What Happens If I Got Hurt At The Rose Parade?

If you get hurt at the Rose Parade, focus on your health and safety first. In most cases, here’s what would happen if you’re injured at a major event like this:

What happens after you get hurt in the Rose Parade depends on the circumstances of the incident. Nevertheless, it is best to focus on your well-being. You can talk to premises liability lawyers later on. They can help you explore your legal options if you believe the accident was preventable. Parade organizers may be liable if they fail to address safety issues that lead to harm during the event.

For the Rose Parade, the organizer is the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. There may also be other participants, like the local government of Pasadena and third-party float builders. Organizers and contractors must take steps to ensure the safety of performers and spectators during the event. Other people, whether fellow spectators or bystanders, may also cause accidents.

What To Do After A Rose Parade Injury

Every New Year’s Day, the Rose Parade attracts thousands of tourists. People travel from across California and throughout the United States to attend the event in Pasadena, Los Angeles. Performers, volunteers, and spectators all gather along the parade route.

Despite the celebration, risks still exist, especially at crowded public events. Consider taking the following steps if you get hurt at the Rose Parade:

Seek Prompt Medical Attention

Get medical help right away, regardless of how minor an injury appears at first. Medical teams and emergency services are usually stationed throughout the event.

Due to large crowds, ambulances may take longer to reach certain areas. Volunteers, such as those from the Red Cross, can provide initial assistance while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Collect And Preserve Important Evidence

Take pictures or videos at the accident site if you can. Note any hazards or factors that may have caused your injuries. Try to identify witnesses and collect their contact information. They can provide their personal accounts of the event that can support your claim.

Keep a record of all details related to your injury care. These may include:

• Doctor visits and hospital stays.
• Prescriptions and rehabilitation programs (e.g., pain medications, physical therapy, chiropractic care, etc.).

Thorough documentation can help track your recovery and any related expenses. You can also keep any damaged personal belongings and other tangible evidence that could support your claim. An injury lawyer can use this information to estimate the value of your potential claim.

Report The Accident

Though you might have already called 911 to request emergency assistance, consider also notifying the event organizers and any other responsible parties about the incident. These may include:

• Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association — The official event organizer of the Rose Parade.
• Sharp Seating Company — The official grandstand seating and ticket provider for the Rose Parade.

For non-emergencies, you can also call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241. Meanwhile, float-related incidents may involve multiple companies. It’s vital to identify the one responsible for the specific float that injured you. That way, you can report the incident to the appropriate party.

Consult A Premises Liability Attorney

Seeking free accident lawyer advice after such incidents can be essential if you believe that someone else’s carelessness caused your injury. Handling a claim on your own can be difficult, especially when multiple parties are involved. A premises liability attorney can assess your case and clarify your options. Here’s what they can do:

• Identify Potentially Liable Parties — Injuries at large events can involve multiple entities, including organizers, contractors, or government agencies. Injury attorneys can gather evidence and analyze details to identify who may be responsible for your injuries.
• File a Claim on Your Behalf — Apart from injury claims against insurers, you may have to file a claim with a government entity. Claims against the government follow different rules. Additionally, insurance liability may apply differently to specific events. Specifically, Los Angeles County requires organizers to have special events liability insurance coverage to host the Rose Parade. If you get injured here, you may be able to pursue a claim through this coverage. A lawyer can help identify the specific policies you can seek damages from.
• Gathering Additional Evidence — Injury lawyers can help you collect proof, such as surveillance footage and official witness statements. They can also consult experts when necessary to build a well-supported case.

If you’re concerned about cost, you may ask, “Do lawyers only get paid if they win?” They do if they work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, attorneys only get paid if they obtain compensation on behalf of their clients.

Who May Be Legally Responsible For A Rose Parade Injury?

Liability depends on the parties involved, the cause of the accident, and the entity responsible for safety. Once you identify the potentially liable party, you can file a personal injury claim against them.

• Parade Organizers — The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association implements safety protocols to protect attendees. They manage volunteers, establish safety protocols, and ensure the event runs smoothly.
• City or Government — Organizers are typically responsible for any injuries that occur at events. However, some incidents may fall outside their responsibility. Under California law, public entities may be liable for injuries sustained during parades due to uneven sidewalks, unsafe seating, or other hazards. Proving a case against them can be a complex process. You must demonstrate that a government agency was aware of the danger that injured you and failed to rectify it.
• Third Parties — Apart from organizers, other participants may be involved in the event, including:
  • Property Owners Along the Parade Route — If the parade travels on private property, the owner might be responsible for any dangers. These may include safety issues such as cracked pavement or inadequate lighting. Premises liability lawyers can investigate whether the owner failed to maintain the property in a safe condition.
  • Vendors and Performers — Food truck, float, or water show operators must adhere to safety regulations. If they are careless, they may be held responsible for any resulting injuries.
  • Other Individuals — Occasionally, other parade participants can cause harm. They could push others, drop items, or act recklessly. If this happens, victims may file a claim against the liable individual or entity.
  • Drivers — There are usually no other vehicles on the parade route. However, areas such as parking lots can be hazardous. Parking lot accidents can occur due to overcrowding or when cars are parked too closely together, resulting in collisions. Professionals drive parade floats, but attendees behind the wheel could still cause a crash. If someone gets injured in a collision, car accident lawyers can investigate who may be responsible.

Consider obtaining legal help for your parade accident case to determine your options for pursuing damages. Lawyers who handle injury cases can help identify potentially liable parties. They can review available evidence and documents that could support your claim.

Common Ways People Get Hurt At The Rose Parade

The Rose Parade is a family-friendly event. Despite that, attendees should still be aware of several risks.

• Crowd-Related Accidents — Large crowds can be dangerous. Without proper barriers or crowd control, people can get pushed, crushed, or even trampled.
• Falls on Sidewalks and Curbs — Spectators often line the streets to watch the parade. Cracked pavement, uneven sidewalks, or worn-out surfaces can cause trips and falls.
• Slips — Confetti, streamers, and other debris can make paths slippery, especially in the rain. Slip-and-fall accidents can result in bruises, broken bones, or more severe injuries.
• Overcrowding — Even with a long parade route, some areas can get too packed. When floats stop, or the crowd moves, people may press against barricades or each other. These conditions could increase the risk of injury.
• Thrown Items — Parade participants often toss candy, toys, or T-shirts into the crowd. These can accidentally hit someone, causing head injuries. Organizers are responsible for creating safety rules around this activity.
• Floats Malfunction and Vehicle Collisions — Motorized vehicles, such as floats, cars, trucks, and motorcycles, are often part of parades. If they malfunction, break down, or veer off course, they could injure spectators and participants. Crashes can also occur due to driver error or technical issues. If you get hurt, lawyers for car accident cases can explain your options.
• Protests and Other Security Issues — Some people use the parade as a platform to protest, which can cause minor disruptions or crowd issues. Occasionally, large gatherings can also be susceptible to security risks or acts of violence. In one case, an Arizona woman was allegedly beaten unconscious by another attendee during a concert at the Rose Bowl and later filed a lawsuit against the venue, citing failures in crowd control and security response. Incidents like this show how quickly violence can occur in crowded settings when warning signs are missed or intervention is delayed. In these situations, negligent security attorneys can help victims examine the issue. They’ll assess whether the event organizer or security staff acted negligently.
• Alcohol-Related Incidents — Some attendees may consume alcohol and engage in reckless behavior, including physical altercations or impaired driving in nearby areas. While parade organizers generally prohibit alcohol, not all eventgoers comply. In such cases, you can pursue a claim directly against the person responsible.

To minimize risks, refer to Visit Pasadena’s safety tips for the Rose Parade. The Pasadena Center Operating Company runs this site. The city created this organization to boost tourism and events in Pasadena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most common questions about parade injuries. Nevertheless, if you have any particular concerns, you can consult our team at AK Law Firm.

What Evidence Do I Need For An Injury Claim?

If you get hurt during the Rose Parade and think someone else might be at fault, gather evidence to back up your case. Depending on the circumstances, the following kinds of proof may help with an event liability Pasadena claim:

• Medical Records — Detailed records show how severe your injuries are and link them to the parade accident.
• Eyewitness Testimony — Eyewitnesses can be key to your claim. Their accounts may help confirm what led to the incident, as well as who or what caused your injury.
• Visual Evidence — Photos and videos taken after the accident can help identify its cause. For instance, spectators often record the Rose Parade. They may have captured footage showing how the accident occurred. This visual documentation can provide valuable support for your claim.
• Physical Evidence — Damaged clothing or other personal property can serve as substantial proof of the accident’s impact. Torn clothes, damaged items, or bloodstains can show what happened.

How Bad Does An Injury Have To Be To Pursue A Claim?

Victims may file a personal injury claim for both minor and severe injuries. A valid claim usually needs compensable losses. These include medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. While minor injuries don’t always lead to significant losses, they may still support a claim if they result in medical treatment, unexpected costs, or other measurable damages.

How Long After An Accident Can You File A Claim?

Generally, injured victims in California have two years to file a claim under the state’s statute of limitations. They could sue the appropriate party, such as an event organizer, contractor, or another parade participant. However, the deadline is different if it involves a government entity:

• Victims have to file an administrative claim within six months of the accident.
• If the government agency denies their claim, victims have six months from the date of denial to file a lawsuit.
• If no response is issued within 45 days, the law commonly treats the claim as denied, allowing the injured person to pursue a lawsuit within two years from the date of the injury.

For victims who are minors, the statute of limitations is typically tolled, or paused. Their legal deadline to file a claim will begin when they turn 18, giving them two years from that date to pursue a case. Personal injury lawyers can explain which deadlines may apply to your situation.

Talk To A Lawyer After A Parade Injury

If you got injured at the Rose Parade, you may think, “I need a personal injury lawyer to handle my case.” Whether you were a spectator, bystander, or performer, understanding your legal options can help you make informed decisions. Our personal injury lawyers serving Pasadena can explain the process and discuss whether pursuing a claim is the right decision in your situation. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation. Let us provide the legal support you need.