Play Pokemon Go, But Do So Safely

October 26, 2016 / Personal Injury

The augmented reality game, Pokemon Go, blends the real world with the virtual world. It quickly became the No. 1 app in the Apple store after the game’s release during July of 2016. Most of us don’t understand how the heck the software makers have managed to create the real world-virtual world mélange, but is sure is fun. Unfortunately, Pokemon Go, despite being a good thing because it gets people out and about instead of sitting in front of screens, carries some hazards.

Don’t Get Physical (Injuries)

If you’re actively pursuing Pokemon, remember to watch where you’re going. Numerous reports of cuts, bruises, ankle sprains, and even broken bones have occurred. People chasing Pokemon have been walking into objects, tripping over obstacles, and falling down stairs. A teenager in Pittsburgh was hit by a car because of Pokemon searching, and two men in San Diego walked off a cliff. Stay aware of your surroundings!

It bears mentioning that chasing Pokemon at night, alone, and into unsafe or deserted areas, can be risky. In Missouri, suspects used the geolocation feature of the game to lure players to a fake Pokestop, after which they used guns to rob the players.

DWP (Driving While Playing Pokemon Go)

Do we really have to tell you not to look at your phone’s screen while you’re driving? Because of various Pokemon Go-related accidents, it seems we must. In brief: Don’t drive while playing Pokemon. You don’t want to end up like the Auburn, NY, driver who ran his car into a tree. (Fortunately, his injuries were minor.) Another driver crashed his SUV into a Baltimore police cruiser. These reports are just two of many; multiple accidents have occurred all across the U.S.

The medical journal JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) released a study based on Twitter tweets. From it, they deduced that a significant number of people have come close to being in accidents. Eighteen percent of tweets claimed someone was driving while playing Pokemon Go. Another 11 percent of tweets stated that a passenger was playing, and 4 percent mentioned pedestrians playing close to traffic.

Let’s not leave out those on bicycles, skateboards, and the other ways you can get around, for they can be just as dangerous. A number of players have suffered injuries in such situations.

Legal Fallout from Pokemon Go

Someone who runs their vehicle into yours while playing Pokemon Go could likely be liable for distracted driving on the grounds of negligence. But the possibility exists of uninvited trespassers, while seeking Pokemon, getting injured on your property. You could be liable in such a situation, so, as always, keep your personally-owned areas well-lit, well-maintained, and free of hazards.

Admittedly, playing Pokemon Go can be entertaining. Just be sure to keep your wits about you and play safely.

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