Stardust Racers Lawsuits: What Happened and What Are Your Rights?

Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe was highly anticipated, but the Stardust Racers roller coaster has quickly become a source of controversy. With a fatality and multiple injury claims, lawsuits are mounting, leaving many wondering: What happened on Stardust Racers, and what are your rights if you’ve been injured?

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Since its opening on May 22, 2025, Stardust Racers has been plagued with incidents. The most tragic occurred on September 17, 2025, when 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding the coaster. The medical examiner ruled the death accidental, citing multiple blunt force injuries. However, the family’s attorney, Ben Crump, has raised concerns about potential negligence and lack of transparency from Universal.

Adding to the controversy, five separate lawsuits were filed in December 2025 against Universal Orlando Resort and Mack Rides, the ride’s designer and manufacturer. These lawsuits allege that guests sustained “severe and permanent injuries” while riding Stardust Racers. The injuries reportedly range from traumatic brain injuries and brain bleeds to spinal cord damage and paralysis.

Prior to Zavala’s death, another rider, Sandi Streets, had already sued Universal, claiming her head was violently shaken and slammed against the headrest during a preview ride in April 2025. This case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

What the Lawsuits Allege

The core of the Stardust Racers lawsuits revolves around the safety of the ride’s restraints. Plaintiffs claim that the restraints failed to adequately secure riders’ heads, leading to violent shaking and impacts against the seat and other structures.

Specifically, the lawsuits against Universal and Mack Rides generally include claims of negligence and product liability. The legal arguments often center around the following points:

Improper Design: The ride was defectively designed, making it unreasonably dangerous for riders.
Failure to Warn: Universal failed to adequately warn riders about the potential risks and forces experienced on the ride.
Negligence in Operation: The ride was operated in a negligent manner, contributing to the injuries.

Understanding Your Rights

If you or a loved one has been injured on Stardust Racers or any other theme park ride, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights. Here’s a breakdown of potential avenues for legal recourse:

Personal Injury Claim: If your injury was the result of negligence on the part of the theme park or ride manufacturer, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. This type of claim seeks to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
Product Liability Claim: If the injury was caused by a defect in the design or manufacturing of the ride itself, a product liability claim may be warranted. This type of claim focuses on holding the manufacturer accountable for placing a dangerous product into the marketplace.
Premises Liability Claim: Theme parks have a duty to maintain a safe environment for their guests. If your injury was the result of a hazardous condition on the premises, such as inadequate lighting or slippery surfaces, a premises liability claim may be possible.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured

If you’ve been injured on Stardust Racers, here are the steps you should take to protect your rights:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get immediate medical attention for your injuries.
Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the ride, and your injuries. Gather contact information from any witnesses.
Report the Incident: Report the incident to theme park management and obtain a copy of the incident report.
Consult an Attorney: Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in theme park accidents. An attorney can evaluate your case, advise you of your legal options, and help you navigate the claims process.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Theme park accident cases can be complex and challenging. Theme parks and their insurance companies often have significant resources to defend against injury claims. An experienced attorney can level the playing field by:

Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident
Gathering evidence to support your claim
Negotiating with the theme park and its insurance company
Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court, if necessary

What’s Next for Stardust Racers?

As of January 2026, Stardust Racers has reopened with updated safety guidelines. These guidelines include additional warnings for guests with pre-existing conditions, such as back, neck, or similar physical conditions, weakened bones or muscles, or the inability to independently maintain an upright position. Additionally, Universal is implementing a policy requiring guests using mobility devices to be able to walk independently from the device to board certain rides, including Stardust Racers.

It remains to be seen how the ongoing lawsuits will impact the future of Stardust Racers. The outcomes of these cases could lead to further safety enhancements, design modifications, or even the permanent closure of the ride.

Seeking Justice and Ensuring Safety

The Stardust Racers lawsuits highlight the importance of theme park safety and accountability. If you’ve been injured on a theme park ride, it’s essential to understand your rights and seek legal representation to protect your interests. By holding negligent parties accountable, we can help ensure that theme parks prioritize the safety of their guests and prevent future tragedies.