If You Were Struck by a Vehicle While You Were Riding Your Skateboard
As summer begins to close its chapter to fall, more people will be preparing to enjoy the changing of the leaves and the chilly ocean breezes blowing in from the Atlantic. Now, residents of Delaware will be preparing to enjoy fall bike rides, outdoor cooking, oceanside parties, and nature walks (among other outdoor activities) as the chill of fall begins to creep through our state. However, many residents may also be more than eager to hit their skateboards on boardwalks and roadways to catch the last of the warm air. However, an activity such as this one (where a rider is left unprotected) can prove disastrous when a distracted driver approaches. In the blink of an eye, a skateboarder can suffer catastrophic injuries if he/she is struck by an oncoming car, resulting in extensive mental and physical trauma.
The Complexities of Skateboards and the Risk of Riding
Despite being an exhilarating source of endless fun, skateboards are still incredibly risky little vehicles which (under the wrong circumstances) can inflict tremendous damage on a rider. According to the National Safety Council, in 2017, 98,000 people were brought to emergency rooms due to injuries sustained during skateboarding. Injury Facts also confirms that 47,000 of these cases involved 15 to 24-year-old riders.
However, the Council also stresses one important factor: skateboards cannot be ridden across the street. Despite this rule, though, collisions involving skateboarders and motorists still happen (unfortunately).
The Painful Outcome of Skateboard and Car Collisions
Overall, skateboarders can suffer from a variety of injuries, which can become more severe if a motor vehicle is involved. Here are some examples of the trauma riders can sustain in a collision with a car or truck:
- Ankle and/or wrist injuries
- Facial lacerations or fractures
- Broken jaw or nose
- Severe bruises and cuts
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
For more information on skateboard-related injuries, please review the list of injuries provided by HealthyChildren.org.
Handling a Skateboard and Car Collision
In the event that you, an adult family member, or your child suffered severe injuries after they collided with a car, you can consider several options for your skateboarding injury case. After contacting a personal injury lawyer, you must obtain the name, phone number, and any other personal information of the responsible driver. Above all else, always file a report with the local police.
YOUR LEGAL SOLUTION
Skateboarding is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the summer warmth and get plenty of exercise, but the fact of the matter is that these little strips of wood with wheels can prove to be a bit more hazardous than you would like. While riding these small vehicles (of sorts) at the skatepark or along the boardwalk might be fun, riding these down one of the major streets in Delaware can be dangerous. Without warning, a distracted driver can slam into you and inflict tremendous damage on your body and mind. You do not deserve to suffer such severe consequences.
Out team of professional lawyers at Edelstein, Martin, & Nelson, are passionate about our practice and are fully knowledgeable in the laws, rules, and statutes surrounding unfortunate bus-related pedestrian accidents throughout the State of Delaware. We can guarantee you will receive the justice you deserve. For legal advice and for more information about our services, contact our office today at 800-300-0909.
