Golf carts are a convenient way to travel relatively short distances. They are typical sights on golf courses and roadways.
In Florida, it is normal to see a golf cart cruising along the side of a public street. However, golf carts also present the possibility of accidents and injuries.
Even though they travel at speeds slower than other passenger vehicles, golf cart mishaps cause many injuries every year. More than 18,000 golf cart injuries are reported across the country annually.
If you or someone you love has been injured in one of these accidents, reach out to a golf cart accident lawyer in Gainesville, FL. When you need legal representation, contact the experienced team at Morgan & Morgan right away.
Victims of golf cart accidents should not face the related financial costs alone. When another person’s carelessness causes you harm, you deserve financial recovery.
Our team of legal professionals in Florida has plenty of experience representing the victims of golf cart injuries. To speak with an accomplished golf cart accident lawyer in Gainesville, complete the contact form on the Morgan & Morgan website today.
Our friendly staff will gladly schedule a no-cost and no-obligation case evaluation for you. We will examine the facts of your golf cart incident and help you move forward.
Golf Cart Accidents
Under Florida state law, golf carts are defined as recreational vehicles. They are intended for use on golf courses and travel at around 20 miles per hour.
Many golf cart accidents occur off the course. Oftentimes, golf cart owners will take their vehicles on roadways, sidewalks, and other public spaces.
Golf cart owners are legally permitted to drive on certain public streets in the state of Florida. Golf carts can also cross highways legally.
Even though it is legal to do so, these vehicles are not meant to be driven on roads. Because of this, most golf carts do not provide the standard safety features of other passenger vehicles.
For instance, most golf carts do not feature:
- Headlights
- Seatbelts
- Airbags
- Mirrors
- Signaling lights
- Windshield wipers
- And more
Also, golf carts do not surround the driver in a solid frame. In contrast, cars and trucks enclose drivers and passengers inside sturdy steel frames.
Typical golf cart accidents include:
- Rollovers
- Passengers or drivers falling off
- Collisions with other golf carts, bicyclists, or pedestrians
- Collisions with other motor vehicles
If you or someone you love has been injured in one of these accidents, it is vital to contact a legal expert. Accident victims usually face mounting financial costs and many negative outcomes from their injuries.
A skilled golf cart accident lawyer in Gainesville can work to recover the financial compensation that you deserve.
Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries
According to recent research, incidents of golf cart injuries are rising. Most people believe that golf cart accidents are always minor.
In actuality, golf cart injuries can be as severe as car accidents and other mishaps. Some of the most common golf cart injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Partial or total paralysis
- Fractures and broken bones
- Lacerations, scrapes, and road rash
- Back and neck injuries
- Knee and elbow injuries
A disabling injury can result in devastating physical and emotional consequences for victims. Injured people also face significant medical costs and expenses.
If another person caused your golf cart accident or injury, you deserve compensation. When you contact a knowledgeable golf cart accident lawyer in Gainesville, you will have the best chance of securing a positive outcome in your case.
Pursuing an Insurance Claim Following a Golf Cart Injury
After you experience a golf cart accident, it is important to file an insurance claim to recover the money that you need. Unfortunately, getting money for a golf cart accident can be complex.
Golf carts are classified differently than other types of vehicles. Florida state law classifies golf carts as low-speed vehicles (LSVs).
Because of this, golf cart owners are not legally required to carry owner’s insurance. Golf cart drivers who are injured are usually not entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, either.
These benefits are only available to those injured in other types of motor vehicle accidents. Speak with a golf cart accident lawyer in Gainesville to explore your options for pursuing an insurance claim.
Most people are unaware that insurance companies increase their profits by denying and devaluing claims. Many adjusters are trained to negotiate with claimants to provide the lowest amount possible.
Do not let this happen to you. A skilled golf cart accident lawyer in Gainesville will negotiate on your behalf. This will ensure that you receive the payment that you deserve.
The accomplished professionals at Morgan & Morgan have decades of experience negotiating with tightfisted insurance companies. We know how to counter the tactics that adjusters use to deny claimants the money they are due.
How to Find a Qualified Golf Cart Accident Lawyer in Gainesville
Even if you are certain that you have a valid legal claim, you might not know how to find the right attorney. Golf cart regulations are different from the laws regarding other passenger vehicles.
It is important to hire a legal professional with plenty of experience in golf cart accident cases. Many people believe that all attorneys serve the same function. This is mistaken. Reliable personal injury lawyers will have a thorough understanding of the specific factors that could affect the outcome of your case.
For instance, you should hire a legal professional who understands the difference between golf carts and LSVs. You should find an attorney who knows how the laws apply to each of these vehicle classifications specifically.
Schedule a Free Consultation
You should never hire a legal expert who expects payment before agreeing to discuss your case. Trustworthy personal injury attorneys offer new clients a no-cost and no-obligation consultation.
This initial meeting is an opportunity to discuss the facts of your case and ask any questions that you have regarding the legal process. A legal consultation allows you to get to know the attorney that you are thinking about hiring.
It is best to prepare questions before the meeting so you do not forget to ask anything important.
Some of the most common questions that new clients ask during a legal evaluation include:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- Do you have experience in personal injury cases?
- Have you handled golf cart accident cases before?
- What laws or regulations will affect my claim?
- Do you believe I can win this case?
- What is your general negotiation strategy?
- How much do you believe this case is worth?
- What are the next steps after this consultation?
- How does your firm handle attorneys’ fees?
You should only hire someone to legally represent you if you have full confidence in their abilities. If the attorney says or does anything that makes you feel uncertain, keep looking.
The accomplished professionals at Morgan & Morgan know how to fight effectively for our clients’ best interests. Because of our long track record of success, our clients know that they can trust us with their personal injury claims.
Hire a Firm That Operates on Contingency Fees
It is critical to understand how a firm handles payment before hiring one of its lawyers. Most reputable injury law firms operate on a contingency fee payment structure.
With this type of payment approach, the attorney and client agree to a specific portion of the financial recovery from the case. After the case has been successfully settled or won, that percentage of the payments is allocated to cover attorneys’ fees.
This means that the client pays nothing in upfront costs. You should never hire a firm that requires upfront attorneys’ fees.
However, it is also important to understand the costs of a legal claim beyond attorneys’ fees. Some of the most common additional legal expenses include:
- Court filing fees
- Fees for expert witness testimony or consultation
- Document copying expenses
- Document pulling costs
- Mailing costs and related expenses
Although some firms will require that you cover the costs of these additional expenses, Morgan & Morgan does not. Our compassionate team knows that accident victims face significant financial challenges.
That is why you will not pay a single dime until we settle or win your golf cart accident case.