Onewheels are not just electric vehicles; they offer a unique and thrilling riding experience. With their self-balancing design and surf-like feel, they are popular for personal transportation and recreation. Riders control the Onewheel by shifting their body weight, which determines the speed and direction of the device. They can handle various types of terrain, making them perfect for leisure riding and off-road adventures.
Onewheels are equipped with sensors, gyroscopes, and a motor that helps maintain balance and provides propulsion. These sensors detect the rider’s movements, allowing the Onewheel to accelerate, brake, and turn. Depending on the model, they typically have a rechargeable battery and can reach speeds of around 12-20 mph.
The appeal of Onewheels lies in their versatility, compact design, and unique riding experience, which combines elements of skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. They are often used for short commutes, leisure riding, and even off-road adventures. However, as with any motorized vehicle, risks are involved.
Onewheels present a unique combination of risks due to their high speeds, self-balancing mechanism, and the need for precise rider control. The challenges of maintaining balance, navigating various terrains, and reacting quickly to unexpected obstacles can lead to accidents. The potential for sudden stops, caused by defective models heightens the danger, particularly at higher speeds.
At the Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston Onewheel injury attorneys represent Texas residents who have been injured while riding because of another person or party’s negligence and those who have been hurt or killed because of the product’s defects.
Here is what our Harris County personal injury lawyers want all Onewheel riders to know about their legal options to file a claim.
Are Onewheels Facing Defective Product Injury & Fatality Claims?
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, some Onewheel models can suddenly stop balancing riders if the operational limits are exceeded, creating a high risk of severe crashes.
Federal regulators announced a recall last year for all Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards after reports surfaced of at least four fatalities and numerous injuries in recent years. The recall covers 300,000 skateboards produced by Future Motion, a California company.
Future Motion has been notified of numerous incidents involving their skateboards, including four deaths occurring between 2019 and 2021, along with serious injuries such as paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and ligament damage. The commission strongly recommends that all owners of the impacted Onewheel models discontinue use immediately.
The recall covers all models sold online and through independent retailers from January 2014 to September 2023. With tens of thousands of owners nationwide, the recall is intended to prevent any additional accidents caused by these potentially dangerous skateboards.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one while riding a defective Onewheel product, contact our skilled Houston personal injury lawyers to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim today.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Texas Onewheel Accidents, Injuries & Fatalities Caused by Negligence?
Several types of negligence can contribute to Onewheel accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Texas.
They include, but are not limited to:
Manufacturer Negligence
Defective Design: If the Onewheel has a design flaw that makes it inherently unsafe, such as instability at certain speeds or inadequate braking mechanisms, the manufacturer could be liable for accidents resulting from these defects.
Manufacturing Defects: Issues during the production process, such as faulty electrical components or poor assembly, can lead to malfunctions that cause accidents. If these defects are present, the manufacturer may be responsible for injuries.
Inadequate Warnings or Instructions: If the manufacturer fails to provide clear and adequate warnings about the potential risks or proper use of the Onewheel, users might not be fully aware of the dangers, leading to accidents. The lack of comprehensive user instructions or safety guidelines can also be a form of negligence.
Retailer Negligence
Failure to Communicate Warnings: Retailers who sell Onewheels without conveying known risks or recalling information provided by the manufacturer can be held liable if this omission contributes to an accident.
Improper Maintenance of Rental Units: If a retailer or rental company provides Onewheels for rent but fails to properly maintain them, resulting in mechanical failures that lead to an accident, they may be liable for any resulting injuries.
Negligence by Other Road Users
Drivers of Motor Vehicles: If a motorist drives recklessly, fails to yield, or is distracted, leading to a collision with an Onewheel rider, the driver can be held liable for the injuries sustained.
Pedestrians or Cyclists: If a pedestrian or cyclist acts negligently, such as suddenly stepping into the path of an Onewheel or failing to follow traffic rules, they could be liable for any resulting accidents.
These types of negligence can interact, often complicating the determination of liability in Onewheel accidents. Our skilled Onewheel accident attorneys can investigate and pursue claims against the liable person or parties to ensure our injured clients or family members who have lost their loved ones in Onewheel accidents can seek the financial compensation outcome that will help them regain control of their lives.
Our skilled bilingual personal injury lawyers and support staff represent clients throughout Texas on a contingency basis. This means you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case. We are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to quality legal representation.
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so are we. Let us take the lead.
Steve Hollingsworth is a skilled trial attorney with over 50 cases tried across Texas. With experience as a felony prosecutor and representing major insurers, he now focuses on helping injured Texans in areas like car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability. Steve founded his own firm to provide dedicated, client-focused legal representation.
Awesome Attorney
I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
RossanaFormer Client
Houston’s Best Consultation!
Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
AnonymousFormer Client
Very Accommodating and Caring
Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G.Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
SaraFormer Client
Review
I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
AndrewFormer Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V.Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts .
overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H.Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law.
He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E.Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T.Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury.
His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H.From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him.
He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant.
My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome.
I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
JessieFormer Client
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