10 Injured in Roller Coaster Collision

Knott's Berry Farm was the scene of a roller coaster collision that injured 10 people the night of October 7. The accident happened around 8 p.m. on the "Pony Express" ride due to some kind of mechanical function.
The ride began as normal, starting up an incline to get to the first drop. However, the roller coaster did not make it up the incline and rolled backwards, crashing into a roller coaster car waiting in the loading station.
The injured ranged in age between 12 and 60, The Los Angeles Times reports. Some of the injuries were serious but it is believed that none are critical. The victims suffered back and neck injuries and were transported by ambulance to the local hospitals. The park remained open after the accident, closing at its normal time of 1 a.m.
Knott's Berry Farm is currently investigating the incident to determine what went wrong and caused the accident. It will be an interesting case to follow legally as there will almost certainly be lawsuits. Millions visit amusement parks each year, most without incident. However, thousands are injured each year during park visits, including deaths.
When it comes to dangerous activities, plaintiffs often sign waivers or consent to "assumption of the risk" in order to use the park. However, such waivers are not entirely foolproof. In many cases, they do not apply in the case of intentional acts, fraud and negligence. Therefore the case at Knott's Berry Farm will likely be a question as to whether the injures are considered a typical risk in riding a roller coaster.
Related Resources:
- Roller Coaster Accident Injuries and Amusement Park Safety (FindLaw)
- Invertigo Roller Coaster Stalls, Strands Riders For 5 Hours (FindLaw's Injured)
- 'Wacky Worm' Fair Ride Mishap Leads to Injuries (FindLaw's Injured)
- Amusement Park Injuries Information Center (provided by Biren Katzman Trial Lawyers)
- Personal Injury FAQs (provided by Bernard & Stuczynski)