Go-Kart Accident Causes Life-Threatening Injuries
Did you know that go karting is the most popular motorsport in the world? It makes sense, too, considering that these recreational vehicles are so close to the ground that you literally feel like you’re flying while speeding around a track!
Unfortunately, go karting fun can quickly turn into stress if an accident happens.
Such was the case a few days before Christmas for 61-year-old Jeffrey Samaripa. On December 20th, Jeffery was working on a homemade go-kart when he decided to take it out for a ride. At around 1:40 P.M., Jeffrey was riding on Silver Chimes Court when he suddenly ran a stop sign. He also failed to negotiate a turn. As a result, the go kart slammed into a parked and unoccupied SUV.
As a result of the crash, Samaripa suffered from life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders quickly arrived on scene before rushing the 61-year-old to the nearby Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.
Traffic Laws in Nevada: Are Go-Karts Street Legal?
Samaripa’s accident proves how dangerous go karting can be on public roads. For that reason, go-karts are (in general) not street legal in Nevada. The laws in our state, however, are complicated, so there are ways to make a go-kart street legal in Las Vegas.
A go-kart can become street legal if the owner and operator seeks out registration with their local DMV office. An inspector will need to look at the go-kart and ensure that it meets state requirements. It’s also possible to make a go-kart street legal by registering it as a low-speed vehicle so long as it cannot go over 25 mph and it weighs less than 3,000 lobs. This classification may require you to attach specific parts to your kart.
Once the kart is street legal, go-kart operators are expected to follow all the same traffic laws as other motor vehicles on the road. Driving through stop signs or red lights, speeding, or otherwise recklessly operating the go-kart on public roads would be considered negligent driving under the law. Since Nevada is an at-fault state, negligent drivers can be held financially responsible for any losses associated with accidents they cause.
Have You Experienced an Accident in Las Vegas?
If you experience an accident involving a go-kart driver, then it might be in your best interests to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. This is especially true if you believe the operator of the go-kart was driving recklessly or had a go-kart on the road that doesn’t seem street legal. That driver might be held responsible for any losses you endure as a result of the crash.
In Las Vegas, you can seek out compensation after a car or go-kart accident by pursuing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. If the court agrees that the driver was negligent and you prove the extent of your losses with documentation, then you should be able to receive reimbursement for all the losses you experience. These losses could come in the form of property damage, medical bills, lost wages, or more.
Schedule a consultation with our attorneys now to learn more about your options.
