Fatal Lamborghini Accident at Disney’s Exotic Driving Experience

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 14, 2015

On April 12^th there was a fatal car accident at the Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney World, in Orlando, Florida. Driving instructor Gary Terry, 36 years old, was killed when the driver of the vehicle, Tavon Watson, lost control and it crashed into a guardrail. Mr. Terry was pronounced dead at the scene, and Mr. Watson was taken to the hospital, but released with only minor injuries.

The Exotic Driving Experience is a unique thrill-ride, located on the Walt Disney World resort, but not in an actual park itself. For a price of $200 to $440, people can choose to ride-along, or drive, an expensive sports car around a one-mile track. People have the choice of vehicles like the Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and other exotic cars. Mr. Watson chose to drive the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4, which has a sticker price of nearly $250,000 and reaches speeds in the 100 mph range. Mr. Watson was driving approximately 100 mph when the accident happened.

According to witnesses, Mr. Watson lost control of the vehicle in a curve, and the passenger side of the Lamborghini hit the guardrail, where Mr. Terry was seated. Both of the occupants were wearing helmets and were restrained in seat belts that went over their lap, and their shoulders.

Mr. Watson will not face any moving violations or traffic charges, because the accident occurred on a closed track, and there is no indication that he was doing anything against the law.

Instructors have over-ride protections in the vehicles, but it is unclear at this time if the Lamborghini was equipped with any of those safety precautions or controls. Drivers sign waivers prior to driving, and also have a forty-five minute training period with the instructor, who demonstrates how to handle the vehicle.

The Exotic Driving Experience is said to be closing this June, to make way for some new transportation-themed attraction. The sister-track, known as the Richard Petty Driving Experience, will also be closing at the same time. Both tracks are presently closed for the rest of the week.

Mr. Watson was a former race car driver, and worked as the senior operations manager at the Exotic Driving Experience. He leaves behind a wife and daughter.

If you, or a loved one have been injured in a Disney World, or amusement park accident, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 877-FL-INJURY for a free initial consultation.

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.