San Pablo Skateboard Accident Lawyer

Should You Get a Lawyer?

Just because you’re on a skateboard doesn’t change the fact that legally, you’re a pedestrian. As such, you have all the same rights (and responsibilities) as any other person walking in San Pablo. But when you’re injured in an accident, you might be wondering if you should get a lawyer. Given that riding a skateboard raises certain legal questions, you should think about reaching out to my team when you’re in one of these accidents. Here’s what we’ll do to help you:

• Explain your rights and options.
• Gather evidence and figure who’s at fault.
• Push back against lowball offers to get you a fair settlement/
• Handle the legal process so you don’t have to, taking care of the paperwork while you focus on getting better.

Every skateboarding accident is different, so it’s important to get advice tailored to your situation. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront. But the process is still difficult, and it’s important to know what you can do to protect yourself and your claim after you’re in one of these accidents.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Skateboard Accident Claim?

Skateboarding is a big part of life for many people in San Pablo, whether they’re going from place to place, practicing tricks, or just enjoying the ride. But when a driver isn’t paying attention, a simple outing can turn into a serious accident. Unlike cars, skateboards offer no protection, meaning even a low-speed collision can lead to major injuries. Finding yourself in this situation requires you to take certain steps to protect your health and potential claim:

• Call 911 right away – Even if you feel okay, some injuries take time to appear. Call 911 and ask for an ambulance and police. Once on the scene, paramedics check you out, and if needed, take you to the hospital for further treatment. The police will also help you gather important information at the scene, and can officially document the accident.
  
  
• Exchange information – Get the driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.
  
  
• Document the scene – If you’re able, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, the vehicle, and anything else that may be relevant. These details can help if you decide to file a claim later.
  
  
• Be careful with statements – Watch what you say. Even saying “I’m sorry” could be used against you. Stick to the facts when speaking to the police, the driver, and especially insurance reps.
  
  

Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries or shift blame onto you, the skateboarder. While it might be seen as risky, the reality is that you have the same rights as anyone else on the road or sidewalk. Even with this legal protection, you’re still going to have to file a claim to get financial support.

What Legal Options Do You Have After a Skateboard Accident?

The easiest way to think about your legal rights after you’re injured in a skateboard accident is to look at it like you’re a pedestrian. If you’re skateboarding in a crosswalk or a designated area and following the rules, drivers should stop for you. But accidents still happen all the time. Because you have legal rights, you can file an injury claim to recover “damages.”

There’s two main paths for you here:

• Filing an insurance claim out of court.
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit.
  
  

An insurance claim is generally quicker and less formal because it’s outside of the court system. The tradeoff, though, is that it’s totally controlled by the insurance company. They get to decide what your claim is worth and what they offer you. Because they ultimately want to save money, they’ll try to minimize your payout.

If the insurance company’s settlement isn’t enough to cover your losses, you can move forward with actually filing a lawsuit in civil court. This is a formal action where we file your claim and represent you in court before a judge. It takes longer and requires more effort, but it gives you a better chance at fair damages for your:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Repair or replacement costs for your personal property–clothing or your skateboard–that was damaged in the accident.
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Funeral or burial expenses for a fatal accident
• Punitive damages, in cases of intentional or reckless negligence.
  
  

Obviously, what you’re able to get in a claim is going to depend on several factors, from how hurt you are to how compelling your case is. More to the point, in order to even have a chance at these damages, you have to file your claim within two years of the date of the accident. And even before you reach the point where you can file your claim, you have to figure out who’s “liable” for the accident itself.

Who’s Liable For a Skateboard Accident?

In a skateboard accident, figuring out who has to pay for your damages follows the same basic principle as other accidents: negligence. Negligence is when someone:

• Fails to take reasonable care, and their actions cause the accident and your injuries.
  
  

In most cases, the following parties could be responsible for a skateboard accident:

• Drivers or passengers
• Other pedestrians
• Local government or agencies
• Construction companies
• Vehicle manufacturers or parts makers
  
  

California also follows a rule called comparative negligence, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your damages may be reduced based on how much fault you share. This doesn’t stop you from filing a claim, but it shows how important it is to gather all the details about the accident to make sure you get the best possible outcome for your case.

What Causes Skateboarding Accidents in San Pablo?

Skateboarding is a great way to get around San Pablo, but the roads aren’t always safe for skaters. Many accidents happen because drivers fail to pay attention or respect your rights as a skateboarder. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:

• Drivers who aren’t paying attention
• Reckless or speeding drivers
• Driving while impaired
• Low visibility conditions
• Poor weather
• Poorly maintained streets
• Lacking designated skateboarding areas
• Dangerous intersections that don’t have proper signs or traffic signals
  
  

Many skateboarding accidents result from a combination of these factors. If you’ve been injured, focus on getting medical care first. Then, talk to our team to take the next steps.

Legal Support for Skateboarding Accidents in San Pablo

A skateboarding accident can leave you with serious injuries, high medical bills, and a long recovery process. But you don’t have to go through it alone. At NWR Law, we understand the unique challenges skateboarders face on the road. We’ll stand up for your rights and help you get the financial support you need to get better. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how we can help.