Skateboarding Accidents in Los Angeles – 6 Ways To Help You Stay Safe
Skateboarding accidents can result in severe injuries, especially when the skater is a victim of someone else’s negligence.
Skateboarding accidents don’t seem to deter skaters from hopping on a deck and going out for a skate.
Originally known as “Sidewalk Surfing”, skateboarding has been popular with teens for many years.
Skaters like Tony Hawk have become household names. Take a trip to the west side and you’ll no doubt see tons of people at the Venice Skate Park.
Even though it’s a fun activity for many young people, skateboarders frequently suffer injuries. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported over 245,000 hospital visits related to skateboarding accidents in 2021.
Skateboarding accidents are oftentimes caused by the person skating. For example, a skater may lose balance on the board and fall.
Another common accident is when a skater attempts a trick and it doesn’t go as planned.
However, there are some instances where a skater may be injured due to the negligence of another party.
Defined by California Civil Jury Instructions 1003 negligence claims must prove:
- The defendant knew, or should have known about a risk of harm
- The defendant failed to fix, protect against, or warn against the risk of harm
An example of negligence with skateboarding accidents involves a car hitting the skater.
Common scenarios where a skateboarder may be hit by a car include:
- Bad weather – a driver may hydroplane in rain and hit a skater moving across an intersection
- Low visibility – in dark or foggy areas, a skater may be difficult to see
- Distracted driving – texting, eating, looking down or more can lead to a skater getting hit
- Failure to follow traffic signs – Not stopping at a stop sign, going through a red light
- Drowsy or fatigued driving – may cause a driver to lose focus
- Speeding – Not following posted speed limits
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – can impair a driver and their judgment
According to the NSC, there are numerous ways skaters can protect themselves from skateboarding accidents:
- Check your board – skating on a board with damaged wheels can affect your ability to control the board near an automobile.
- Wear protective equipment – helmets or proper shoes can help in the event of an accident.
- Don’t ride in the street – this will help skaters interact less with cars.
- Don’t wear headphones while skating – while it may be tempting to blast Tyler, the Creator or Blink-182, headphones or music can distract you from an incoming car.
- Wear bright colored clothing – bright colors can help increase visibility to drivers..
- Avoid skating at night – nighttime skating without as much light can increase your risk of being hit.
Skateboarding accidents can result in numerous injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or other long-term head injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Chronic back pain or other long-term back injuries
- Cuts and scrapes that lead to scarring
- Damaged vertebrae or other long-term neck injuries
- PTSD
- Ankle injuries
- Paralysis
- Wrongful Death
If you or a loved one were injured in a skateboarding accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Los Angeles injury attorneys at C&B Law Group are here to help.
With decades of combined personal injury experience in LA, we will fight to hold anyone negligent accountable for their actions after hitting a skater.
We will use all evidence available, such as medical records, photos, or witness accounts to build a fact-based case.
We will also protect you from unethical insurance company practices, like trying to get you to settle or early, or forcing you to make a statement you don’t want to make.
The LA personal injury lawyers at C&B Law Group are prepared to handle your case following any skateboarding accidents.
Don’t wait. Contact our team today to receive your free consultation.
