Universal Closes Roller Coaster after Rider is Injured in Amusement Park Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on October 18, 2013

A guest at Universal Studios Florida was injured recently while riding the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, prompting the Orlando theme park to close the ride while the accident was investigated. Orlando amusement park accident lawyers are following developments in this case quite closely, as the roller coaster is the tallest in Central Florida and reaches speeds up to 65 mph. The roller coaster rises 17 stories above the theme park and can be seen for miles around. The height, combined with the fast speeds, make it one of the most thrilling rides in the theme park, but also one of the most potentially dangerous rides in the event of human error or mechanical failure.

Details about the amusement park accident are few, as Universal Orlando officials conduct their investigation into the accident, but early reports say that the woman was injured when the car she was riding in stopped.

Universal spokesman Tom Schroder gave few details about the accident or what park officials think caused the accident.

"We’re continuing to work on the attraction," Schroder said the day after the accident.

The accident occurred on a Thursday and park officials reported that the roller coaster was unavailable to guests when the park opened the following day. Universal staffers told guests on Friday that the ride was temporarily unavailable and may not be open for the rest of the day. Universal provided no details about when the ride was reopened, the cause of the roller coaster car coming to an abrupt stop or the guest’s injuries.

No one goes to an Orlando amusement park expecting to be injured. People flock to our theme parks by the millions each year to have a great time, experience some thrills with friends and family and shop for souvenirs. The vast majority of theme park guests have a wonderful time, but a small percentage of guests end up in local emergency rooms after amusement park accidents turn a day of fun into a nightmare.

Representatives from the theme parks often approach accident victims shortly after they are injured and offer compensation if they will sign some documentation. Invariably, signing these papers prevents accident victims from seeking additional damages. In some cases, victims who unknowingly sign these documents end up with medical bills that cost thousands more than the compensation they accepted, with no legal option to pursue additional compensation.

If you have been injured in an amusement park accident, it is a very good idea to speak with an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney such as Mr. Cunningham as soon as practical after the accident. He has nearly four decades of experience and a proven record of success helping victims of amusement park accidents and offers free initial consultations where potential clients can learn more about their legal options. If you would to speak with Mr. Cunningham about your accident, call him today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) and get his skills, resources and experience 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.