A 12-year-old boy was recently killed and a 10-year-old boy was critically injured in Kenockee Township when the go-karts they were riding were struck by a vehicle. Law enforcement then ran a preliminary investigation to determine that the boys ran a stop sign before the collision.
Riding a go-kart can be a fun and exhilarating experience. Not to mention, go-karts teach children about some of the basic features involved in using a motor vehicle. Many children, however, lack the motor skills to operate a vehicle that adult drivers possess. As a result, children who use go-karts are at an increased risk of ending up in a serious accident. The risk of these accidents exist even if adequate safety measures are taken. If you or your child is impacted by a go-kart accident, an experienced attorney will remain committed to making sure that you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries due to Go-Kart Accidents
Children who are injured in go-kart accidents can end up spending time in a hospital and many even require surgery. Based on data compiled by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 10,000 children each year are injured in go-kart accidents. The rate of these accidents increases substantially when riders travel on unregulated roads rather than public tracks, which tend to follow safety regulations.
Issues with Go-Kart Waivers
One of the reasons why the parents of some injured children hesitate to pursue legal action is that they believe the matter will be decided by their decision to sign a waiver provided by the operator of a go-kart attraction. These waivers, however, are often not binding. An experienced accident attorney can review your waiver to determine how it will apply to your accident.
Safety Tips to Follow for Go-Kart Riders
Go-karts are dangerous, but by following some safety precautions riders can greatly decrease their chances of ending up in a serious accident. Some of these safety precautions include:
- Avoid operating go-karts indoors to decrease the risk of being harmed by carbon monoxide
- Follow any instructions that are found in any operating manuals
- Young children should ride electric rather than gas-powered go-karts, which create a much greater danger of being harmed by carbon monoxide
- Children should be supervised while riding go-karts
- Under no circumstances should a go-kart be operated on highways, sidewalks, parking lots, or public roads
- Before using a go-kart, it is a wise idea to inspect for any defects or loose parts that could lead to an accident
- Do not fuel go-karts while the vehicle’s engine is running
- Make sure that everyone riding a go-kart stays follows seating capacity limits.
- Before storing a go-kart, make sure to let the engine cool and drain the fuel
If you or a loved one has been injured in a go-kart accident, you should not hesitate to speak with a reputable attorney to find out what legal options may be available to you. Contact a Clare personal injury lawyer from Jay Trucks & Associates, PC today to schedule a free initial consultation.