Orlando Amusement Park Accident Prevention Tips

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on July 9, 2012

Although the Orlando area has some of the world’s most famous amusement parks that draw millions of visitors each year, each summer, our state has lots of smaller carnivals and other traveling amusement parks that move from one location to another at country fairs and other events. These smaller traveling amusement parks are fun and relatively inexpensive, but they are also more dangerous, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The IAAPA reports that there were at least 1,086 ride-related injuries in amusement park accidents in Florida and across the country in 2009.

Generally speaking, the rides at traveling carnivals are not maintained as well as the rides at popular Orlando amusement parks such as Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando, and people visiting these carnivals need to exercise a bit more care before they get on a ride and during the ride. To that end, here are some safety guidelines to stay safe while having fun at amusement parks:

• Read and obey the rules
  Rules and restriction on age and size limits are there for your protection. If children are too young or too small to get on a ride, leave them with a responsible guardian or choose another ride that everyone can enjoy. People who are too small can slip out of safety equipment while the ride is in motion.
• Use the safety equipment
  Use seat belts, straps and any other safety equipment that is available. Part of what makes these rides fun is the speed and G forces that they create. However, the same features that make them fun can also make them very dangerous if riders don’t use the proper safety equipment.
• Pay attention
  If a ride is leaking hydraulic fluid or has broken parts or the ride operator is inattentive or appears to be intoxicated, don’t get on the ride! It’s common sense but needs to be said anyway, as some riders are too focused on having a good time and may overlook potential hazards.
• Keep your arms and legs inside
  A big part of the fun of being whipped around on a ride is feeling the wind on your arms and legs. However, if a limb should strike an immovable object like a tree limb or piece of metal, it can result in a very serious injury.

If you or someone in your family has been injured in an amusement park or carnival accident caused by a negligent operator or theme park, you have a right to seek compensation from the at-fault parties. Before contacting those responsible, it is a very good idea to speak with an experienced Orlando amusement park accident lawyer such as James O. Cunningham. Mr. Cunningham has a proven record of success helping injured clients receive the fair and just compensation they deserve through court awards and settlements. If you would like to schedule a free consultation, call him today at 888-425-2004 to get an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney on your side!

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.