Skateboard Accidents Caused by Potholes in Modesto

Maison Law represents victims of skateboard accidents caused by potholes in Modesto. Skateboard accidents caused by potholes are more common than you might think. According to Nationwide Children’s, roughly 176 skateboarders go to the ER daily due to potholes and uneven surfaces. So, as the data shows, when a skateboarder takes a spill on the concrete below, the resulting injuries tend to be life-altering.

That’s why, at Maison Law, we stand up for skateboarders who have been injured by unrepaired potholes in Modesto. If you’re an injured skateboarder who is suffering injuries, financial losses, and mental trauma after being hit by a vehicle, our firm is ready to advocate on your behalf and protect your right to compensation.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to take legal action. Contact Maison Law today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Skateboard Injury?

According to the National Safety Council, over 220,000 skateboarders had to be treated in an emergency room after suffering an injury while out skateboarding, with over 80% of these injuries being caused by hazardous surfaces. An even more unfortunate reality skateboarders face is that they are often neglected by insurance companies, receiving the lowest amount possible for their injuries. On top of that, skateboarders are frequently blamed for causing their own injuries, further complicating their path toward recovering compensation.

But that’s where the Skateboard Accident Lawyers at Maison Law can help. We advocate on behalf of injured skateboarders in Modesto by protecting them from liability after being involved in an accident and ensuring they receive financial compensation for the following damages:

• Economic damages: financial damages you incurred due to the accident.
  • Medical bills
  • Lost Wages
  • Loss of future potential earnings
  • Loss of property
  • Cost of property repair or replacement
• Non-economic damages: these are subjective, non-compensatory damages.
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of consortium
• Punitive damages: these are damages awarded to serve as punishment to the at-fault party.
  • Reckless behavior (DUI, street racing)
  • Actions performed out of spite

Steps You Should Take After a Skateboard Accident in Modesto

A skateboard accident can be life-altering, which is why it is important to make sure you take the necessary steps to get your life back on track. At Maison Law, we can handle your case for you, so you don’t have to worry about being taken advantage of by the insurance company or missing out on compensation you may need for current and future medical procedures. We recommend taking the following steps to ensure you have a strong case:

• Collect Medical Records: Even if your injuries seem minor, they can manifest into something much worse weeks later. So, it is recommended to check in with a doctor and get a record of your injury. An MRI or an X-ray can reveal substantial damage that you might not be aware of. These documents will be essential to building a strong case.
• Get a Police Report or Accident Report (if applicable): Failing to alert the police, or property owner does not help your case, especially if the case comes down to your word over the person responsible for your injuries. An accident report is critical evidence in any claim and will play a key role in ensuring you are fully compensated.
• Gather Evidence: You should document the accident as thoroughly as possible. Take pictures of the property where the accident occurred. Take a video of yourself recounting the accident while it is still fresh in your mind.
• Collect Eye Witness Statements: if there are any eyewitnesses, try and get a statement from them. Or, at least, get their names and numbers, as they can testify on your behalf or provide a statement to corroborate your story later.
• Collect General Information: Exchange insurance information with the party responsible for your injuries, and be sure to get their name, phone number, and contact information.
• Contact Maison Law: Our firm is standing by to help skateboard accident victims in Modesto, physically and financially recover. Call, text, or email. Our door is always open to the community, and we’d love to help you through this difficult time.

How to Report a Pothole in Modesto

Potholes in Modesto are a common issue due to consistent rainy seasons, winter weather, and erosion from usual traffic pressure. Fortunately, Modesto has a pothole repair program through their Public Works Department, which can be contacted to repair streets, alleys, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks on government property. Here’s how you can report a pothole in Modesto:

• Call Street Services at 209-342-2244 and provide the potholes location, size, and the hazards it presents.
• Submit a Report Online at the city’s service request portal, (Go Modesto!) here.
• Contact Stanislaus County via the Connect app or by reaching out to their Public Works division at 209-525-4130.

What the Law Says About Premises Liability

California Civil Code 1714a specifies that a person can be held responsible for injuries resulting from reckless, careless, or intentional acts, even if they never meant to cause harm. This law especially applies to property owners, businesses, or government entities who fail to create a safe environment for runners. California’s Civil Code 1714(a) states:

“Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary car, brought the injury upon himself or herself.”

How Do Pothole Injuries on Public Property Differ From Injuries on Private Property?

If you suffered a pothole injury in a public place due to a hazardous condition, pursuing damages can be more complicated than if you were to file a lawsuit against a private property owner. Public spaces are owned by the government. So, instead of filing a lawsuit against a company or individual, you would be filing a lawsuit against the government.

One of the major differences between government entities and private property owners is that the government can claim “sovereign immunity.” Sovereign immunity essentially means that a government entity is not liable for injuries caused by the government entity or its employees as they are fulfilling their duty.

However, the California Tort Claims Act gives exceptions in which the government can be held liable for damages in cases of excessive carelessness (drunk driving, knowingly ignoring hazards, etc.), or corruption. Depending on the circumstances, suing the government for a skateboard accident can be an incredibly challenging process. You will need an experienced tort lawyer who understands government liability to navigate the complex legal process.

What Info is Needed During a Law Firm’s Intake Process?

The intake process usually starts off with a questionnaire to assess the merits of the case. This questionnaire will provide the law firm with key information to help determine if a case is worth pursuing or not. However, if you’d like to speak directly to an attorney, you can usually setup a brief meeting to discuss the details of your situation prior to answering a questionnaire. The following data is what potential clients will need to begin the intake process with a law firm:

• Employment details: current or former employer, job title, dates of employment, and compensation information.
• Nature of the complaint: type of carelessness that led to your injury (premise liability, car accident, defective equipment)
• Timeline of events: dates of key incidents, formal complaints filed, relevant communications with employer
• Witnesses: names and contact information of potential witnesses to the alleged misconduct
• Documentation: list of relevant documents (x-rays, MRIs, doctor’s diagnosis, physical therapy appointments, workers’ compensation forms)
• Prior legal action: if you’ve filed previous personal injury claims, then the details of your previous case may be relevant to your new case
• Medical information: details about your medical diagnosis and treatment plan
• Social media presence: your injury may be documented online, as well as you discussing the details of your personal injury

How Maison Law Will Help You Win a Fair Settlement

At Maison Law, we aggressively pursue a fair settlement on your behalf. We understand that a personal injury claim is your one chance to recover compensation for your current and future damages. So, we exercise every legal avenue to get you the financial compensation you need. We accomplish this through:

• Accurate damage calculation: we calculate damages based on expert testimony, medical evaluations, and economic analyses to cover every aspect of your current and long-term, medical needs.
• Clear reports and expert witness testimony: our firm compiles detailed reports that outline the extent of your injuries and the impact they will have on the rest of your life. We organize expert witness testimony to reinforce the credibility of your claim and the incident.
• Minimizing liability: if you file a claim or lawsuit against an at-fault party, they will most likely attempt to put some or all of the blame onto you. Our firm will analyze your case and work to minimize or eliminate liability in your personal injury accident.
• Negotiating with insurers: our experienced team of lawyers are expert negotiators and understand the tacts insurance companies will take to attempt to minimize your damages and compensation. We ensure our clients receive a fair settlement that fully covers their current and future needs.
• Court Representation: our trial lawyers will represent you in court and build a strong case, highlighting the depth of your injuries and the necessity for recovering damages.

What Factors Could Decrease My Skateboard Accident Settlement?

Understanding the factors that can potentially harm your case is essential to knowing the value of your lawsuit. While a Skateboard Accident Attorney at Maison Law will be able to highlight the reasons you deserve to be compensated, we will also work aggressively to protect you from the factors that could reduce your compensation. These factors include:

1. Comparative negligence: if you are found partially at fault, your settlement can be reduced by your percentage of liability.
2. Pre-existing conditions: Pre-existing medical conditions unrelated to the accident could complicate and potentially decrease the settlement.
3. Lack of strong evidence: The inability to prove the liable party’s fault or carelessness in the accident can undermine your case and reduce your settlement.
4. Delayed medical treatment: Delays in seeking medical treatment after the accident may count against you as it implies your injuries were not that severe.
5. Inconsistent statements: Inconsistencies in your statement or re-telling of the incident can hurt your credibility and diminish settlement prospects.

Contact Maison Law | Modesto Skateboard Accident Lawyers

If you’re looking for a law firm to manage your skateboard injury claim and get you fair compensation, we can help. Our firm understands the enormous medical costs associated with skateboard accidents and will aggressively pursue a settlement to match the full extent of your damages to ensure you are made whole.

Even a minor accident can have a major impact on your health and finances over time, so don’t hesitate to get the legal representation you need to get your life back on track. Contact Maison Law today for a no-cost, no-obligation case review.