Carmen Pineda et al v. Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. et al

Case Background

On February 08, 2022, decedent Juan Antonio Pineda Flores' family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Yamaha Motor Corporation. The allegations levied included that of strict product liability for a defective Yamaha WaveRunner which exploded while Juan attempted to start it. The case was filed in the San Bernardino Superior Court, California. Judge David E Driscoll presided over the trial. [Case number: CIVSB2203387]

Cause

Plaintiff Rosario Del Carmen Pineda, Juan’s wife, resided in San Bernardino, California. Mitzy Azucena Pineda Sanchez and Kathleen Fleurette Pineda Sanchez, both Juan's daughters, also lived in San Bernardino. Elenna Elizabeth Pineda Sanchez, Juan’s minor daughter, was represented in this action by her mother, Rosario, as her guardian ad litem. Defendant Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., ("Yamaha USA") operated a business in California. Additionally, Defendant Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd. (“Yamaha Ltd”) was a foreign corporation based in Japan. Yamaha Ltd was authorized to do business in California, with its principal office in Shingai Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan. On or about April 5, 2020, Juan purchased two Yamaha WaveRunners, Model No. FAl 800N, from Bert’s. One was new, named "Kathleen," while the other was used, named "Elenna." On June 11, 2021, Juan, Rosario, Kathleen, and Elenna traveled to Earp with the WaveRunners to enjoy the Colorado River. They transported the WaveRunners on a trailer designed for both. Upon reaching the boat launch ramp, Kathleen and Elenna prepared to ride. Juan approached the WaveRunners, first attempting to start the Elenna WR but failed. He then climbed onto the Kathleen WR and pressed the ignition. Suddenly, it exploded, throwing Juan and causing his wrongful death. Rosario, Kathleen, and Elenna witnessed the horrific incident, unable to avert their eyes from Juan’s tragic fate.

Damages

The Plaintiffs suffered significant harm due to the negligence of the Defendants. They experienced emotional distress after witnessing the explosion and the wrongful death of Juan. The Defendants’ failure to provide adequate warnings and instructions rendered WaveRunner defective, making them strictly liable for the resulting damages. On June 11, 2021, Juan suffered damages before his death due to the Defendants' actions. The Plaintiffs faced various financial losses, including healthcare expenses and loss of earnings. Additionally, they incurred other economic losses directly linked to the Defendants' negligence, further compounding their hardship.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

• Plaintiff(s): Rosario Del Carmen Pineda, 43 | Mitzy Azucena Pineda Sanchez, 24 | Kathleen Fleurette Pineda Sanchez, 21 |Elenna Elizabeth Pineda Sanchez, 16
  • Couns