Hoverboards are motorized two-wheel electric personal assistive mobility devices. They do not have pedals or a seat, and the rider controls the device by leaning or shifting their weight forward. Hoverboards are particularly popular with kids, teens, and young adults.
If you were injured by a defective hoverboard or in an accident while on a hoverboard, you may be eligible to recover compensation from the at-fault party. Contact the legal team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today to discuss your case. Read on to learn everything you need to know about hoverboard laws in Jacksonville, Florida, including where they can be ridden and safety issues.
What Is Considered a Hoverboard in Florida?
A hoverboard is a small, two-wheeled, motorized device with no pedals or seat. It is similar to a Segway without the handlebars but generally smaller. The driver of the hoverboard balances on a board between the two wheels and controls the device by leaning forward to increase speed and leaning back slightly to slow down or stop.
Hoverboards are often popular with kids, teens, and young adults as a way to quickly travel short distances in neighborhoods, urban areas, or on college campuses. Unfortunately, there are several safety concerns with hoverboards. If you were injured while riding a hoverboard or storing one in your home, you have rights. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you pursue damages. Contact our team today.
Jacksonville, Florida, Hoverboard Laws You Need to Understand
In Jacksonville, Florida, hoverboard riders must abide by Florida statutes that outline where hoverboards can be ridden as well as what safety gear and licenses are required.
Based on Florida Statutes §316.2068, hoverboards are permitted on:
- On a street with a speed limit below 25 miles per hour
- On a bicycle path
- On any road where bikes are permitted
- On a sidewalk, although the rider must yield to pedestrians
Florida law does not require hoverboard riders to have a driver’s license. Hoverboard riders under the age of 16 must wear a properly fitting bicycle helmet secured by a strap. Certain municipalities may prohibit the riding of hoverboards. For example, the University of North Florida banned hoverboards on campus and inside student housing.
The most popular manufacturers of hoverboard include:
- Haloboard
- Swagtron
- Gyroor
- Gotrax
- Xprit
- Hover-1
Safety Issues with Hoverboards
There are two types of safety issues with hoverboards. First, several hoverboard models have had issues with defective batteries causing fires resulting in burns and other injuries. In 2016, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall of eight models of hoverboards due to the risks caused by defective lithium-ion batteries. The battery defect can cause explosions and fires, resulting in severe injuries and damage to property.
In addition to faulty batteries, hoverboards can also result in injuries due to falling or colliding with vehicles, such as cars or trucks, while riding on sidewalks or roadways. If you or a loved one has been injured by a faulty hoverboard or in an accident caused by another party, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. We may be able to pursue legal action against the manufacturer or another party responsible for the defective product.
Damages You May Recover in a Hoverboard Accident
If you sustained injuries due to a faulty hoverboard or in an accident while on a hoverboard, you may be eligible to collect damages from the at-fault party. While the amount of damages you may recover will vary depending on your case, there are several types of damages often collected in hoverboard accident cases, including:
- Property damage, including home or vehicle
- Medical bills
- Lost wages due to missing work
- Mental anguish and suffering
- Wrongful death damages, in the event of a victim passing away
Wrongful Death Damages Are Recoverable
If you are eligible under Florida law to recover wrongful death damages in your loved one’s passing, your compensation could help you pay
- Medical expenses, including ones that were paid before they died
- Funeral, burial, or cremation expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of household support
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Other related expenses
In Florida, under Florida Statutes §95.11(4)(b), you have only two years to seek legal action in a wrongful death case. We advise you to start your legal case as soon as possible. Two years can go by quickly, and your lawyer will need that time to build a case that can back your claims.
Hoverboard Injuries Require Prompt Medical Attention
If you do sustain injury from a hoverboard accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. Getting the all-clear from a medical doctor can provide some relief. It can also help you get the attention you need in case you need care for hidden injuries or injuries that could come about down the line.
Getting timely medical care also allows you to create documentation that you took care of your health and that you show that your injuries are caused by your hoverboard accident. This will make it easier to prove your compensation request from the party that is responsible for your injury.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer’s Office in Jacksonville, Florida, for a Free Case Review
After an accident, your family may be facing medical bills, worried about where you will live, or even how you will pay your day-to-day bills. You should not have to suffer due to the actions of another party.
If you or a loved one sustained an injury due to a hoverboard, our team can help. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free case evaluation. We take care of the legal process so you can focus on getting better.
