Epic Universe Roller Coaster Injury: Woman Sues Universal Over Stardust Racers Ride in 2025

Hook: Theme park thrills can turn into real-life nightmares. In a startling turn of events, a woman is suing Universal after sustaining injuries on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at the newly opened Epic Universe. This incident highlights the potential risks lurking beneath the surface of amusement park entertainment, prompting questions about safety and accountability.

A Day at the Park Turns into a Legal Battle

Sandi Streets, a 49-year-old Central Florida resident, visited Universal’s Epic Universe on April 30, 2025, during a preview period before the park’s official opening on May 22. According to the lawsuit filed in the Ninth Circuit Court of Florida, Streets alleges that while riding Stardust Racers, her “head shook violently and slammed into the seat’s headrest throughout the ride,” resulting in permanent injuries.

Allegations of Negligence

Streets’ lawsuit accuses Universal City Development Partners Ltd. of negligence, claiming the company failed to:

Maintain the ride in a reasonably safe condition.
Provide adequate warnings about the ride’s dangers.
Properly restrain riders’ heads.
Inspect and maintain the roller coaster.
Correct dangerous conditions.

She is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for her injuries, pain and suffering, disability, and related losses. The lawsuit also requests a jury trial to determine the compensation amount.

Stardust Racers: A Closer Look

Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster that boasts impressive statistics:

Heights up to 133 feet.
A 4,800-foot track.
Speeds reaching 62 mph.

The lawsuit points out that the coaster features “twists, turns, drops, and flips without providing its riders with any head restraints,” which Streets claims contributed to her injuries.

The Shadow of Another Incident

This lawsuit emerges in the wake of another tragic event involving Stardust Racers. On September 17, 2025, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding the same roller coaster. The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accident, caused by “multiple blunt impact injuries.” Zavala had a pre-existing spinal condition and used a wheelchair.

Universal’s Response and Investigation

Following Zavala’s death, Universal Orlando Resort President Karen Irwin stated that internal findings indicated the ride functioned normally, equipment was intact, and team members followed proper procedures. However, Orange County deputies are investigating the death under Florida’s manslaughter statute, and Stardust Racers remains closed during the investigation.

Legal Perspectives and Expert Opinions

Attorney Eloisa Pino, representing Zavala’s family, believes they have a strong case against Universal and argues the coaster should remain closed until a full investigation is complete. She suggests that incorrect tests were done, pointing to potential design or safety oversight.

Theme park ride installer Daniel Leavelle emphasizes that roller coasters undergo extensive checks during the design process to ensure safety and manage G-forces.

Emergency medicine physician Dr. Rajiv Bahl notes that many people with physical limitations, including wheelchair users, can safely ride roller coasters. The key question in Zavala’s case is whether he passed out before or because of the injuries sustained on the ride.

Amusement Park Injuries: A Broader Context

Amusement park accidents, while not common, can result in a range of injuries. Common types of injuries reported in Florida amusement parks include:

Whiplash and neck injuries from sudden stops or jerky movements.
Traumatic brain injuries from excessive stress.
Broken bones or torn ligaments from slips, trips, and falls.
Internal injuries due to falls and other accidents.

Liability in Amusement Park Accidents

Determining liability in amusement park accidents hinges on identifying who failed in their duty to keep visitors safe. Potentially liable parties include:

Park owners and operators, if they fail to maintain rides, properly train staff, or address safety hazards.
Ride manufacturers, if there are design flaws or manufacturing defects.

To prove negligence, an injured person must demonstrate that the park or other responsible party had a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused the injury.

Legal Options for Injured Guests

If you’ve been injured at an amusement park in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical bills.
Lost wages.
Pain and suffering.
Disability.
Loss of enjoyment of life.

You can file a liability claim if the injury resulted from the park owner or employee’s negligence. If the injury was due to a design flaw or manufacturing defect, a product liability claim may be appropriate.

The Importance of Legal Counsel

Navigating the complexities of amusement park injury claims requires the expertise of a personal injury attorney. An attorney can:

Investigate the accident.
Gather evidence.
Negotiate with insurance companies.
Represent you in court, if necessary.

Conclusion

The lawsuit against Universal over injuries sustained on Stardust Racers underscores the importance of amusement park safety and the rights of injured guests. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, this case serves as a reminder that theme park thrills should never come at the cost of personal safety.

If you or a loved one has been injured on a theme park ride, it is crucial to seek legal guidance to understand your rights and options. Contact our firm today for a consultation.