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Typically, when we think of theme parks, we think of exciting activities, thrilling rides and great family fun. Most people never think of the possibility of an accident occurring, much less a tragedy. Still, Ft. Myers personal injury lawyer Randall Spivey knows that Disney and other major theme parks around the country have seen their fair share of accidents -- some even involving fatalities.

One of the most recent theme park-related accidents occurred at Walt Disney World's Exotic Driving Experience in Florida. The attraction provides everyday people with the opportunity to leave their family sedans and minivans behind and get behind the wheel of some of the world's fastest vehicles, including Porsches, Ferraris or Lamborghinis -- all for a price ranging between $200 and $440, which includes a driving instructor providing advice from the passenger's seat.

One thrill seeker decided he wanted the experience to mark his 24^th birthday. According to Florida Today, the young man chose a Lamborghini for his ride and he was accompanied by driving instructor Gary Terry who sat in the passenger's seat. The driver proceeded around the mile-long course; however, he ultimately lost control of the vehicle and ran into a guardrail, killing Terry.

The Florida Highway Patrol noted that both the driver and Terry were wearing helmets, lap and shoulder belts at the time. The driver did not face traffic charges since the incident occurred on a closed track and there was nothing to indicate he did anything criminal in nature. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating to learn more about what happened.

Injuries and Deaths Related to Theme Park Accidents

Thousands of injuries are sustained each year at theme parks. The injuries incurred range from minor bruises and abrasions to broken bones and major head trauma. And as we saw in the situation above, more serious theme park accidents can result in death. Depending on the situation, injured individuals can bring a negligence claim, a product liability claim or both against the park, its employees and /or the manufacturer of a defective ride.

The latest statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) show over 8,000 individuals were hurt on amusement park rides, and the injuries sustained were serious enough to require treatment in the emergency room. The Commission no longer tracks the number of deaths occurring at amusement parks; however, the latest stats from 1987 to 2000 indicate that 51 individuals were killed on rides, with the bulk of those occurring on roller coasters.

Many amusement park tickets include disclaimers that typically release the park from liability from the time you step foot in the park, which in essence means you cannot sue the park if something happens. However, such disclaimers, along with some of the other defenses theme parks use, hardly ever hold up in court because most judges realize that most park visitors do not read the disclaimers and they're usually so vague and all-inclusive that they're blatantly unreasonable.

If you or someone you love has sustained injuries while visiting a theme park, or if you have lost a loved one as a result of a theme-park accident, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. right away.