Lawsuit Filed After Ocala UTV Test Drive Flip
An Ocala resident sued a local powersports dealership following a UTV accident during a test drive.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Auto Parts
On August 29, 2026, a customer purchased a UTV from the RideNow Powersports dealership at 3880 N U.S. Highway 441 in Ocala. He later filed a lawsuit on September 14, 2026, alleging permanent injuries after the vehicle flipped during a test drive.
Why it matters
The complaint alleges that mechanical failure and a lack of proper safety instructions led to a serious accident. The case highlights the potential risks associated with off-road vehicle test drives and the importance of safety equipment.
The lawsuit claims damages exceeding $50,000 following an incident at the Ocala dealership. The plaintiff alleges the rear-left tire separated from the rim, causing the UTV to flip.
The players
Salvatore Albano
The plaintiff who purchased a UTV at a local dealership and filed a lawsuit following an accident.
Chilton Properties, LLC
The parent company of RideNow Powersports, which is the dealership named in the lawsuit.
The details
According to court documents, a dealership employee directed the customer to drive into a test area, which was blocked by other equipment. As the customer attempted a turn, the rear-left tire reportedly separated from the rim. This failure caused the UTV to flip onto its side, resulting in the alleged injuries.
Timeline
August 29, 2026: The plaintiff purchased the UTV at the dealership.
September 14, 2026: The plaintiff filed the lawsuit in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court.
The Home Front
The lawsuit follows the established pattern of Florida strict products liability litigation regarding equipment failure during consumer trials. Such cases emphasize the legal responsibility businesses carry for customer safety during equipment demonstrations.
If you are test-driving off-road vehicles, always insist on receiving proper safety briefings and protective headgear before operating the machinery. Ensure that any mechanical concerns are documented before leaving the dealership lot.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder to verify all safety protocols before taking control of new or used motorized equipment. Always confirm the location of the test course and ask for a walk-through of the machine's safety features before entering the driver's seat.
Further reading
Learn more about maintenance and safety standards in our Auto Parts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ocala-News.
