Hit by a Skateboarder? You Can Sue | Accident Lawyer
Skateboarder culture has grown and changed many times since its inception, from the iconic 1970s “dude” culture to the “extreme sports” culture of the 1990s. Despite these many changes, skateboarding has always been plagued by risk of serious injury, and in some cases, even death. This isn’t limited to the person skateboarding, it’s possible to seriously hurt others, too. Unfortunately, skateboarders have long embraced these experiences as a rite of passage. This dismissive approach to injury continues to impact skateboarding. For example, wearing a helmet is often discouraged, arguments to this day are made as to why those skateboarding should not wear a helmet!
Skateboarder Accidents with Pedestrians
This carefree attitude towards safety can put pedestrians at risk. It should come as no surprise that in 2022, we can expect hundreds of thousands of skateboarding-related injuries in the United States alone. If you’ve been injured by a someone on a skateboard, scooter, or electric scooter, we encourage you to speak to a personal injury attorney. They can help you understand your rights and potential next steps. You may be entitled to compensation, so don’t resign yourself to your circumstances. Explore your legal options.
Call 1-800-THE-LAW2 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in your area.
A Pedestrian In A Skateboarding Accident
Imagine that you’re walking down the street, heading to the local corner store for some groceries. Suddenly, a skateboarder speeds by. In attempting a trick, he recklessly collides with you. The collision causes you to suffer injuries; naturally, you’re upset. After all, shouldn’t the person on the skateboard be riding on the street, and not on a crowded sidewalk designed for pedestrians?
You may be wondering: Can I sue the skateboarder who hit me?
Likely yes. But, developing a winning pedestrian injury lawsuit takes more than just a legitimate claim. To succeed in obtaining compensation, you’ll have to show that the other person was liable and actually caused your injuries. And, you’ll also have to show that you did suffer the injuries that you claim. Lawsuits can be complicated, so you’ll want a seasoned personal injury lawyer by your side throughout these proceedings.
How Negligence Works
Most skateboarding accident claims involve “negligence.” Specifically, the negligence of the skateboarder who hit you. But what does this entail?
Negligence as a concept is a combination of four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. These are put together as follows: if a person violates or breaches their duty towards you and causes injury and damages as a result, then they are liable to you as the victim. This liability leads to financial compensation.
In the skateboarding context, a skateboarder owes a duty of care to others, including pedestrians. They must use their skateboard in such a way that it minimizes the risk of injury to others. If the skateboarder violates this duty, perhaps by recklessly weaving in and out of pedestrian traffic, and as a result collides with you and causes injury, then you could sue them for negligence.
Proving negligence isn’t always easy. That’s where a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney comes in. They will review your situation and determine whether you have a viable case. After doing so, they’ll come up with the best “strategic plan” for securing compensation from the skateboarder who harmed you.
What To Do If You’re Hit By A Skateboarder
If you’re injured in a collision with a skateboarder, make sure to secure your health and safety first. There’s a time and a place for handling legal matters. If you have an actual medical emergency, then do not delay, make your way over to a hospital as soon as possible and get the medical care you need to recover. That being said, if your injuries are not severe and do not require immediate medical attention, then there are important steps you can take to strengthen your impending lawsuit.
While at the accident scene, gather as much contact information as you can. Don’t just get the name and contact information of the skateboarder, speak to eyewitnesses and get their information. These witnesses will corroborate your side of the story, increasing the likelihood that you win your case.
Finally, take photos of both the accident scene and your own injuries. You should also document your injuries over time, taking pictures everyday to show the development of the injury. These photos, along with test results and documentation from your doctor about your condition, will aid your case.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer to Help
Skateboarding injuries happen quite frequently, but the “casual” nature of skateboarding may convince injured persons to simply move on. The truth is, if a skateboarder crashes into you and you suffer injuries, it’s likely that you can sue for damages. To improve your chances of winning the case (and to maximize the compensation you receive), you’ll want to work with a skilled personal injury lawyer who has experience handling skateboarding accident disputes. Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 today for a free and confidential consultation.
