On June 14th, the Sand Blaster roller coaster at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk derailed causing two riders to fall 34 feet to the ground. They were taken to Halifax Health Medical Center. Their names and conditions were not published. The derailment left two other riders hanging from a car of the roller coaster. In total, 10 riders were rescued by firefighters specializing in high-rise rescues. While roller coasters can be thrilling and feel a bit dangerous, riders expect them to be safe. When individuals and families take a vacation to a boardwalk or amusement park, they trust that the rides have been thoroughly inspected and well-maintained. However, each year a roller coaster accident occurs, demonstrating how easy it is for things to go wrong. One person’s misstep or failure to catch a problem can lead to a derailment like the one experienced at Daytona Beach. If you or a loved one were injured in a roller coaster or amusement park accident, do not hesitate to contact an attorney. Our personal injury lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz P.A. are highly experienced in product liability and premise liability cases. We will thoroughly investigate what happened, determine who is liable, and fight for you to receive appropriate compensation. Call us at (877) 475-2905.
The Sand Blaster Failed Previous Inspections
The derailment is currently under investigation. A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Jennifer Meale, stated that the ride had passed inspection that morning. However, an inspection after the accident failed the ride for a deficiency marked “structural integrity: other.”
The ride also failed inspections last year. In February 2017, authorities issued a stop order due to corrosion and damaged rails. The stop order continued through multiple inspections as inspectors found damaged hardware and a damaged seat. The roller coaster was eventually fixed and back up and running. In May 2018, inspectors found excessive corrosion, a damaged seat, and a crack in the track. These issues were corrected by the date of the follow-up inspection.
The Sand Blaster opened at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk in 2013. It was purchased from an amusement park in New Castle, Delaware in 2012, and at the time, the ride was 40 years old. Prior to Delaware, the roller coaster was in Tipton, Pennsylvania and Phoenix, Arizona. It originated in Addison, Illinois.
Pursuing Compensation After a Roller Coaster Accident
If you or a loved one were injured in a roller coaster accident, it is essential that you hire an attorney as soon as possible. Roller coasters are a staple of amusement parks, big and small, and they should never derail. A derailment may occur because of a defect in the ride, negligent maintenance of the ride, or negligent operation of the ride. Yet, it can be difficult to find out what exactly went wrong. That is why it is best to call a lawyer right away. By working with an attorney, you have someone who can hire a roller coaster expert to conduct an independent investigation into the accident. Through an independent investigation, your attorney will gather and analyze evidence regarding what when wrong and why. This will lead your attorney to understanding who is at fault for the accident, and ultimately, who is liable for compensating you.
Your lawyer will guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim and pursuing the compensation you deserve under the law, including compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact Gerson & Schwartz P.A. Today
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident at a boardwalk, theme park, or water park, do not hesitate to contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz P.A. We represent individuals throughout Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County. You can reach our Miami-Dade County office at (305) 371-6000 or our Broward County office at (954) 845-0535.