Tuesday morning at the Van Huong Mai amusement park in Vietnam, 5 unfortunate riders went into a terrifying free fall of more than 50 feet when the operating system of the roller coaster they were riding experienced a technical error. The error caused the platform they were on to go into the sudden free fall while they were being lifted up. 4 of the 5 roller coaster accident victims are hospitalized in stable condition. One victim is in very serious condition with possible spinal fractures.
Our roller coaster accident attorneys have mentioned before that roller coaster accidents remain fairly rare. But when they occur, they often result in horrific accidents and injuries like this one in Vietnam. And while rare, roller coaster accidents do cause more injuries and fatalities per passenger mile than passenger bus, train, or plane accidents.
Many modern roller coasters rely on sophisticated computer operating systems to keep them running smoothly. And as those of you who use computers on a regular basis well know, a seemingly smoothly running computer application can suddenly run into glitches or crash for no apparent reason.
Other roller coasters have fairly simple manual operator controls. But these controls often consist of simple buttons, levers, or switches on exposed panels that curious children or mischief makers find readily accessible. A deadly ride accident at last year’s Louisiana State Fair resulted when a young child accessed just such a control.
Victims of these ride accidents, and surviving family of those wrongfully killed by roller coaster accidents, can seek financial compensation for the harm they’ve suffered through the legal process. But proving cause and effect in a ride accident is a technically complex matter. And ride owners and operators will often assert as a defense that the riders disobeyed safety rules or caused their own injuries through horseplay.
You need to be prepared to counter their assertions through a knowledgeable roller coaster accident attorney experienced in the intricate mechanical, evidentiary, and liability issues of ride accidents to win your claim. If you have questions about a ride accident that injured you or your family member, contact our experience ride accident attorneys today for your free consultation. We could help you find your way to a full financial recovery.