Do You Know How to Help Prevent Skateboard Accidents?
Rumble, rumble, thump, thump. You hear the wheels on the pavement. Without even looking up you know that a skateboard is approaching. These noises may only increase as skateboarding gains popularity. Before the COVID-19 global pandemic, skateboarding was scheduled to make its Olympic debut in Tokyo. While the Olympics may have been postponed, skateboarders will continue to hone their skills in parks, on sidewalks, and unfortunately around traffic.
Nearly 50 children visit emergency departments every hour due to injuries on bikes, scooters, skates, and skateboards. When a car is involved, these injuries can be serious and even fatal. Here we will discuss skateboard accidents and injuries. We will also provide safety tips for skateboarders.
Skateboard accidents can be serious and even fatal. If a skateboard accident injures you or a loved one, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, seek legal help from a personal injury lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers, personal injury lawyers serving Las Vegas and its vicinity, has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Skateboard Accidents and Injury Statistics
In 2019, at least 148,921 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms after being injured while skateboarding. Over 51,000 of those injuries occurred in people from 15 to 24 years old. Over 46,000 of those injuries occurred in people from 5 to 14 years old.
The previous year, Safe Kids Worldwide provided more detailed analysis. It reported the following regarding skateboard injuries:
- In 2018, it is estimated that there were more than 42,000 nonfatal skateboard-related injuries among children that required an emergency room visit. This corresponded to estimated rates of 51.6 per 100,000.
- The majority of skateboard-related (94 percent) nonfatal injuries were treated and released.
- The estimated rate of emergency room visits for nonfatal skateboard-related injuries among children declined by more than half from 2004 to 2018.
- In 2018, the most common parts of the body injured among nonfatal skateboard-related emergency room visits were the upper extremities (51 percent), lower extremities (26 percent) and the head/neck (18 percent).
What Injuries Can Result from a Car Accident Involving a Skateboarder?
Skateboard accidents involving cars and skateboarders are serious. These accidents can result in significant injuries and even death. The following are some injuries to be aware of if a car injures a skateboarder.
Spinal Cord Injury
A car hitting a skateboarder can result in a spinal cord injury. If you are hit by a car, look out for the following symptoms of a spinal cord injury:
- Pain
- Loss of feeling or sensation below the injury
- Incontinence
- Loss of control of arms or legs
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty balancing
- Unusual twisting of the back
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury is an injury resulting from a violent blow or jolt to the head. A traumatic brain injury can have many different levels of severity. The victim of a traumatic brain injury may recover completely or could end up with a lifelong disability. If you are suffering from a mild traumatic brain injury, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Brief loss of consciousness
- A state of being dazed, confused, or disoriented
- Dizziness, loss of balance
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Problems with speech
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Bad taste in mouth
- Change in ability to smell
- Memory loss or concentration problems
If a car hits you while you are on a skateboard, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Anthem Injury Lawyers are an experienced team of personal injury lawyers that has represented many clients in these and a range of other accident cases. Our office is in Henderson and we handle personal injury cases all over the Las Vegas area. This includes North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Summerlin. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
What Do You Do if a Car Hits You on a Skateboard?
A car accident involving a skateboarder can be a scary and traumatic experience. If you are hit by a car as a skateboarder do the following:
- Remain calm
- Call 911
- Obtain medical help
- Record information (if possible)
- Exchange information
- Document your injuries
- Do not admit fault
- Contact a personal injury lawyer
Anthem Injury Lawyers is an award-winning personal injury law firm that provides the experience and expertise you need when facing the repercussions of being a victim in an accident. We are a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers based in Henderson, Nevada. We serve clients in Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Reno, and all of Clark County. With over 25 years of experience representing clients in a variety of accident cases, Anthem Injury Lawyers specializes in personal injury claims. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Skateboard Safety Tips
Even the most cautious skateboarder can be injured. If you are going out on a skateboard, use the following safety tips.
Inspect Your Equipment
Inspect your equipment every time you ride. Your skateboard should be free of:
- Loose, broken, or cracked parts
- Sharp edges on metal boards
- A slippery top surface
- Wheels with nicks and cracks
Wear Protective Equipment
Protective equipment should always be worn while skateboarding. Injuries from skateboarding accidents can be reduced with proper protective equipment. Protective equipment includes the following:
- Properly fitted helmet that meets safety standards
- Close-toed, flat-soled shoes
- Wrist guards
- Knee pads
- Elbow pads
Stay Safe On the Skateboard
Stay safe on skateboards and avoid skateboard accidents by doing the following:
- Avoid cars.
- Never skateboard in the street.
- Only skateboard during the day to maintain visibility.
- Learn how to fall.
- Never hitch a ride on a car.
- Skateboard sober. Never use drugs or alcohol while skateboarding.
- Avoid using headphones or earbuds.
- Skate to your ability.
- If possible, skate in a skate park.
City of Henderson’s Skate Parks
Skate parks are a great way to practice skateboarding and avoid skateboard accidents with cars. The City of Henderson has several skate parks including:
- Anthem Hills Park
- Cactus Wren Park
- Hayley Hendricks Park
- Hidden Falls Park
- Morrell Park
- Potenza Park
- Tuscany Park
If you choose to visit one of Henderson’s skate parks, abide by the skate park rules including the following:
- Observe social distancing.
- Keep 6 feet apart.
- Only skateboards, inline skates, and bicycles are allowed.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
- Wear proper safety gear.
Even the safest skateboarder can be injured by another. If you are the victim in an accident, seek medical help immediately. Once you have received proper medical care, contact an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer.
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
Has a driver injured you on a skateboard? If so, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can give you legal advice and help protect your rights. Our Las Vegas legal team understands that being an accident victim can be one of the most difficult things you will ever face. As you deal with injuries and wonder how to navigate the system, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced lawyer. Some well-meaning people may advise you to represent yourself as lawyers are too expensive. We don’t get paid unless you win, so take advantage of our expertise when you need a lawyer for your Las Vegas area accident case.
Our personal injury lawyers handle all types of motor vehicle accident cases including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bus accidents. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation. We can come to you if your injuries are too severe to allow you to visit our Las Vegas area law office.