Baltimore Hoverboard Injury Lawyers

Hoverboard Accidents and Injuries

Hoverboards have gained in popularity, with dozens of manufacturers producing their own version of the self-balancing skateboards. Some even feature flashing lights, while others have installed Bluetooth speakers that can connect to a user’s smartphone. With all of these bells and whistles, it is easy to understand the growing popularity of hoverboards. However, severe injuries from falls, and reports that these devices can catch on fire while charging, raise serious questions as to their overall safety. Our Maryland personal injury lawyers help secure compensation for clients injured by dangerous and defective products.

Common Injuries Associated with Hoverboards

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) chairman, Elliott Kay, urges consumers to use caution when riding hoverboards, as they present injury risks similar to that of skateboards. In addition, hoverboards do not tend to work well on uneven surfaces. In fact, as little as half an inch of unevenness can stop the hoverboard in its tracks. And the force needed to stop is so high that, although the hoverboard may stop, the person riding it will keep going, resulting in a range of potential injuries, including the following:

  • Concussions
  • Contusions
  • Fractures
  • Internal injuries
  • Inter-cranial bleeding
  • Wrist, ankle and knee injuries

Preventing Hoverboard Injuries

There are some simple tips to follow that can reduce the risk of injury and prevent the hoverboard from malfunctioning, including the following:

  • Do your research. Only purchase a hoverboard from a reputable retailer. Avoid knockoff brands that are available at malls, flea markets or unreliable websites.
  • Always wear appropriate safety gear while operating a hoverboard, including a helmet, knee and wrist pads, and wrist guards.
  • Do not leave a hoverboard unattended while it is charging.
  • Keep the hoverboard in a clean, dry area while charging, clear of anything that could catch on fire.
  • Know your abilities and take it slow.
  • Do not ride a hoverboard in crowded areas or in the vicinity of moving motor vehicles.

Risk of Fires and Explosions

CPSC recently began investigating hoverboard-related fires across the country and found that certain models caught on fire while charging, as well as during use. Unfortunately, many models are produced in factories in Asia, which do not follow the same safety standards that are required in the United States. Therefore, even if retailers only sell devices with batteries and chargers that meet certain safety requirements, the device as a whole may not meet those requirements.

Baltimore Hoverboard Injury Attorneys at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Hoverboard Injury Victims

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured while riding a hoverboard or as a result of the hoverboard catching on fire, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the experienced Maryland personal injury lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton so that we may thoroughly review the details for your case and hold the responsible parties liable for your injuries. For a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson, allowing us to represent victims of negligence throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.