Irvine Hoverboard Injury Lawyers
In Irvine, hoverboards have become a common sight. Recently, they have been the most exci ting addition to holiday or birthday wish lists. But, as suspected, these devices have also been extremely dangerous. Over the last few months, we've been getting reports of these hoverboards exploding, catching fire, causing burn injuries, property damage and contributing to serious fall-related injuries.
It is also becoming increasingly clear that a number of hoverboard injuries are being caused by devices that are improperly made or manufactured using substandard parts and accessories. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective or malfunctioning hoverboard, it is important that you contact a knowledgeable Irvine hoverboard injury lawyer to evaluate your options. Call (949) 203-3814 for a free consultation.
If You Have Been Injured
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hoverboard-related accident, explosion or fire, it is critical that you preserve the hoverboard or its remains so it can be thoroughly examined by an expert for evidence of defects and design flaws. Be sure to preserve the charger and battery since they could prove to be valuable pieces of evidence as well. Get prompt medical attention, treatment and care for your injuries. Save all receipts for expenses relating to your hoverboard injury. Contact an experienced Irvine product defect attorney who will ensure that your rights are protected and that the manufacturer is held accountable.
The experienced hoverboard injury lawyers at Bisnar Chase can help you seek and obtain compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
How a Hoverboard Works
The word "hoverboard" might conjure images of a rider levitating or hovering above ground as Michael J. Fox's character Marty McFly did in the sci-fi flick "Back to the Future II." However, in reality, what we call hoverboards today are segway-like devices that roll on two wheels. They are basically self-balancing scooters. Inside these scooters are a gyroscope, microprocessors and two or more independent motors that help balance the board. Hoverboards are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Hoverboard Injury Risks
There have been several reports nationwide of these hoverboards exploding or catching fire. Both injuries and property damage have been reported as a result of these explosions and fires involving hoverboards. A number of these fires occurred when the hoverboard was charging or when it was overcharged.
However, there were also cases where the boards exploded even when they were not overcharged. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has launched a probe into what is causing these explosions and fires. Such incidents could result in serious burn injuries, broken bones, disfigurement and internal organ damage.
These hoverboard explosions and fires have been attributed to cheap, poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries most of which are exported from China. A hoverboard or battery that is made with substandard parts or wiring also poses a heightened risk of a fire or an explosion.
Hoverboards also pose the risk of other serious physical injuries. CPSC officials have announced receiving numerous reports of fall-related injuries from emergency rooms nationwide. Common fall-related injuries caused by hoverboards include concussions, bone fractures, contusions, abrasions and internal organ injuries.
New California Laws
A new law, which went into effect January 1, 2016, in California, requires that hoverboard riders must be 16 years old to operate the devices in public. They are also required to wear a helmet and ride only on streets where the speed limit is under 35 mph. Anyone who violates those restrictions or rides under the influence or alcohol and/or drugs could face a $250 fine. In addition to this law, Metrolink riders cannot carry hoverboards on trains. The California Highway Patrol will also enforce the new law.
Who Can Be Held Liable
A number of parties can be held liable for injuries and damages caused by defective or malfunctioning hoverboards including manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers. A product may be deemed defective if it has a manufacturing defect, design defect or a lack of adequate warning of known safety hazards.
A plaintiff in a product liability lawsuit must prove that the product was defective, that it caused his or her injuries and that he or she suffered losses as a result of the injury. Hoverboards are currently unsafe because they are manufactured without any proper regulation or oversight. In spite of knowing this fact, manufacturers market and sell these products as safe.
If you have received injuries from an exploding hoverboard please contact our law firm for a free case evaluation. Call (949) 203-3814.
