Maison Law can help you through the claims process if you’re injured in a skateboarding accident in Fresno. Being on a skateboard is a great way to get from point A to point B in Fresno, but it’s not without its risks. That doesn’t change your rights or your options when you’re hurt in an accident that someone else causes, though. Our team can help you through that process. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
Why Should I Get a Lawyer After a Skateboard Accident in Fresno?
What starts as a simple skateboard accident can turn complicated quickly. Injuries show up later, medical bills start arriving, and time away from work can put pressure on your finances. On top of that, insurance companies don’t always make the process easy—and are probably saying that it was your fault to begin with.
Even still, you’re not required to get a lawyer. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need one if you’re in this position. Our team at Maison Law can step in early and help you with:
- Looking into what caused the accident and who may be responsible
- Gathering evidence and details before they disappear
- Explaining your options and what the claims process may look like
What you really need in this situation is for things to be slowed down and simplified. That’s exactly what our team can do. But there’s things you can do to help yourself, too. And it starts right there after the accident happens.
What Information Should I Try to Get After My Accident?
Skateboard accidents happen in a flash. One second you’re coasting along like you always do. The next, something unexpected—a crack in the sidewalk, a driver swerving around you—throws you off balance. Suddenly you’re on the ground, trying to figure out what just happened. In these kinds of accidents, though, the information you can get right there at the scene is pretty important. So if you can, here’s what you should try to get:
- Pictures/videos. If you can, take pictures of the spot where it happened. Get the crack, pothole, uneven sidewalk, or anything else that caused the fall. Try to grab both close-ups and wider shots that show the whole area.
- Witness information. If someone nearby saw what happened, ask for their name and phone number. It might feel awkward at the moment, but witnesses often help fill in details you didn’t see yourself—especially in busy areas near Fresno State or around places like River Park.
- Medical records. Even if you think your injuries are minor, keep track of every doctor visit, urgent care stop, or treatment. Small injuries sometimes turn into bigger ones over time.
- Information from anyone else involved. If a driver, cyclist, or another person played a role, try to get their contact and insurance information. Even if they seem apologetic, having the details helps keep everything clear later.
- Your own notes. When things calm down a bit, write down what you remember. What time it happened, what the lighting was like, how fast you were going, and how the accident unfolded. Those little details are surprisingly helpful later.
Right after an accident, everything feels rushed and confusing. But those early moments are when key details are still fresh and visible. Getting what you can helps show the story of what happened, and if anything is missing, our team can help track it down.
Who Pays for My Damages After a Skateboarding Accident?
It’s not surprising that skateboard accidents lead to serious injuries for you or anyone else that’s riding them. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options if you’re injured in an accident that happens because of someone else’s negligence:
- A driver turning without checking for someone on a skateboard
- A property owner ignoring broken pavement or unsafe walkways
- A construction site leaving debris or uneven surfaces in a public path
That’s what gives you the right to file a claim, but before you reach that point, you need to know who’s responsible. And not surprisingly, it usually happens when:
- Drivers or vehicle owners who failed to watch for someone riding through an intersection or parking lot.
- Pedestrians or cyclists who suddenly moved into your path without enough space to avoid a fall.
- The City of Fresno or another public agency if a poorly maintained sidewalk, pothole, or street hazard caused the accident.
- Construction or maintenance companies that left behind unsafe pavement transitions, loose materials, or blocked walkways.
- Manufacturers if a defect in the skateboard or its parts caused equipment failure.
California also follows a rule called comparative negligence, which means more than one person can share responsibility. If someone (usually an insurance adjuster) argues that you were partly responsible—maybe saying you were riding too fast or not paying attention—your claim result can be reduced by that percentage. It doesn’t take away your ability to file a claim, but it does make the details of the accident important.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Skateboard Accident?
If you think about the physical side of a skateboard accident, it’s pretty easy to see what the damage is. Injuries, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, bills and missed work are all going to cut into your finances. But there’s also the mental and emotional side. Anxiety, stress, PTSD, and the loss of the ability to enjoy skateboarding again are also there.
That’s what you’re getting help with when you file an injury claim, whether it’s through insurance or a lawsuit. Your “damages” are about what you’ve lost, and they include things like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Reduced earning ability if injuries affect your job
- Repair or replacement of your skateboard and other damaged property
- Pain and physical discomfort
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral and related expenses in fatal accident cases
In most situations, you have two years from the date of the accident to file an injury claim in California. However, if the claim involves a city or government agency—such as a sidewalk maintained by the City of Fresno—you may only have six months to file a notice.
Where Do Skateboarding Accidents Usually Happen in Fresno?
Location often plays a big role in how skateboard accidents happen. Some areas simply create more risk because of traffic, pavement conditions, or the number of people moving through them.
- Spots along Shaw Avenue, Blackstone Avenue, and Herndon Avenue see constant vehicle movement and turning traffic.
- Streets and sidewalks at Fresno State and nearby neighborhoods, riders, pedestrians, and vehicles often share limited space, especially during peak class hours.
- Parking lots and shopping centers at Fashion Fair Mall or River Park have constant vehicle movement, with drivers backing out of spaces or cutting across lanes.
- Older sidewalks and uneven pavement throughout parts of the city can also cause sudden falls. Small cracks or raised concrete sections are often enough to stop a skateboard wheel instantly.
Where an accident happens can help explain why it happened—and who may be responsible. That puts you in a better position to file a claim. But your accident probably shouldn’t have happened to begin with. Our team can guide you through the whole process from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m not sure who caused my accident?
That happens a lot. Sometimes it’s not obvious right away whether a driver, property owner, or even the city played a role. Figuring that out is usually the first step.
Can I file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. Not wearing a helmet doesn’t automatically stop you from filing an injury claim. It might come up when people talk about fault, but it doesn’t erase someone else’s responsibility.
How long do I have to take action after a skateboard accident in Fresno?
Most injury claims in California need to be filed within two years. If a city agency might be involved, the timeline can be much shorter.
Talk With Maison Law After a Skateboard Accident in Fresno
For a lot of people in Fresno, skateboarding is just part of everyday life. It’s how you get around, clear your head, or just enjoy the ride.
But when a street, sidewalk, or parking lot isn’t maintained the way it should be, a normal ride can turn into an injury in seconds. If you’ve been hurt in a skateboard accident somewhere around Fresno, our team at Maison Law can talk through what happened and help you figure out what your options look like from here. Set up a free consultation today.
