Golf carts can cause serious, even fatal, accidents. While the four-wheeled vehicles cannot go any faster than 15 miles per hour, the consequences of an accident can be devastating, since the carts lack common safety features that could protect drivers and passengers.
If you were harmed in a golf cart accident, you have legal recourse. Learn more about such incidents and how our personal injury attorneys can help.
Morgan & Morgan has over 1,000 lawyers across the country, with a track record of success in personal injury cases to the tune of over $20 billion in awards.
Golf Cart Accident Attorneys
When you think of golf carts, you probably picture small vehicles designed to travel on the smooth paved paths that run alongside golf courses. These vehicles usually transport between two and four people and provide a small area to transport your clubs as you traverse the course.
While golf carts may seem pretty innocuous, they’re not invulnerable to accidents.
Studies show that almost 150,000 injuries arose from golf cart accidents from 1990 to 2006. More recent figures show that the vehicles are responsible for some 15,000 injuries annually.
When someone is involved in a golf car accident, their injuries may be severe. Golf carts may travel at slow speeds (generally no more than 15 MPH), but they offer little protection between the unrestrained passengers and the hard pavement below.
Fortunately, if you’ve suffered injuries as a result of a golf cart accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation.
Morgan & Morgan maintains a team of skilled golf cart accident lawyers who can assist you in filing your legal claim. Schedule a free consultation with us today to get started.
Common Types of Golf Cart Accidents
Rollovers are one of the most common types of golf cart accidents. By some estimates, they account for almost 10% of all golf cart-related mishaps.
As with larger vehicles, passengers involved in golf cart rollovers are often whipped from side to side and may come into contact with the top of the vehicle. If passengers are thrown clear of the cart, it may land on them, resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities.
Keep in mind that there are no seat belts in golf carts and thus no way to predict how passengers may land in the event of a rollover.
Other common golf accidents include collisions between carts, fires, vehicle malfunctions, and pedestrian crashes. Most of these types of accidents can occur even in fully functional, well-maintained carts.
Top Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
Golf cart accidents have many potential causes, including:
- Malfunctions
- Improper maintenance
- Roadway hazards, such as fallen trees or potholes
- Intoxicated or distracted driving
- Excessive speeding
Whatever the reason, an attorney at Morgan and Morgan can help determine who was responsible for the incident and assist you in getting your claim underway.
Typical Golf Cart Injuries
A golf cart accident may result in either minor or severe injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries include:
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Broken or fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck or back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Anytime you or someone you’re riding with sustains injuries in a golf cart accident, it’s essential to seek medical treatment. Golf carts offer little protection to drivers and passengers, meaning injuries can often be worse than you might expect.
Determining Responsibility in a Golf Cart Accident
Pinpointing who’s at fault for a golf cart accident can be complex.
The country club or golf course operator is usually considered liable for accidents by default. However, the vehicle’s manufacturer may be to blame if there’s a defect in the cart itself.
Country clubs and golf course operators owe a duty to their visitors to ensure that their carts are safe and well-maintained. They must also ensure that the golf course is kept clear of any hazards that may potentially cause harm to their clientele.
A golf cart accident attorney at Morgan & Morgan can determine who’s at fault for your accident by reviewing the circumstances and evidence relating to your case.
Golf Cart Accidents on Traditional Roads
Some states allow golf carts in residential neighborhoods, sidewalks, and even traditional roadways. The rules for such use vary tremendously across city and state lines. Using a personal golf cart for simple activities like grocery shopping or visiting a friend is generally entirely legal.
However, specific local laws will apply if an accident occurs while traveling outside a golf course. Your golf cart must comply with federal regulations, including a license plate, turn signals, brake lights, and a speedometer. Some cities and states even require golf cart owners to register their vehicles with the DMV and carry certain types of insurance.
Usually, the state’s driving rules apply to golf carts. You’d be expected to abide by local speed limits and observe stop and yield signs like normal. You also can’t drive while intoxicated.
If your accident occurs on a roadway, it’s best to contact a golf cart lawyer to determine the steps you need to take.
Turn to Morgan & Morgan After Golf Cart Accidents
Morgan and Morgan is the nation’s largest personal injury firm. We offer legal representation for a wide variety of cases, including for people injured in golf cart accidents.
Our firm has obtained over $20 billion in monetary compensation for personal injury victims. We want to help you recover damages for your case, too.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our qualified golf cart accident attorneys, fill out our convenient online form.