Roller coaster accident injuries and other amusement park injuries are not uncommon in Miami and across southern Florida. While this region of the country is known for its world-class theme parks and amusement parks, and while millions of people visit these parks each year without incident, injuries can and do occur.
There are many types of injuries which can occur in amusement parks:
- Parking lot accidents. Parking lots of amusement parks get very crowded and in some cases road rage or aggressive driving can lead to crashes. In addition, children sometimes run around parking lot areas, putting them at risk of backover accidents.
- Trip and fall and slip and fall injuries. When staff do not adequately clean up obstacles on sidewalks or do not properly mark steps or other uneven areas, visitors can trip and fall or slip and fall, leading to fractures and other potentially serious injuries.
- Car collisions. Traffic to and from the most popular theme parks can be extremely crowded, leading to car collisions. In addition, some theme parks allow cars and vehicles on their lots to transport guests, staff, and supplies around the parks. These vehicles can also be involved in collisions.
- Assault and crime. All amusement parks and theme parks in southern Florida have security staff to keep guests and staff safe. Unfortunately, assault and other crimes can still occur if security staff are not hired in sufficient numbers or if they are not properly trained. If a crime does occur due to insufficient lighting, poor security, or other signs of negligence, those who have been victimized may have a right to file a legal claim against the amusement park – even if the assailant is never caught.
- Roller coaster ride accidents. Roller coasters have to undergo strict testing to ensure they are safe for visitors. Unfortunately, each year people are seriously injured on roller coasters for a number of reasons. Handlebars and other safety devices may fail to work or there may be mechanical problems with the rides. In other cases, wildlife is allowed to come too closely to roller coasters and other theme park areas, leading to injuries for guests.
How to Stay Safe
Once you know what the hazards of an amusement park are, there are several things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe:
- Obey all posted safety signs (such as height requirements for rides)
- Report spills and debris on sidewalks to staff
- Always obey the rules offered by staff – they are there to keep your family safe
- Consider traveling during slightly less busy times
- Arrive early to avoid traffic
- Throw your litter in trash bins to avoid posing tripping hazards
If you have been injured due to lax amusement park safety, contact Flaxman Law Group for a no-obligation, free accident consultation. Our compassionate legal team can help you understand whether you have a claim.