New Jersey Hoverboard Injury Lawyer

Hoverboards are the latest electronics craze, with both kids and adults enjoying the self-balancing skateboards. They are produced by a number of manufacturers and sold in mall kiosks and online. As hoverboards have increased in popularity, however, the number of injury complaints has risen sharply. At Grungo Law, our New Jersey hoverboard injury lawyers are here to help if you have been injured in a hoverboard accident.

Many consumers assume that the product utilizes the same technology as the Segway, which maintains its balance using a gyroscope. Instead, most hoverboards use a weight sensing switch under each foot. This allows riders to direct the hoverboard forward or backward, but does not control the balance of the device. Many of the devices are produced in Asian countries that do not have the same safety standards as U.S. manufacturers.

Types of Injuries Caused by Hoverboards

Doctors are currently treating extremely high volumes of patients with hoverboard injuries. Riders are falling off the devices, which can be difficult to control even with experience. A fall can catch riders off guard, resulting in sprains, muscle strains, broken bones, spinal injuries, torn ACLs or MCLs, internal injuries or even head trauma. These injuries often require lengthy recovery times and may permanently affect a person’s mobility making it important those affected consult with a hoverboard injury lawyer in New Jersey.

There have also been numerous reports of hoverboards spontaneously catching on fire or exploding. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) launched an investigation that revealed issues with the batteries overheating due to charge compatibility issues. Many hoverboards use lithium-ion batteries that can catch fire while charging or, in some cases, while in use. This puts riders at risk of serious burns, and there have been reports of the devices causing fires in consumers’ homes.

Safety for Hoverboard Users

There are steps that consumers can take to minimize the risk of injury. Consumers should purchase hoverboards from a trusted retailer and avoid cheaper knockoffs that may have little safety oversight. Riders must always wear proper safety gear when using hoverboards, which includes a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards. Riders should stick to familiar areas with even surfaces, away from heavy foot traffic or moving vehicles. Hoverboards should be charged and stored in a clean, dry area away from flammable items and should never be left unattended while charging.

Hoverboards have been banned by numerous airlines, cities, and college campuses due to the serious dangers that they pose. Many retailers have pledged to only sell hoverboards that were manufactured to meet safety criteria, but unsafe models are slipping through the cracks. If a manufacturer failed to include safety features that the consumer could reasonably expect, or failed to warn consumers against the dangers of using the product, they may be liable for any injuries that occur.

A person injured in a hoverboard accident may be able to pursue a product liability case against the manufacturer or the retailer, depending on product liability laws in their jurisdiction. An experienced hoverboard injury lawyer in New Jersey can help determine who is at fault when an injury occurs and hold those parties accountable for their negligence.

Contact a New Jersey Hoverboard Injury Lawyer to File a Claim

The New Jersey hoverboard injury attorneys at Grungo Law have the knowledge and experience to successfully represent hoverboard injury victims. We will thoroughly review the facts of your case and prepare an aggressive legal strategy to get you the compensation you need to cover lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering. Call now to discuss your legal options.