Skaters Can Face Battery Charges: What You Should Know

Performing tricks on a Skateboard or scooter is visually impressive and an interesting way to enjoy the sport. However, attorney Ugo Lord reveals that skaters can face battery charges if they perform their stunts negligently.

This conclusion came from a viral video Tiktok lawyer Ugo Lord reacted to on his social media accounts. The clip featured a scooter sliding down a stair rail with a young woman at the end who seemed adamant about not leaving her spot.

Eventually, the young man violently crashed into the woman at the end of the rails, dividing the internet on who was in the wrong. People wondered whether the man’s negligence was to blame or the woman deliberately putting herself in danger.

Attorney Ugo Lord Reveals Who’s Liable

Once the video ends, Dr. Lord explains that “there’s no doubt that the pedestrian saw the skater coming her way, but she was frozen in time.” He continues, “But ladies and gentlemen, it is a skater’s responsibility when using a handrail as a ramp to do so safely.”

Therefore, since he failed to regard the safety of others in the area while performing his stunt, Dr. Lord concludes that the young man was guilty and “…liable for all the damages that happened next.”.

But suppose she pressed charges; what would be his crime?

The Skater Could Face Battery Charges

According to California law, battery is the willful and unlawful use of force or violence on another person, even if it does not cause injury or actual pain. Often a misdemeanor, battery is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines of up to $2,000.

In this scenario, the skater could face battery charges or intentionally touching the woman in a harmful or offensive manner without her consent. Sliding down the stair rails and hitting the woman could qualify as a use of force or violence that caused harm or offense. 

Furthermore, the judge could also determine the skater’s intent to commit the offense, seeing that he continued his stunt and disregarded the woman’s presence and safety. While the woman could have dodged the coming rider, his disregard for others’ safety during his stunt makes him liable and potentially criminal activity.

Therefore, based on the facts and circumstances of the case, the skater could face battery charges under California law. If convicted, he could face up to 6 months in jail and fines of up to $2,000 for battery, as well as civil liability for the woman’s damages.

The Internet Agrees

Despite the woman deliberately standing to take a hit from the scooter, viewers of Dr. Lord’s video accepted the attorney’s conclusion. One commenter summarized the guilty verdict, saying:

“for all those people defending the ‘skater’; ‘Ah, yes! This is why I should be allowed to drive my car down all footpaths; it’s the pedestrian’s responsibility to move out of the way’”.

Essentially, the skater performed in an area unsuited for such a stunt, and permitting that offense is on the same level as letting a car drive down the pavement with some pedestrians.

Conclusion

For now, there’s no new information about the accident that reveals whether she pressed charges for any injury sustained. Nevertheless, if she had involved law enforcement, the negligent skater could have been guilty of battery.