Rollerblading and skateboarding have surged in popularity across South Florida. Children, teens, and adults frequently use these methods for recreation, exercise, and daily commuting.
Unfortunately, this increase in foot traffic has led to a devastating rise in rollerblading and skateboarding accidents. Far too often, negligent drivers fail to share the road safely with those outside of motor vehicles.
When a 4,000-pound car collides with a skater, the results are almost always catastrophic. If you or a loved one were hurt due to someone else’s carelessness, the compassionate legal team at The Law Offices of Robert Dixon is here to fight for your right to maximum compensation.
Understanding the Rights of Skaters on Florida Roads
Under Florida law, individuals on skateboards and rollerblades are generally afforded the same rights—and responsibilities—as pedestrians and bicyclists. They have a legal right to utilize public spaces safely.
Many motorists, however, fail to respect these rights. Drivers often refuse to yield to skaters legally moving through crosswalks , leading to devastating impacts. Skaters face an uphill battle against the stigma of their hobby, but our firm knows that your rights matter just as much as any driver’s.
Common Causes of Rollerblading and Skateboarding Accidents
While some incidents are caused by simple falls, the most severe crashes involve third-party negligence. Determining exactly how your accident happened is the first step toward building a strong personal injury case.
Driver Negligence and Inattention
Distracted driving is a leading cause of catastrophic injuries. Drivers texting, adjusting the radio, or simply daydreaming frequently fail to see a skater until it is too late.
This danger is magnified when a skater is attempting to cross a busy intersection where vehicles are turning rapidly. Other common negligent driving behaviors include speeding, running red lights, and driving under the influence.
Dangerous Property and Road Conditions
Not all accidents involve a motor vehicle. Sometimes, poor infrastructure is to blame. A poorly maintained or severely cracked sidewalk can abruptly stop a skateboard’s wheels, throwing the rider forward.
If a municipality or private property owner failed to fix a known hazard, they could be held liable under premises liability laws.
Severe Injuries in Rollerblading and Skateboarding Accidents
Skaters have virtually no physical protection against the sheer force of a moving vehicle. Even when wearing helmets and pads, victims are frequently severely injured upon impact.
Common injuries sustained in these crashes include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Ranging from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment.
Spinal Cord Damage: Often resulting in partial or total paralysis.
Multiple Bone Fractures: Commonly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
Road Rash and Lacerations: Deep abrasions that can lead to permanent scarring and infection.
The Long-Term Financial Impact
The physical pain is only the beginning. Victims often face mounting hospital bills, extensive physical therapy, and a sudden inability to work. A successful personal injury claim seeks to cover these past, present, and future damages.
How Liability is Determined in Rollerblading and Skateboarding Accidents
To win your personal injury case, your attorney must prove four elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. All drivers owe a “duty of care” to act as a reasonable, prudent person would to avoid harming others on the road.
When a driver texts behind the wheel and strikes a rollerblader, they have breached that duty. This breach makes them legally liable for the resulting physical and financial damages.
Navigating Florida’s Comparative Negligence Laws
Insurance companies frequently try to blame the skater for the crash. They may claim you darted out into traffic or weren’t wearing bright clothing.
However, Florida follows a comparative negligence system. This means that even if you are found partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover financial compensation. Your final settlement or award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our elite legal team knows how to counter these aggressive insurance tactics to protect your financial recovery.
The Statute of Limitations
It is vital to act quickly. Florida law imposes a strict statute of limitations—a legal deadline—on how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this window, you will lose your right to seek justice entirely.
Crucial Steps to Take After an Accident
What you do immediately following a crash can make or break your personal injury claim. If you are physically able, follow these steps:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Go to the hospital or an urgent care clinic immediately, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks serious internal injuries.
Call the Police: Always get an official accident report filed by law enforcement.
Document the Scene: Take photos of your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, and the surrounding road conditions.
Do Not Speak to the Insurer: Insurance adjusters will try to use your words against you. Let your lawyer handle all communication.
Contact a Trusted Miami Rollerblading and Skateboarding Accident Attorney Today
Drivers who fail to exercise proper care on South Florida roadways must be held accountable for the devastation they cause. You do not have to navigate the complex legal system alone while struggling to recover from severe injuries.
Let the skilled, empathetic team at The Law Offices of Robert Dixon handle the insurance companies and aggressively fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We offer a completely free, no-obligation consultation to review the facts of your case.
