Skateboarding Accidents In Maryland

Skaters don’t get a lot of respect when it comes to the law. Most skateboarders’ experiences with the law involve police hassling them for trespassing, damaging public property, or ticketing them for “no skateboarding” local ordinances. However, skateboarders deserve just as much protection under the law as anyone else. When a skateboarding accident is caused by someone else’s negligence, the injured individual has the right to be compensated for their injuries, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Skateboarding is a popular recreational activity for young people. Some use a skateboard as their preferred mode of getting around their college campus. Most skaters have experienced some accident while riding their skateboard, at the skate park, or attempting a new trick. Minor accidents are often brushed off as part of the inherent risk of skateboarding. However, some accidents lead to much more serious accidents.

There are a number of possible causes of skateboarding accidents. This includes colliding with other skaters, pedestrians, cyclists, or cars. Other accidents involve hitting uneven road surfaces, road debris, or other hazards, sending the skateboarder flying off their board. Collisions with other individuals, cars or objects may be caused by reckless riding of others, drivers not paying attention, or people busy texting instead of looking where they are going. If another person’s negligence caused an accident, they should be held accountable for the injuries caused.

In an accident between a car and a skateboarder, drivers are quick to blame the skater. They may say they shouldn’t be in the road, they came out of nowhere, or they were the cause of the accident. However, many of these accidents are caused by drivers not looking out for skaters, just like they don’t look out for cyclists or pedestrians. It may also involve cars turning at an intersection when a skateboarder is legally in the crosswalk. It is important not to let the driver or their insurance company tell you who was at fault. It is up to the law to determine who caused the accident.

Skateboarding Accident Injuries

Skateboarding accidents can involve all types of injuries. Injuries often depend on where the accident occurred, the type of surface, speed involved, and whether the skateboarder was wearing a helmet or other protective gear. The most common accidents involve injuries to the wrist, ankle, hand, knee, or face. Other common injuries include dislocated shoulders and broken bones. However, the most serious skateboarding accidents typically involve head injuries. Head injuries are the most frequent cause of death and disability in serious skateboarding accidents. A serious head injury can occur in minor accidents or falls, even at low speeds.

Skateboarders involved in accidents are much less likely to suffer a serious injury if they are wearing helmets. Skateparks are often the only places that require helmets. Despite the obvious benefits to wearing helmets, many skateboarders continue to ride without head protection. A simple fall where the skater hits their head on the concrete or another object can lead to a concussion, brain injury, or skull fracture.

Even minor skateboarding accidents can have a serious, long-term impact. Cuts and abrasions caused by road rash can leave dirt and asphalt embedded underneath the skin. If a wound is not properly cleaned out after a crash, an infection could develop. A serious infection could require medical treatment, and leave the individual with permanent scarring.

Skateboarding Injury Lawsuits

After an individual is injured in a skateboarding accident, they may not want to file a claim against the person responsible. They may feel like they have no recourse for their injuries or the person who caused the injury blamed the accident on the skateboarder. An injured skater should not have to suffer pain and injury if the accident was caused by someone else.

Another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian may have caused the accident, leaving the skateboarder with medical bills, pain, and suffering. In some cases, the property owner may be responsible for accidents that occurred on their property. Whatever the cause of the accident, don’t blame yourself for an accident that was caused by someone else.

Skateboarding Accident Lawyers

If you or your child were injured while skateboarding, you may have a legal claim for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Talk to an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney to help you determine if you have a claim. They will fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Your personal injury attorney will help guide you through the claims process and advise you of your options. You should not have to suffer due to someone else’s negligence. Do not hesitate to call Gilman & Bedigian today for a free consultation.