Kentucky Skateboard Accident Lawyer

Kaufman & Stigger helps people that have been injured in skateboarding accidents in Kentucky. Even though they’re not as widespread as bikes, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to see someone riding a skateboard in the same areas with foot and vehicle traffic. Our team can explain your rights, walk you through your options, and give you some stability in an uncertain time. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

This is usually the first question people ask—and it’s a fair one. Skateboarders are used to handling things themselves. You fall, you get back up, you move on. But when an accident leads to real injuries, medical bills, or missed work, it’s no longer just “part of skating.” That’s also usually the point where you start looking for help, and that’s where our team can:

• Explain your options and rights in plain language.
• Help you get important information and evidence.
• Handle all the talks with the insurance company.
• Clearly lay out what the path forward looks like for you.

You’re not required to hire a lawyer after a skateboarding accident in Kentucky. But there’s a big difference between can and should. Basically, you have enough to deal with. Working with our team can just make things easier.

Do I Have the Same Rights After a Skateboarding Accident in Kentucky?

Being on a skateboard doesn’t cancel out your legal rights. Kentucky law doesn’t treat skateboarders as “less than” drivers or pedestrians. If someone’s negligence caused your injuries, you generally have the right to file an injury claim. The key issue isn’t how you were traveling—it’s whether someone else failed to act responsibly. That said, skateboarding accidents can raise questions that don’t come up as often in car-only cases. For example:

• Were you riding on the road, sidewalk, or in a parking lot?
• Did a driver fail to yield, turn suddenly, or pass too closely?
• Was the accident caused by a pothole, crumbling pavement, or debris that should’ve been fixed?
• Did a property owner ignore a known hazard?

Kentucky follows a comparative negligence system. That means more than one party can share responsibility for an accident—including, in some cases, the yourself. But sharing fault doesn’t automatically bar you from filing a claim and getting financial help. It simply changes how your claim is going to be looked at. With that in mind, helping your claim in any way you can is important.

What Kinds of Things Can Help My Skateboarding Accident Claim?

Skateboarding accidents happen fast. One second you’re riding, the next you’re on the ground—hurt, shaken, and trying to figure out what just happened. Because of that, important details can slip away quickly. But the more information you can preserve, the stronger your claim tends to be. Here are some of the most helpful pieces of evidence in a skateboarding accident case:

• Medical records. This is the foundation of almost every injury claim. Emergency room visits, urgent care notes, imaging, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and prescriptions all help show what you were dealing with and how serious it was. Even injuries that seem “minor” at first can turn into long-term issues—and medical records help tell that story.
• Photos and videos. If you’re able, photos of the scene can be incredibly valuable. This might include:
  • Broken or uneven pavement
  • Potholes, gravel, or construction debris
  • Faded paint, missing signage, or poor lighting
  • The skateboard itself These conditions can change quickly. What’s dangerous one day may be patched over the next, making photos especially important.
• Witness information. Other people may have seen what happened—drivers, pedestrians, nearby residents, or employees of nearby businesses. Their accounts can help confirm how the accident occurred and whether someone else was at fault.
• Police or incident reports. If law enforcement responded, an official report can help document the scene and involved parties. In parking lots or private property cases, incident reports from businesses or property managers may also matter.
• Damaged personal items. A cracked helmet, torn clothing, broken headphones, or a destroyed board may not feel like the priority—but these items help show the force of the impact and your financial losses.

If gathering all of this feels overwhelming, that’s normal. Many people are injured, stressed, and just trying to get through the day. A legal team can help track down records, request reports, and fill in the gaps so you don’t have to do it alone.

What Damages Can I Get in a Skateboarding Accident Claim?

After a skateboarding accident, there are usually two main ways to get financial support for your injuries and losses. Which path makes sense depends on what happened—and how cooperative the other side turns out to be. Most cases fall into one of these options:

• Filing an insurance claim
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit

An insurance claim happens outside the courtroom, which usually means it moves faster. That can be helpful when medical bills are piling up or you’re missing paychecks. The downside is that the insurance company is in the driver’s seat. They decide what your claim is “worth,” and their goal is simple: pay as little as possible. Even when the facts are on your side, adjusters may downplay your injuries, question fault, or argue that skateboarding is inherently risky. A personal injury lawsuit takes more time and effort, but it levels the playing field. Instead of private negotiations controlled by an insurer, your case moves into the court system and is overseen by a judge. Lawsuits aren’t about being aggressive—they’re often about creating accountability when fair settlement talks go nowhere. No matter which route you take, the goal is the same: to recover your damages, which may include:

• Medical bills and future treatment needs
• Lost income or reduced ability to earn a living
• Repair or replacement of damaged property, like a phone, helmet, or glasses
• Physical pain and ongoing discomfort
• Emotional distress, anxiety, or loss of confidence
• Loss of enjoyment of everyday activities
• Wrongful death–related expenses, in fatal accidents

One important thing to know: Kentucky has a short deadline for injury claims. In most skateboarding accident cases, you have one year from the date of the accident to take legal action. Waiting too long can limit—or completely cancel out—your options. Starting sooner helps protect your rights and makes it easier to keep evidence while it’s still available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Not wearing a helmet doesn’t automatically eliminate your claim. It may be raised as an issue, but it doesn’t mean someone else isn’t responsible for causing the accident.

Can I still file a claim if a car didn’t hit me?

Yes. Many skateboarding accidents involve dangerous road conditions, broken sidewalks, or property hazards. If someone failed to maintain a safe area, a claim may still apply.

What if the driver says they didn’t see me?

Drivers have a duty to stay alert and watch for others on the road. “I didn’t see them” isn’t a free pass—especially if distraction or careless driving played a role.

Is skateboarding considered illegal in some places?

Rules can vary by city and location, but being somewhere you “shouldn’t have been” doesn’t automatically erase your rights. Liability depends on what actually caused the accident.

Legal Help For Skateboarding Accidents in Kentucky

When you’re hurt riding your skateboard in Kentucky, it can feel like everything is working against you. Insurance adjusters are downplaying what happened, property owners or the city are telling you that you weren’t even allowed to ride your skateboard where you were, and doctors are cautioning you about your injuries. With all of that, it can be hard to stand up for yourself. That’s where our Kentucky skateboarding accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can stand up for you. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us help you through the legal process.