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Teen motorcyclist and his lawyers win their case against motorcycle club after an accident at a racetrack

Accident Type: 
Motorcycle Accident
Incident Date: 
Saturday, January 1, 1994
Result Date: 
Monday, January 1, 1996
Monetary Result: 
$758,729
  Mr. Wadlow, 16 at the time of the accident, was returning on a dirt road from the "smoke bomb" area of a race track back to the pits wre he acted as a crewman for his father when he collided with a truck heading in the opposite direction. As a result of the accident, he suffered a compound fracture to his left femur and tibia, requiring two months of hospitalization, six skin graft surgeries and resulting in a permanent limp, scarring, and possible future surgery and arthritis. Wadlow and his lawyers decided to sue the motorcycle clubs that own the track, Jack Rabbit Motorcycle Club and American Motorcycle Club. They contended that the dirt road was supposed to be one-way road and that they had failed to direct traffic on that road.  The defending motorcycle clubs argued that Wadlow was responsible for the his injuries as he was operating a motorcycle that was too large for his size. They additionally claimed that they had no obligation to direct traffic as an amateur club. In the end, Wadlow and his lawyers won the case and a reward of $758,729. However, Mr. Wadlow was found to be 33.3% negligent for riding in a large motorcycle and not taking evasive action while driving, while his father was also found 33.3% negligent. Therefore, the total award they collected was reduced to $331,081.