What Should I Do if I Was Hit by a Loose Article at an Amusement Park?

Amusement parks offer many types of family-friendly entertainment. Most people enjoy these parks for the exhilarating rides, challenging games, and festive atmosphere.
 
However, accidents and injuries can happen anywhere. This is especially true on roller coasters and other rides that move at high speeds.
 
When amusement park customers take personal items onto rides with them, they can present danger to others. Personal items that are dropped by those on rides are called “loose articles.”
 
No matter what the object, loose articles can cause significant and long-term damages for victims. Following this type of injury, you may find yourself wondering, “How do I know what to do if I got hit by a loose article at an amusement park?”
 
One of the most important steps to take following any accident is to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney. The skilled team at Morgan & Morgan has plenty of experience with amusement park accidents involving loose articles. 
 
If you find yourself thinking, “I need to know what to do if I got hit by a loose article at an amusement park,” do not hesitate. Reach out to the firm of Morgan & Morgan today.
 
Our compassionate attorneys offer a no-cost consultation to new clients. Complete the easy-to-use contact form on our website to arrange a no-obligation case evaluation.

Examples of Loose Articles

Any object that is carried onto a ride can present a danger to others. Many amusement parks offer accommodations for personal items, including lockers and storage areas. 
 
But oftentimes, customers want to keep certain items with them. This is true even when they are using a park’s rides and attractions.
 
When a ride is traveling at high speeds, objects can become loose and collide with those nearby. Even lightweight loose articles can cause significant damage in these situations.
 
Some of the most common examples of loose articles that result in amusement park accidents include:

• Cell phones
• Keys
• Wallets
• Purses
• Makeup objects
• Lip Balm
• Watches and jewelry
• Sunglasses
• Travel sunscreen tubes
• And more

If you have been injured by any of these objects, you may wonder “How can I learn what to do if I got hit by a loose article at an amusement park?” It is critical to reach out to a legal professional following this type of accident.
 
The owners and operators of amusement parks have a duty to keep their customers safe. When this duty is breached, injury victims have the legal right to pursue compensation through a tort claim.
 
The accomplished attorneys at Morgan & Morgan have the skills and specialized experience to fight for loose article accident victims. Our team will assess your situation to determine which parties are legally liable.

Common Injuries From Loose Article Accidents

When an amusement park patron is struck by a loose article on a ride, they may sustain a wide range of injuries. Because of the diversity of items that can become loose articles, resulting injuries vary.
 
Some of the most common examples of loose article injuries include:

• Head and neck injuries
• Back and spine injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Extreme dizziness and nausea
• Lacerations and cuts
• Fractures and broken bones
• Torn ligaments and joint damage
• And more

In rare cases, loose article accidents are fatal. When someone is killed because of another person’s loose article, the victim’s surviving family can seek financial recovery.
 
This type of tort case is known as a wrongful death claim. The survivors of decedents can pursue compensation for standing medical, funeral, and burial costs.
 
The accomplished team at Morgan & Morgan has a track record of successful wrongful death claims. No matter what the nature of your case might be, our lawyers can handle it. 
 
When you find yourself thinking, “I need to know what to do if I got hit by a loose article at an amusement park,” look no further than the firm at Morgan & Morgan. 

Typical Causes of Amusement Park Accidents and Injuries

To provide a safe experience, amusement park operators need to maintain any equipment, games, and attractions on the grounds. 
 
Loose articles are only one type of circumstance that can cause injuries to park patrons. Many different types of circumstances can result in accidents and injuries.
 
Some typical causes of amusement park accidents include:

Mechanical Failures

Any instance of mechanical failure may cause injuries to those visiting amusement parks. These failures can include snapping cables, malfunctioning brakes, or safety harness failures.

Structural Issues

Amusement park rides are typically large and complex structures. Regular maintenance and upkeep are necessary to prevent erosion and weathering. 
 
If a park’s employees have failed to keep attractions properly maintained, rides may be structurally unsound. This increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries. 
 
Full collapse of an amusement park ride is very rare, but structural issues can cause injuries, nonetheless.

Operator Errors

Ride operators must adhere to certain safety protocols in order to keep patrons safe. Some of the most common ride operator errors at amusement parks include:

• Allowing riders to sit too close together
• Failure to deploy safety features accurately
• Failing to adequately restrain riders
• Stopping or starting rides abruptly

Any of these errors can lead to significant injuries for customers. This type of negligence can make park operators legally responsible for the resulting damages.
 
These are only a few examples of the circumstances that can lead to accidents and injuries. Others include collisions, ejections from rides, faulty ride design, and patron errors.
 
Any high-speed ride or attraction presents the possibility of loose article injuries. If you have been hurt by a loose article, contact a personal injury attorney to pursue the financial compensation that is rightfully yours.

What to Do if I Got Hit by a Loose Article at an Amusement Park

After being struck by a loose object at an amusement park, most victims are uncertain about what steps to take. Loose article accidents can happen even if you are not on a ride. 
 
Suppose that someone drops their phone while riding a roller coaster as you are walking beneath. If the phone hits you from a significant height, you might sustain serious bodily damage.
 
Following this, you may think, “I need to know what to do if I got hit by a loose article at an amusement park.” In the aftermath of your accident, make sure to take the following important steps:

• Report the accident or injury to an amusement park representative
• Take pictures of your injury and the object, if possible
• Speak with any witnesses to o the accident
• Collect videos or recordings of witness statements
• Secure a medical assessment as soon as possible
• Save any medical records or documents
• Keep thorough notes about your experience
• Maintain records about time off from work and lost income

Finally, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately after your accident. Having a legal professional oversee your case from the beginning will give you the best chance of recovering compensation.
 
After a personal injury, insurance providers or adjusters may contact you. If this happens, provide them with your attorney’s contact information.
 
It is critical to remember that insurance companies are not working in your best interests. Adjusters are trained to manipulate injury victims into undermining or devaluing their claims.
 
The accomplished team at Morgan & Morgan understands the tactics that tightfisted insurance companies use. We also know how to counter them effectively.
 
Our specialists will ensure that you receive the financial recovery that you need to move forward. If you need legal guidance following a loose article accident, contact the firm at Morgan & Morgan immediately.