Hoverboards are popular among children and teenagers due to their mobility, but they also pose risks like collisions, falls, and battery malfunctions. Parents are responsible for monitoring activities that may put children in harm's way, providing guidance, monitoring safety standards, and taking protective measures. Improper use can lead to physical injury and legal consequences.

1. Understanding the Duty of Care for Parents

Injury law emphasizes the responsibility of parents to protect their children from hazards like hoverboards, which pose serious risks. Parents should check product recalls, review certifications, and ensure proper features like non-slip footrests and reliable brake mechanisms. Failure to supervise may result in liability in case of an accident.

2. Education of Children About Hoverboards

Parents should educate their children about hoverboard risks, especially for younger ones who may not understand the dangers near roads or uneven terrain. They should emphasize safe riding in designated areas, explaining collisions and balance concerns. They should also educate them about the potential overheating of hoverboard batteries due to undercharging, especially in older models or poorly constructed devices. Young riders should recognize proper charging, limiting use, and malfunctioning signs.

3. Protective Gear is Important in Preventing Injuries

Parents are responsible for ensuring safe hoverboard use by providing protective gear such as helmets, elbow pads, wrist guards, knee pads, and kneepads. Even at slow speeds, falls can still result in significant injuries, especially head trauma. Children should wear protective gear to reduce injury and promote a safety mindset. Teaching children to reach for pads or helmets before jumping on hoverboards will create good habits that can be applied to other activities like skating or cycling.

4. Hoverboard Accidents: Legal Consequences

Personal injury law often relies on negligence, with hoverboard accidents potentially involving parents who failed to provide proper supervision or safety equipment. Manufacturers and retailers can face liability for defective hoverboards, and parents injured due to defective goods may sue for damages. Clear rules surrounding hoverboard usage are essential to avoid accidents and ensure parents are held liable for injuries their child causes while using a hoverboard.

5. Hoverboard Safety Standards and Legal Protections

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued guidelines on hoverboard safety, recommending purchases that comply with UL 2272 for electrical safety. These guidelines aim to reduce accidents caused by electrical faults or design flaws. Parents should also be aware of their legal rights after a car accident, consulting a personal injury attorney for potential compensation claims.

Hoverboards are a popular choice among children, making parents crucial in ensuring their safety. They should educate children on potential dangers, provide protective gear, and ensure the hoverboard meets safety standards. Failure to do so could result in serious injuries, making parents legally responsible for any potential legal ramifications.

For inquiries related to traffic accident laws or injury laws, or to hire an accident attorney, contact the legal professionals of Bautista LeRoy LLC through this number 816-221-0382 or email them at [email protected]. Serving Kansas City, MO and KS as well as surrounding areas of Benton County and St. Louis.