The Barnes Firm

Saving Skateboarders from Cars

• October 17, 2017
• Sandy

SAN JOSE, Calif. – When the average person walks by a skate park, their first thought might be something like, “wow, that looks dangerous!” But the majority of those seriously injured while riding on skateboards are hit by a car.

Drivers are notorious for hogging the road despite laws requiring traffic to be shared amongst cars, bikes, pedestrians, and others including skateboarders. In San Jose alone, there are dozens of incidents every year where a skateboarder is stuck by a vehicle.

A San Jose car crash lawyer at The Barnes Firm says some motorists are aggressive and they have little care to watch for skateboarders riding near the roadways.

“People of all ages enjoy riding skateboards and it’s a popular means of transportation in San Jose,” car accident lawyer John Sheehan said. “Skateboarders have little protection when they’re struck by a car and the injuries are often severe so it’s important for drivers to not only obey the traffic laws but also be aware of those outside, sharing the road.”

According to SkatePark.org, 28 skateboarders were killed in 2014, including eight in California. More than 80 percent of those skateboarders were struck by a car or truck.

Thousands more were injured by motor vehicles. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimated that skateboarders under the age of 19 account for more than 78,000 emergency room visits every year.

At skate parks, minor injuries are common: scrapes, cuts and bruises. However, when a skateboarder is struck by a car, the injuries can be more serious.

“Spinal cord injuries, fractured bones and severe brain injuries are common in car accidents,” Sheehan said. “If you’re behind the wheel of a car, you have a responsibility to be aware of your surroundings so these accidents can be avoided but drivers are more distracted than ever and we’re seeing a spike in skateboarding injuries as a result.”

Many car crashes can be attributed to driver error – which makes it difficult for a skateboarder to avoid a collision. But San Jose car accident lawyers say there are several ways for skateboarders to reduce their risk of injury.

In California, all skateboarders under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets, and for obvious reasons: proper fitting helmets have proven to reduce the risk of head injuries in most accidents.

If you or your child has been injured while on a skateboard, you may be entitled to compensation. The San Jose car accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm have helped many Californians recover from devastating crashes and with offices in downtown L.A., our attorneys are happy to answer any legal questions you may have.

The Barnes Firm 1-(800) 800-0000