Ocala Dealership Sued Over UTV Test Drive Injury
A lawsuit alleges an Ocala resident suffered permanent injuries after a UTV flipped during a 2026 test drive.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Auto Parts
Salvatore Albano filed a lawsuit on September 14, 2026, against Chilton Properties, LLC, the parent company of a local powersports dealership. The complaint claims the plaintiff sustained permanent injuries after his UTV flipped during a test drive.
Why it matters
The legal action highlights potential safety and operational failures regarding vehicle test drives and consumer warnings at the 3880 N U.S. Highway 441 dealership. It serves as a reminder of the liability risks companies face when providing equipment to customers without proper guidance or safety gear.
The lawsuit was filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County seeking damages exceeding $50,000. The incident occurred involving a UTV purchased from the Ocala dealership on August 29, 2026.
The players
Salvatore Albano
He is the plaintiff who filed the lawsuit alleging he suffered permanent injuries during a UTV test drive.
Chilton Properties, LLC
This entity is the parent company of the RideNow Powersports dealership being sued in the Marion County court.
The details
The plaintiff alleges the UTV's rear-left tire separated from the rim while making a turn in the test area, causing the vehicle to flip. According to the complaint, the dealership failed to provide essential operating instructions, safety warnings, or protective headgear prior to the test drive.
Timeline
August 29, 2026: Salvatore Albano purchased the UTV from the dealership.
September 14, 2026: The plaintiff filed a lawsuit in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court.
Roadmap
This case reflects broader industry trends regarding strict product liability and the increasing legal scrutiny of dealership safety operations. As powersports vehicles gain popularity, dealers face heightened pressure to standardize safety protocols to mitigate systemic liability risks.
Shoppers should verify that dealerships provide necessary safety equipment and instructions before participating in vehicle test drives. Potential buyers should also review dealership liability waivers carefully to understand what coverage or protections are offered during demonstrations.
The takeaway
Customers must prioritize safety by requesting protective gear and operational briefings before driving unfamiliar machinery. Dealerships are increasingly being held accountable for the sufficiency of their safety instructions provided to the public.
Further reading
For more information on legal standards for local dealerships, visit the Auto Parts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ocala-News.
