Skateboarding Safety Tips

Skateboarding is an activity that is enjoyed by children and adults alike. While many people enjoy skateboarding recreationally, others use it as a convenient means of transportation. Skateboarding can range from a simple neighborhood activity to an extreme sports event. No matter the level of skateboarding practiced by you or your child, it is necessary to exercise safety precautions. In 2011, 78,000 children and teens under the age of 19 visited the emergency room for injuries sustained due to skateboarding incidents.

Some safety tips for skateboarding:

• Wear a helmet and other protective gear such as knee pads and wrist guards
• Make sure the helmet and protective gear fit properly
• Wear appropriate shoes and clothing
• Make sure your skateboard is in good working order
• Do not allow children under the age of five to ride the skateboard
• Avoid skateboarding at night or in crowded areas
• Avoid skateboarding in areas with high traffic volume
• Do not hold onto any other moving vehicle while skateboarding
• Do not skateboard over large holes or cracks in the surface
• Do not wear headphones while riding
• Do not attempt tricks unless you have been trained properly to do so

Not adhering to proper safety procedures while skateboarding can result in serious injuries. Such injuries that may arise include broken bones, sprains, head trauma, contusions, lacerations, and even death. In fact, 30 people died in 2012 due to skateboarding accidents, all of which occurred in the roadway. Most of the accidents involved another vehicle.

If you are injured due to a skateboarding accident, liability can arise in a number of ways. A third party may be liable if their negligent or reckless conduct caused you injury. If the incident occurred due to a condition on a premise, such as at a skateboarding park, an owner may be held liable for failure to repair, if they were aware of the condition. Additionally, a skateboarding company could be held liable for an injury that occurred to a defect in the product.

If you have been injured in a skateboarding accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you of your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, as well as pain and suffering.Call the personal injury attorneys at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP at (332) 239-1601 today.