Polaris RZR off-road vehicles are well-loved by outdoor enthusiasts across the United States for their adventure-ready design and impressive power. However, troubling reports of Polaris RZR catching fire have raised serious safety concerns among riders and families alike over the years. 

For those injured or who have lost property due to these incidents, a crucial question arises: “Can you sue if your Polaris RZR catches fire?”

Craig Swapp & Associates is a trusted product liability law firm in Utah, serving across the nation, representing individuals harmed in Polaris RZR fire accidents. We help victims recover damages through Polaris fire lawsuits, with no upfront costs; you only pay if you reach a settlement or win your case. 

If you or a loved one suffered due to a Polaris RZR fire, a product liability lawyer can help you understand your options and fight for justice.

Polaris RZR Still Catching Fire 

Despite years of recalls and public warnings, Polaris RZR vehicles are still catching fire at alarming rates. In a report, fire incidents involving Polaris RZR vehicles continue to occur, even after the manufacturer initiated multiple recalls to address potential fire hazards.

Polaris has recalled hundreds of thousands of RZR models over the past years, citing fire risks related to issues like fuel tank leaks, exhaust system failures, and electrical malfunctions. Yet, new reports from Utah and across the U.S. indicate that these fires are ongoing, with some resulting in devastating injuries, fatalities, and property loss.

This pattern of fires has led to a wave of Polaris fire lawsuits, with affected families seeking answers, accountability, and compensation. The ongoing nature of these incidents underscores the urgency of understanding your legal rights if you’ve been harmed by a Polaris RZR fire.

What Causes Polaris RZR to Catch Fire?

When a Polaris RZR bursts into flames, the cause often traces back to dangerous product defects or overlooked safety hazards. 

Investigations and recall notices have identified several recurring issues:

  • Fuel Tank Leaks: Faulty fuel tanks and connections can leak gasoline, which easily ignites.
  • Overheated Exhaust Systems: Design flaws can cause exhaust components to overheat, igniting surrounding plastics or debris.
  • Electrical Failures: Wiring harnesses may short-circuit, sparking fires even when the vehicle is idle.
  • Improperly Routed Components: Poor engineering can lead to flammable materials coming into contact with hot engine parts.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has overseen multiple recalls of Polaris RZR and other models, yet many believe more needs to be done. In some cases, fires occurred even after recall repairs were completed.

If your RZR caught fire, a product liability lawyer can help determine whether a manufacturing or design defect played a role, strengthening your Polaris lawsuit.

Polaris Fire Lawsuits in Utah

Utah, itself, has witnessed several high-profile Polaris fire lawsuits that highlight the real and tragic dangers posed by RZR fires:

  • The Death of Baylee Hoaldridge: On July 4, 2015, 15-year-old Baylee Hoaldridge of Provo tragically lost her life after being burned in a Polaris accident. The incident sparked widespread concern and brought national attention to the risks associated with these vehicles.
  • Scott Eckersley’s Lawsuit: In 2018, Scott Eckersley filed a small claims case against Polaris after his RZR caught fire as he was pulling into his driveway in 2015. This case underscored the risks drivers face even at low speeds or while parked.
  • Maria and Jose Pina v. Polaris: In 2016, Maria and Jose Pina filed suit against Polaris after their RZR caught fire and ignited a massive forest fire in American Fork Canyon, burning over 100 acres. The lawsuit alleged that a defective vehicle caused the devastating blaze, leading to significant environmental and property damage.

These lawsuits are just a few examples of the many Polaris RZR lawsuit cases pursued by victims and their families in Utah and nationwide. They reveal the potential scope of harm caused by Polaris RZR fires and the importance of holding manufacturers accountable under product liability law.

Do You Have a Valid Case to Sue Polaris After the Fire?

Before filing a Polaris fire lawsuit, it’s essential to determine whether you have a valid legal claim. Not every incident automatically leads to compensation. The following factors help establish the merit of your claim:

  • Defective Design or Manufacturing: Was your Polaris RZR subject to a recall, or did it have a known design or manufacturing defect?
  • Failure to Warn: Did Polaris fail to adequately warn you of fire risks or provide clear recall instructions?
  • Injury or Loss: Did the fire cause physical injuries, burns, property damage, or other losses?
  • Proper Use: Were you operating the vehicle according to Polaris’s instructions and recommendations?
  • Timely Action: Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury to file a claim (see Utah Code § 78B-6-706).

A product liability lawyer can review the facts, help you gather evidence, and assess whether your Polaris RZR fire incident meets the criteria for a successful lawsuit.

How Do You Sue Polaris After Your RZR Catches Fire?

Taking legal action against a major corporation like Polaris requires careful preparation and understanding of the legal process. 

1. Seek Medical Attention and Document Everything

If you get injured, health and safety come first. Seek immediate medical attention for any burns or injuries. Save all medical records, bills, and photographs of your injuries.

2. Preserve Evidence

Do not repair, alter, or dispose of the damaged RZR or any related equipment. Secure the vehicle and any debris as potential evidence for your case.

3. Report the Incident

Notify Polaris and the dealership about the fire. File a report with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and local authorities if required.

4. Contact a Product Liability Lawyer

Engage a product liability lawyer experienced in Polaris RZR lawsuits. They will evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and handle communication with Polaris’s legal team.

5. Investigate and File a Lawsuit

Your attorney will gather expert opinions, review recall records, and build a compelling case. The lawsuit will detail how Polaris’s product defect caused your injuries and losses.

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome. Many lawsuits are resolved through settlements, while some are dismissed, just like the last two cases mentioned above. That’s why seeking legal representation is significant. 

How Do You Prove Polaris’s Liability for RZR Catching Fire

Winning a Polaris RZR lawsuit depends on proving that Polaris was responsible for the fire and resulting damages. 

This typically involves establishing:

Defect in the Product

The foundation of any successful Polaris fire lawsuit is the ability to show that the RZR was defective in its design, manufacturing, or labeling. This means demonstrating that the vehicle left Polaris’s control with an unreasonably dangerous condition, such as a flawed fuel system, overheated exhaust, or faulty electrical wiring. In some cases, failure to warn consumers about a known hazard, or providing inadequate instructions regarding safety risks, can also qualify as a defect.

Causation

It is not enough to simply identify a defect; you must also prove that this defect directly led to the fire and caused your injuries or property loss. For example, if an investigation reveals that a leaking fuel tank or an overheated exhaust system sparked the fire, this establishes a clear causal link.

Damages

Successful claims rely on clearly demonstrating the harm you suffered as a result of the RZR fire. This may include physical injuries such as burns, smoke inhalation, or psychological trauma, as well as financial harm like medical expenses, lost income, property damage, or even wrongful death.

Foreseeability

Your Polaris lawsuit must establish that the risk of fire was something Polaris could and should have anticipated and prevented. This is especially relevant if similar fires have occurred before, leading to recalls or safety warnings. If Polaris was aware—or reasonably should have been aware—of a recurring fire hazard but failed to take proper action, this supports your case for holding the company liable.

Evidence that can support your case includes recall notices, fire investigation reports, photographs, expert testimony, witness statements, and your medical records. A product liability lawyer will know how to assemble and present this evidence, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome in your Polaris lawsuit.

What Can You Recover in a Product Liability Lawsuit Against Polaris? 

Victims of Polaris RZR fires can pursue significant compensation in a product liability lawsuit. 

Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to recover:

  • Medical Expenses: Current and future medical treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication costs.
  • Lost Wages: Income lost due to missed work, reduced earning capacity, or permanent disability.
  • Property Damage: Costs to replace or repair your destroyed vehicle and any other property lost in the fire.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Punitive Damages: In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish Polaris for reckless conduct or willful disregard of safety.

In case someone dies due to fire, surviving families may recover damages for wrongful death. Each case is unique, and the value of your Polaris RZR lawsuit depends on the extent of your injuries, losses, and the strength of your evidence. Consulting a product liability law firm is the best way to estimate your potential recovery.

When Should You Contact a Product Liability Lawyer to Help with Your Case? 

If your Polaris RZR caught fire and you suffered injuries or losses, you should consult a product liability lawyer as soon as possible. 

Early legal guidance is critical for several reasons:

  • Preserving Evidence: Important evidence can be lost or destroyed if you wait too long.
  • Meeting Deadlines: Utah’s statute of limitations for product liability claims is strict – missing the deadline can bar you from recovering compensation.
  • Maximizing Compensation: A lawyer can help you avoid common pitfalls, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue all available damages.

Product liability lawyers offer free consultations and usually work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if your Polaris lawsuit is successful.

Reach Out to Craig Swapp & Associates Today!

Fires involving Polaris RZR vehicles have caused too many families pain, loss, and disruption. If you or someone you love has suffered due to a Polaris RZR fire in Utah, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Wyoming, Colorado, or Arizona, you do not have to face the legal battle all by yourself.

Craig Swapp & Associates has a proven record representing victims in personal injury lawsuits, like Polaris RZR catching fire, and is ready to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. As a dedicated product liability law firm, we provide compassionate, effective representation without any upfront costs.

Call us today at (866) 936-3806 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our skilled product liability lawyer.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp