Statistics in the US show that skateboarding can be one of the riskiest activities in the country. Most large cities will experience more than 1,000 serious skateboarder injuries per year. On average, emergency rooms see 176 persons each day, primarily children and teenagers, who have been involved in skateboarding accidents.
If you have been involved in a skateboard accident, peaking with an experienced personal injury attorney at Avrek Law Firm about your case can be your best path to receiving the highest compensation for your injuries and damages.
Skateboarding For Transportation
Skateboarding has become a popular means of transportation amongst adults. In a paper entitled “Skateboarding Transportation: Findings from an Exploratory Study,” Tessa Walker of Portland State University found that persons who skateboarded frequently failed to take advantage of safety equipment.
Only 22 percent reported to always wear a helmet and less than 3 percent reported always using wrist guards, knee pads and protective reflectors. The number of injuries from a skateboard accident has increased as more people not using safety equipment use skateboards as a means of transportation.
Common Causes of a Skateboard Accident
The most common cause of skateboarding accidents is during sessions where the skateboarders attempt new tricks, typically while on ramps. In general, skateboard injuries can be caused by a loss of balance while riding the board.
It is important always wear the appropriate protective gear such as a helmet to prevent skateboarding head injuries, and protective elbow and knee pads. Also, be aware of your capabilities and limitations on a skateboard.
Most Common Skateboard Injuries
Isolated skateboarding head injuries, the most serious of injuries, represent 5 percent of skateboard injuries. However, of these, more than 66 percent are serious and will require resuscitation.
The most common skateboard injuries include damage to the arms, legs, neck and trunk that can range from bruises, cuts or sprains to broken bones, particularly in the upper body. Wrist fractures are also quite common as a skateboard injury, and happen when attempting to block the fall with the arms. Broken jaws or nose damage is also quite common, as is head trauma.
Common Types of Car Accidents Involving Skateboards
The following is a list of the common types of accident that can happen when skateboarding, and can often make you eligible to file an injury claim:
- The driver side swipes a skater at an intersection.
- The driver hits a skater from the back while distracted.
- The driver was driving recklessly due to high levels of alcohol or drug use. For example, being hit by a driver while skating on the sidewalk.
What’s My Skateboard Accident Claim Worth?
If you can prove negligence on the part of a car’s driver in a skateboard accident, you can make a claim for compensation for special damages. Special damages can be calculated exactly and include compensation for serious injuries that can affect your past, present and future earnings or loss of earning capability.
Compensation for property damage also counts as special damages, including loss of cellphone, tablets or any other electronic devices that were damaged at the moment of the accident.
Pain and suffering are hard to put a number on until all the facts are presented and the injured victim has healed from the accident itself. Future damages, like loss of earnings during recovery from injuries or loss of earning capability, can be tricky to estimate and Avrek Law can help to precisely calculate the extent of your future losses.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action for Skateboard Injuries?
You have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit according to California state laws. It is important to remember that these terms are for filing lawsuit and not for insurance claim, so it’s best to act quickly.
What To Do Right After a Skateboard Accident
After a skateboard accident, the following steps are recommended:
- Call 911 immediately for medical assistance and in the event of a serious injury. Even if you’re not feeling any pain at the moment a professional medical team can determine the extent of your injuries. Make sure to request a copy of the medical report.
- Get a police report. In order to do this, you will need to call the authorities as soon as possible and ask that a report by provided.
- Try to remember the details of the accident. It may be helpful to write them down and/or contact bystanders.
- If a car is involved, document the driver’s type of vehicle, license number, license number plate and insurance information.
- Contact an Avrek Law personal injury attorney with experience in skateboarding accidents. We have the experience and know-how to evaluate each claim and make sure you receive a fair settlement. We will also guide you through the extensive paperwork you need to file to make an injury claim.
Contact a Skateboard Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a skateboard accident, you should immediately contact a personal injury attorney from Avrek Law. A legal representative can evaluate your situation and determine who was liable for the incident.
If another party happens to be at fault, it is likely you will have to deal with their insurance company in order to make an injury claim. Insurance companies typically will try to minimize their client’s liability and settle for a lower amount.
Before speaking with insurance adjusters, it is advisable to speak to an experienced attorney as they will use anything you told them to dismiss or minimize your claim/. Remember, insurance companies are also advised and represented by a legal team.
At Avrek Law, we have the experience necessary to deal with skateboarding accidents and will work towards making sure the given insurance company takes your claim seriously, and we will guide you through the process of dealing with insurance company red tape – we are here to help!
The track record of Avrek Law’s legal team speaks for itself with more than $1,000,000,000 recovered for clients. Contact us for a free consultation on your claim.
