If you or a loved one experienced injuries due to a Onewheel device malfunction, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. Below is important information about Onewheel accident lawsuits, their current status, and what injured parties should know.

Onewheel Accidents Lawsuit Overview

The popular self-balancing skateboard, One-Wheel, revolutionized the industry when it first became available in 2015; however, the single-wheel board has since caused many riders to endure severe personal injury and even death as the result of a product defect.

Onewheel devices are battery-powered vehicles made by Future Motion that allow riders to stand on a skateboard-like deck propelled by a single tire.

These self-balancing boards use gyroscopes and accelerometers to help riders balance and steer using their weight and positioning, with some models like the Onewheel XR capable of reaching speeds up to 20 mph or more.

According to many clients, during ordinary use, the one-wheel board is prone to sudden stops, which deactivates the intended balancing technology that actively helps the device, causing it to take a nosedive and launching the rider forward.

In some cases, this defect has caused the board to stop while the rider is traveling at high speeds, resulting in severe injuries and even wrongful deaths.

Latest Onewheel Accidents Lawsuit Updates

August 11, 2022 - Future Motion Inc. recalled about 20,500 footpads for Onewheel GT Electric Skateboards after the company received at least 813 reports of the skateboards continuing to operate after the rider has dismounted, including 11 reports of injuries including bruises, friction burns, and a twisted ankle.

May 2020 - The first wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the wife and son of a man from Houston, Texas, who died of serious injuries when his Onewheel shut off and nosedived while he was riding it in a park.

August 2020 - A lawsuit was filed alleging a serious injury from a Onewheel accident in San Diego, California, in which a man suffered major head injuries.

September 2020 - Another complaint involved an accident in which a man from New York suffered head and brain injuries, as well as "facial fractures, broken ribs, a broken right arm, and a punctured lung caused by his forward ejection from the Onewheel skateboard and contact with the pavement," according to attorneys.

Reports and Statistics on Onewheel Accidents Cases

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reported significant safety concerns with Onewheel devices [1]:

At least 813 reports of the skateboards continuing to operate after the rider has dismounted
11 reported injuries (in relation to the footpad recall) including bruises, friction burns, and a twisted ankle
At least 3 reported deaths from Onewheel nosedive accidents
Future Motion has been hit with multiple lawsuits alleging design defects

The footpad can fail to disengage after the rider has dismounted while the board is in motion and the skateboard can unexpectedly continue to operate, posing an injury hazard to bystanders, CPSC said.

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See all related product liability cases our lawyers are currently accepting.

Onewheel Accidents Injuries

Onewheel accidents have resulted in a range of serious injuries to riders:

Fatal Injuries: At least three deaths reported from Onewheel nosedive accidents
Head and Brain Injuries: Multiple reports of traumatic brain injuries, including a major head injury case in San Diego
Facial Trauma: Facial fractures and lacerations from forward ejection
Broken Bones: Reports of broken ribs, broken arms, and other fractures
Internal Injuries: Including a punctured lung in one New York case
Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruises, friction burns, and sprains

When a one-wheel skateboard powers off during use, the front-facing side of the board falls forward and creates a wedge between the product and the ground. The rider is then propelled from the board into the air, which can result in a deadly injury if they land on their head or neck.

Understanding Onewheel Design Issues

According to many clients, during ordinary use the one-wheel board is prone to sudden stops, which deactivates the intended balancing technology.

The accidents result from what some injured victims describe as the One-Wheel's "pushback" defect, which is designed to notify riders when they're approaching the limitations of the device.

The lawsuits allege several design defects:

Sudden stops that deactivate balancing technology
Nosedives at high speeds
Failure to properly warn of inherent risks
Continuing to operate after a rider dismounts (footpad issue)

Unlike traditional skateboarding, there's not much the rider can do once the product powers down, and even highly experienced one-wheel riders have sustained traumatic injuries because of the defect.

Do You Qualify for a Onewheel Accidents Lawsuit?

While Schmidt & Clark is no longer taking these cases, generally, you may qualify for a Onewheel accident lawsuit if:

You experienced injuries while riding a Onewheel device
Your injuries required medical treatment
The accident was potentially caused by a device malfunction
You have documentation of your injuries and the incident
You are within the statute of limitations for filing a product liability claim in your state

Evidence Required for a Onewheel Accidents Lawsuit

If you're considering legal action, you should gather:

Medical records documenting your injuries
Proof of Onewheel purchase (receipts, registration)
Photos of injuries and the accident scene
The Onewheel device itself (do not modify or repair it)
Witness statements if available
Any communications with Future Motion

Damages You May Recover

A successful Onewheel accident lawsuit may provide compensation for:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)

Onewheel Recall Information

Recall Date: August 11, 2022

Products Affected: About 20,500 footpads for Onewheel GT Electric Skateboards

Recall Reason: "The footpad can fail to disengage after the rider has dismounted while the board is in motion and the skateboard can unexpectedly continue to operate, posing an injury hazard to bystanders," CPSC said.

Sale Period: The recalled skateboards were sold online and at authorized independent dealers nationwide from March 2022 through August 2022 for about $2,200.

Statute of Limitations for Onewheel Accidents Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for product liability claims varies by state but typically ranges from 1-3 years from the date of injury.

Some states have "discovery rules" that may extend this time frame if you could not reasonably have known the cause of your injury until later.

It's important to consult with a qualified attorney promptly to ensure you don't miss critical filing deadlines.

FAQs

1. What should I do if I am injured while riding a Onewheel?

If injured while riding a Onewheel, seek immediate medical attention, document the incident and injuries, retain the Onewheel and any related equipment, and consult a lawyer to discuss potential legal action and compensation.

2. How does the design of the Onewheel contribute to accidents?

The design of the Onewheel, which relies on a self-balancing mechanism, can contribute to accidents if the system malfunctions or if the rider exceeds the device's limitations, causing sudden stops or loss of balance.

3. Can I join a class action lawsuit if I was injured by a Onewheel?

Yes, individuals injured by a Onewheel may join a class action lawsuit if one is available. Class action lawsuits allow multiple plaintiffs to combine their cases, providing a stronger collective legal action against the manufacturer.

4. How can a lawyer assist in a Onewheel lawsuit?

A lawyer can assist by evaluating your case, gathering evidence, filing legal claims, negotiating settlements, and representing you in court. Their expertise ensures you receive fair compensation for your injuries and associated damages.

5. Is Future Motion facing other legal issues?

Yes, Future Motion has been accused of false advertising and fraudulent business practices. According to legal professionals, a Onewheel nosedive accident is likely to qualify as negligence when combined with the way the device has been marketed.

6. What are the allegations regarding Onewheel marketing?

Lawsuits accuse Future Motion of downplaying the alleged defects, negligence, and misleading consumers into believing the Onewheel is easy to ride. The company is currently facing a class action in California over its advertising for the Onewheel XR.

7. Have there been any Onewheel deaths?

Yes, Future Motion has been hit with at least three Onewheel lawsuits after clients died in Onewheel skateboard nosedive accidents.

8. What caused Future Motion to recall Onewheel footpads?

Future Motion recalled about 20,500 footpads after receiving at least 813 reports of the skateboards continuing to operate after the rider has dismounted, including 11 reports of injuries.

9. Are all Onewheel models equally dangerous?

Not all Onewheel models are equally dangerous. Different Onewheel models may have different risk profiles. The Onewheel XR has been specifically mentioned in lawsuits, but issues have been reported across various models.

10. Should I stop using my Onewheel?

You should stop using your Onewheel. Given the safety concerns and recalls, riders should carefully consider the risks. If you choose to ride, follow all safety guidelines, wear proper protective gear, and be aware of the potential for sudden stops or nosedives.

Finding Legal Representation for Onewheel Accident Claims

While Schmidt & Clark, LLP is no longer accepting Onewheel accident cases, if you believe you have a valid claim, you should:

Research attorneys with experience in product liability and personal injury cases
Look for firms that have handled similar personal transportation device cases
Consult with multiple attorneys to find the right fit for your case
Ask about their fee structure (most work on contingency basis)
Check their track record with similar cases

Time limitations apply to filing product liability claims, so it's important to seek legal advice promptly after an injury.

Reference:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Future-Motion-Recalls-Footpads-for-Onewheel-GT-Electric-Skateboards-Due-to-Bystander-Injury-Hazard-Recall-Alert

Onewheel Accidents Lawsuit | 2024 Latest Updates