7-10 AT22x7-10 AT21x7-10 AT21x7-10 AT21x7-10 AT18x7-8 AT16x8-7 25x8-12 AT21x7-10 AT21x7-10 AT20x6-10 AT18x7-8 AT26x8-12 AT26x8-12 AT26x8-12 AT26x8-12 AT26x8-12 AT25X8-12 AT26X9R12 AT20x7-8 AT20x7-8 AT20x7-8 AT20x7-8
Front O.E. Tread M9801 M9801 M925 MU01 M925 C9208 C9208 M923 M923 M971 M971 M939 C9207 M913 M991 M937 M931 M923J M953 M977 M977 M977 M977 M977 M977 M9803 M9803 MU09 M915 M905 M905 M959 C9207 C9207 M939 M913 M923J M932 M932 M931 M939 M989 M989 M989 M989 M989 M911Y MU09 C9207 C9207 C9207 C9207
Rear Tire Size AT24x10-12 AT24x10-12 AT25x10R12 AT28X9-14 AT26X11R14 AT16x8-7 AT16x8-7 AT18x9.5-8 AT18x9.5-8 AT20x11-9 AT20x11-9 AT18x9-8 AT22x10-10 AT16x8-7 AT20x11-9 AT22x10-10 AT20x11-9 AT18x8-10 AT19x8-8 AT24x10-11 AT24x10-11 AT24x10-11 AT24x10-11 AT24x10-11 AT24x10-11 AT22x10-9 AT22x10-9 27X11R14 NHS AT25x10-12 AT22x10-10 AT22x10-10 AT22x10-10 AT20x11-9 AT20x11-9 AT18x9-8 AT16x8-7 25x10-12 AT20x11-9 AT20x11-9 AT18x10-8 AT18x9-8 AT26x10-12 AT26x10-12 AT26x10-12 AT26x10-12 AT26x10-12 AT25X10-12 AT26X9R12 AT22x10-10 AT22x10-10 AT22x10-10 AT22x10-10
Rear O.E. Tread M9802 M9802 M926 MU01 M926 C9208 C9208 M924 M924 M972 M972 M940 C9209 M913 M992 M938 M932 M924J M954 M978 M978 M978 M978 M978 M978 M9804 M9804 MU10 M916 M906 M906 M960 M932 M932 M940 M913 M924J M932 M932 M932 M940 M990 M990 M990 M990 M990 M912Y MU09 C9209 C9209 C9209 C9209
Vehicle Polaris Predator 500 Predator 500 Predator TLD A08LH27AX Hawkeye/Sportsman 300cc A08GP52AA Outlaw 525 IRS A08GJ52AA Predator/Outlaw 525 S R09VH76AD/R09VH76AG Ranger RZR 800 R09VH76AX Ranger RZR BW 800 kit tires (no model) Suzuki LT400 Eiger / KingQuad 400 LT450 KingQuad 450 AXI SYM QuandLander 250 QuandLander 300S TGB BLADE 525SL 4X4 BLADE 525SE 4X4 BLADE 425SL 4X4 AVANGER 500R TARGET 525 TARGET 425 TARGET 400 TARGET 325 Yamaha YFM250 Bear Tracker 250 YFM250 Bear Tracker 250 Real Tree YFM250 Bruin 250 YFM250 Big Bear 250 YFM350FAS Bruin 350 (Australia) YFM350AS Bruin 350 (Australia) YFM350 Bruin 350 Auto 4X4 Hardwoods (U.S.A.) YFM350 Bruin 350 Auto 4X4 (U.S.A.) YFM350 Bruin 350 Auto 2WD (U.S.A.) YFM350 Bruin 350 2WD (U.S.A.) YFM350 Bruin 350 4WD Hunter (U.S.A.) YFM350 Bruin 350 4X4 (U.S.A.) YFM35BA Bruin 350 Auto 2X4 (Australia) YFM35FA Bruin 350 Auto 4X4 (Australia) YFM350A Grizzly 350 Auto 4X4 (U.S.A.) YFM350A Grizzly 350 Auto (U.S.A.) YFM350A Grizzly 350 IRS Auto 4X4 (U.S.A.) YFM400 Big Bear 400 4WD Real Tree YFM400 Big Bear 400 2WD Real Tree YFM400 Big Bear 400 2WD YFM400 Big Bear 400 4X4 YFM400 Big Bear 400 4X4 Real Tree YFM400 Big Bear 400 2WD Real Tree YFM400 Big Bear 400 2WD YFM400 Big Bear 400 2WD YFM400 Kodiak 400 2WD (U.S.A.) YFM400 Kodiak 400 4X4 Hunter Edition (U.S.A.) YFM400 Kodiak 400 4X4 (U.S.A.) YFM400 Kodiak 400 4X4 Camo (U.S.A.) YFM400 Kodiak 400 (U.S.A.) YFM400 Kodiak 400 4X4 (U.S.A.) YFM400 Kodiak 400 4X4 (U.S.A.) YFM400 Kodiak 400 Auto 4X4 Hardwoods (U.S.A.) YFM400 Kodiak 400 Auto 4X4 (U.S.A.) YFM4FA Kodiak 400 Auto 4X4 (Australia) YFM400 Kodiak 400 Auto 2WD (U.S.A.) YFM400 Kodiak 400 4WD Hunter (U.S.A.)

MAXXIS ATV OE FITMENTS Model Year Front Tire Size 2003 2004-2007 2005-2007 2006-2007 2008-2009 2008-2009 2008-AT21x7-10 AT21x7-10 AT21x7R-10 AT22x7-12 AT21x7R10 AT21x7-10 25x8-12 AT26x9R12 AT26x9R14 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT22x7-10 AT22x7-10 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT23x7-10 AT23x7-10 AT23x7-10 AT23x7-10 AT22x7-10 AT22x7-10 AT22x7-10 AT22x7-10 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12
Front O.E. Tread M9207 Razr PR M9207 Razr PR M943 Razr R M955 M943 C9207 M951 M917 M917 M913S M987 M919 M919 M917 M917 M917 M917 M933 M933 M933 M933 M905 M905 M905 M905 C828 C828 M911Y M911Y M911Y M911Y M911Y M911Y C828 C828 M979 M979 M979 C9221 M907 M907 C9221 C9221 M907 M907 C9221 M911Y M911Y M911Y M911Y M911Y M911Y M911Y M911Y M911Y C828 M911Y M911Y
Rear Tire Size AT20x11-10 AT20x11-9 AT20x11R-9 AT22x10-12 AT20x10R9 AT20x11-9 AT25x10-12 AT26x12R12 AT26x11R14 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT22x10-10 AT22x10-10 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT22x11-10 AT22x11-10 AT22x11-10 AT22x11-10 AT22x10-10 AT22x10-10 AT22x10-10 AT22x10.00-10 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12
Rear O.E. Tread M932 Razr PR M932 Razr PR M942 Razr R M956 M942 M932 M952 M918 M918 M909S M988 M920 M920 M918 M918 M918 M918 M934 M934 M934 M934 M906 M906 M906 M906 C828 C828 M912Y M912Y M912Y M912Y M912Y M912Y C828 C828 M980 M980 M980 C9222 M908 M908 C9222 C9222 M908 M908 C9222 M912Y M912Y M912Y M912Y M912Y M912Y M912Y M912Y M912Y C828 M912Y M912Y
2007-2009 2008-2008 2001-2005-2006 2007-2005-2005 2007-2009 2007-2009 2007-2002-2002 2002-2001 2001-2002 2001-2004 2005

Vehicle

MAXXIS ATV OE FITMENTS Model Year Front Tire Size 2007-2005 2006-2009 2006-2007-2008 2007-2006-2009 2006-2007 2008-2009 2008-2009 2008-2009 2008-2009 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT23x8R12 AT23x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8.00-12 AT25x8.00-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8-12 AT25x8.00-12 AT25x8.00-12 AT25x8.00-12 AT25x8.00-12
Front O.E. Tread M979 M911Y M911Y C828 M911Y M911Y M911Y M911Y M911Y M911Y C828 M937 Radial M93 Bias M979 M979 M979 M951Y M951Y M951Y M951Y M951Y M951Y M951Y M951Y M951Y M951Y M951Y
Rear Tire Size AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT23x10R12 AT23x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10.00-12 AT25x10.00-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10-12 AT25x10.00-12 AT25x10.00-12 AT25x10.00-12 AT25x10.00-12

Rear O.E. Tread M980 M912Y M912Y C828 M912Y M912Y M912Y M912Y M912Y M912Y C828 M938 Radial M938 Bias M980 M980 M980 M952Y M952Y M952Y M952Y M952Y M952Y M952Y M952Y M952Y M952Y M952Y
Yamaha (Continued) YFM400 Grizzly 400 Auto 4X4 (U.S.A.) YFM450 Kodiak 450 4WD (U.S.A.) YFM450 Kodiak 450 4WD (U.S.A.) YFM450 Kodiak 450 4WD (Australia) YFM450 Kodiak 450 Real Tree (U.S.A.) YFM450 Kodiak 450 Auto 4X4 Hardwoods (U.S.A.) YFM450 Kodiak 450 Auto 4X4 (U.S.A.) YFM450 Kodiak 450 4WD Hunter (U.S.A.) YFM450 Kodiak 450 4WD Black Carbon (U.S.A.) YFM450 Kodiak 450 4X4 (U.S.A.) YFM45FA Kodiak 450 Auto 4X4 (Australia) YFM450 Wolverine 450 4X4 YFM350 Wolverine 350 YFM450A Grizzly 450 Auto 4X4 IRS (U.S.A.) YFM450A Grizzly 450 Auto 4X4 (U.S.A.) YFM450 Grizzly 450 Auto 4X4 Outdoorsman Edition (U.S.A.) YXR450 Rhino 450 4X4 Special Edition YXR450 Rhino 450 Auto 4x4 YXR660 Rhino 660 Auto 4X4 YXR660 Rhino 660 Auto 4X4 Special Edition YXR660 Rhino 660 Auto 4X4 Sport Edition YXR660 Rhino 660 Auto 4X4 Exploring Edition YXR660 Rhino 660 Auto 4X4 Ducks Unlimited Edition YXR70F Rhino 700 FI 4X4 Ducks Unlimited YXR70F Rhino 700 FI Sport Edition YXR70F Rhino 700 FI 4X4 SE YXR70F Rhino 700 FI Auto 4X4

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY GRAVES CIRCUIT COURT GRAVES COUNTY, KENTUCKY CASE NUMBER 99-CI-361
Honorable John T. Daughaday Circuit Judge Courthouse
MARY BETH ROHRER, and JIMMIE DALE ROHRER as natural parents and next friends of JACOB ROHRER, a Minor, v. YAMAHA MOTOR CO. L.T.D., ET AL.,

PLAINTIFFS

DEFENDANTS

August 9, 2001

ISSUE OF SUBSTANTIAL SIMILARITY OF OTHER SIMILAR ACCIDENTS

Relevance

Evidence of Other Similar Incidents
In a products liability design defect case, such evidence of similar product failures under similar conditions is relevant and admissible.
Montgomery Elevator Company v. McCullough, 676 S.W.2d 776, 783 (Ky. 1984).
Such evidence "would tend to make the presence of a design defect more or less probable than it would be without the evidence."
Montgomery Elevator Company v. McCullough, 676 S.W.2d 776, 783 (Ky. 1984) (citing Rhodes v. Michelin Tire Corp., 542 F. Supp. 60, 62 (E.D.Ky.1982)).
"such evidence may be admissible to show the danger (of the product) and the cause of the accident."
Montgomery Elevator Company v. McCullough, 676 S.W.2d 776, 783 (Ky. 1984) (citing Frumer & Friedman, Products Liability, 12.01(2) (Matthew Bender, 1960 & 1982 Supplement).
1. Prove defendant had notice of potential defect 2. Prove defect or cause of accident 3. Prove culpable mental state for the purpose of punitive damages
Smith v. Ingersoll-Rand Co., 214 F.3d 1235, 1246 (10th Cir. 2000). (citing Four Corners Helicopters, Inc. v. Turbomeca, S.A., 979 F.2d 1434, 1440 (10th Cir. 1992); Ponder v. Warren Tool Corp., 834 F.2d 1553, 1559 (10th Cir. 1987).

Other similar incidents

Rohrer v. Yamaha
1. Substantially similar vehicles manufactured and marketed by Yamaha for substantially the same purpose 2. Substantially similar steering systems 3. Failure of steering system virtually identical to the failure involved in the present suit
substantially similar incidents
Smith v. Ingersoll-Rand Co. Injured worker sued milling machine manufacturer for a design defect in a milling machine based on lack of visibility from machine operators platform.
Smith v. Ingersoll-Rand Co., 214 F.3d 1235, 1240 (10th Cir. 2000).
Plaintiffs winning argument
Smith v. Ingersoll-Rand Co. Plaintiffs successfully argued six OSIs were substantially similar to support admissibility on a defect theory.
Smith v. Ingersoll-Rand Co., 214 F.3d 1235, 1250 (10th Cir. 2000).
Defendants losing argument
Smith v. Ingersoll-Rand Co. Ingersoll-Rand argued that the six OSIs proffered by the plaintiffs involved different models of milling machines.
Smith v. Ingersoll-Rand Co., 214 F.3d 1235, 1248 (10th Cir. 2000).
Smith v. Ingersoll-Rand Co. Ingersoll-Rand asserted that the other models were smaller and designed differently, moving on tracks as opposed to the plaintiffs mill which used wheels.
Relevance of other similar incidents
Smith v. Ingersoll-Rand Co.
The rule requires substantial similarity among the variables relevant to the plaintiff's theory of defect.
In Smith, for example, the plaintiffs' primary allegation of defect is the lack of visibility from the operator's platform and the feasibility of equipping the machines with mirrors.
Smith v. Ingersoll-Rand Co. The precise degree of similarity required to ensure the relevance of another accident depends on the theory of defect underlying the case.
Rohrer v. Yamaha In the present case plaintiffs' primary allegation of defect is the a defectively designed steering system on Yamaha 4-wheel ATVs.
1. prove defect or cause of accident Higher degree of similarity 2. prove defendant had notice of potential defect Lesser degree of similarity

Morales v. Honda

Nine-year is hit by a pickup truck while driving a Honda Mini-Bike on an unpaved farm road. Mother sues Honda alleging that Hondas inadequate warnings and the small size of the vehicle were a contributing cause of the accident.
Morales v. American Honda Motor Co., 151 F.3d 500 (5th Cir. 1997).
Morales v. Honda Honda unsuccessfully argued to exclude CPSC statistics compiled on minibike because
Morales v. American Honda Motor Co., 151 F.3d 500, 511 (5th Cir. 1997).
Morales v. Honda Honda claimed none of the statistics were representative of accidents that occurred with the motorcycle in question in children 9-12 years of age.
[W]e find that, where the district court limited the accident statistics at issue to minibikes and small vehicles of the same sort, then the "substantially similar" requirement was met because it may be said that these vehicles perform a similar purpose. (emphasis added)

Morales v. American Honda Motor Co., 151 F.3d 500, 512 (5th Cir, 1997). (citing Bittner v. American Honda Co., Inc., 194 Wis. 2d 122, 533 N.W.2d 476, 484-85 (Wis. 1995)).
In the present suit all OSIs offered as evidence against Yamaha involve substantially similar 4-Wheel all-terrain vehicles manufactured and marketed by Yamaha

All of these vehicles

1. Have substantially similar steering which is relevant to the plaintiffs theory of defect 2. Are advertised and marketed in a substantially like manner which is relevant to the plaintiffs theory of defect
3. Perform a similar purpose. 4. Experienced steering column failures virtually identical to that of the defective vehicle which is the subject matter of the present suit.

The Defective Vehicle

Defective Vehicle

Defective Part

Site of Injury

Other Similar Incidents

Similar Incidents Prior to Rohrer & Foy
7/11/95 Joel Losli Timberwolf 9/1994 Michael Kilmer Howard Timberwolf 4/23/1994 Steven Scott Timberwolf 5/10/96 Frank Manijak Timberwolf
2/05/1987 Thomas Padilla YFM225 4-Moto
9/06/1996 Ernest Shepherd Timberwolf 11/16/1996 James Leith, Jr. Timberwolf
Similar After Rohrer & Foy
07/27/1997 Bart Heller Timberwolf 12/16/1998 Sgt. Jacob Monelo Grizzly Fall of 1999 Todd Smith Bear Tracker 9/24/1999 Brian Wirth Grizzly 8/1999 Chad Thurman Grizzly 2/1999 Herbert Combs Timberwolf 11/22/1999 Joseph Carter Grizzly 11/28/1999 James Gilkeson Grizzly 2/2000 Paul Aultman Bear Tracker
9/22/1998 Charles Capps Grizzly 1/1998 Tommy Ellison Grizzly 1/19/1998 Damon Herrington Timberwolf

The Vehicles

Commonality Yes No
All Yamaha, four wheel ATVs All vehicles intended for and marketed for a substantially similar purpose Steering system substantially similar to Timberwolf No prior history of vehicle abuse Steering column snapped at bottom
Yes on all observable cases in which Yamaha had not disposed of the Column

The Accidents

Commonality Breaks occurred during normal use Beaks occurred on terrain suitable for ATVs Immediate loss of control Post Steering Shaft Failure Crash Yes No

The Follow-Up

Commonality Consumer Reported Failure to Yamaha Dealer Yamaha Dealer Reported Failure to YMUS YMUS failed to report to Japan YMUS failed to report Chief ATV Design Engineer Shiraishi Yes No
Substantially Similar Vehicles
Substantially similar to Timberwolf 4x4

Yamaha Timberwolf 4X4

YFM225 Moto-4

Introduced in 1983, the 4-Moto was the original Yamaha 4-wheel, from which all others were derived

Yamaha Timberwolf

The original Timberwolf is a two-wheel drive version of the same ATV

Yamaha Grizzly

The Yamaha Grizzly is a slightly larger version of the Timberwolf 4x4

Yamaha BearTracker

Yamaha no longer manufactures the Timberwolf 4x4, but has replaced it with the new 4x4 model, which is called the BearTracker
All vehicles intended and marketed for a substantially similar purpose
Cover of 1994 Yamaha Brochure

Contents

Substantial similarities in Yamaha 4-wheel ATV steering systems

Weak area Weak area

Timberwolf 4x4 Steering System Diagram from 1993 Service manual
YFM 225S Moto-4 Steering System Diagram from 8\16\1985 Yamaha Technical Bulletin
Steering columns of various Yamaha ATVs
New Steering Shaft for Yamaha Timberwolf 4x4
New Steering Shaft for Yamaha Grizzly 4x4
New Steering Shaft for Yamaha Timberwolf 2wd
Yamaha chief engineer acknowledges the substantial similarities in Yamaha 4-wheel ATV steering systems
THE WITNESS: There is the difference in the length. As I explained to you this morning, they are different parts. However, in terms of concept -- which is that the input comes from the handlebar and goes to the steering shaft, then it goes to the Pittman arm. By moving the Pittman arm the tie rods move, and it is possible to steer the wheels. So in terms of this concept, the concept for the two steering shafts are the same.
DEPOSITION OF NOBUAKI SHIRAISHI, May 22, 2001, page 151 (commenting (commenting on the substantial similarity between the steering systems of the Yamaha e th Timberwolf and Grizzly).
02 In all of the four-wheel ATVs manufactured 03 by Yamaha in 1995 and before, the concept of how the 04 steering system works is substantially the same; 05 correct? 06 A Yes.
DEPOSITION OF NOBUAKI SHIRAISHI, May 22, 2001, page 153 (commenting (commenting on the substantial similarity all Yamaha, ATV, steering systems manufactured before 1995.)
Steering assembly from Justin Foys Yamaha ATV
OSI Steering Column in evidence
Broken end of Steering Column from Justin Foys Yamaha ATV
OSI Broken end of Steering Column from Yamaha ATV
Detached end of Steering Column from Justin Foys Yamaha ATV
Detached end of OSI Steering Column from Yamaha ATV
Detached end of Steering Column from Justin Foys Yamaha ATV Detached end of OSI Steering Column from Yamaha ATV

Defective Part - Result

Detached end of OSI Steering Column from Yamaha ATV Justin Foys Yamaha ATV

Same department handling customer relations for all Yamaha ATVs
Steering stem has cracked and broken Failure does not appear related to impact. RTA is going to handle and cover under warty.
Tom Parr says no defect found
Column broken at lower mount near tie rod area
DLR Says Cust will not change story. DLR will try again with cust. I advised DLR stand by no assit unless cust has complete change of story
19 Q. Was any investigation conducted to determine the cause of the steering shaft failure in Mr. Carter's case? A. Yes. Q. Okay. And what was that investigation? A. We called the parts back to inspect them. Q. Did basically the same thing you did in the instance of Brian Worth and the same thing you did in the Tommy Ellison case? A. Yes. Q. You looked at the parts, saw that there was a twist in the splines characteristic of a torque overload and decided that there was no defect? A. Yes.
Deposition of PATRICK WATERS, June 11, 2001, page 190 (commenting on how Yamaha Product Validation department investigated potential defects.)
25 Q. Did any engineer ever examine the Brian Page Worth vehicle? 2 A. No. 3 Q. Did any metallurgist ever examine the 4 Brian Worth vehicle or any -- or, more specifically, 5 the broken steering shaft for YMUS? 6 A. To the best of my knowledge, no. 7 Q. Was there ever any laboratory analysis 8 conducted of the broken part of the steering shaft 9 to aid y'all in understanding what happened and 10 whether the customer's account of what happened was 11 true? 12 A. No, it wasn't needed.
Deposition of PATRICK WATERS, June 11, 2001, page 86 (commenting (commenting on how Yamaha Product Validation department investigated potential potential defects.)

Conclusion

The other similar incidents offered by the plaintiffs are substantially similar to the incident which is the subject mater of this case The other similar incidents are thus relevant and should be admissible as evidence
Substantially similar incidents
Why substantially similar incidents are relevant
1. Proof that Yamaha had notice of potential defect 2. Proof that defect in Yamaha steering system was the cause of the accident 3. Proof that Yamaha had culpable mental state for the purpose of punitive damages
Smith v. Ingersoll-Rand Co., 214 F.3d 1235 at 1246 (citing Four Corners Helicopters, Inc. v. Turbomeca, S.A., 979 F.2d 1434, 1440 (10th Cir. 1992); Ponder v. Warren Tool Corp., 834 F.2d 1553, 1559 (10th Cir. 1987).

Closing Thought

"With regard to the problem of similar accidents or product failures, few things could be more relevant in a products action than the occurrence or the non-occurrence of other accidents or failures under similar circumstances".
Rhodes v. Michelin Tire Corp., 542 F.Supp. 60, 62 (E.D. Ky. 1982).