Who Is Responsible in a Golf Cart Accident?

Golf carts are increasingly being used beyond traditional golf courses, finding utility in various environments such as universities, parks, and residential communities. This widespread use, however, has led to a rise in golf cart accidents. Golf cart accident victims have specific rights and may be entitled to compensation, even though these vehicles are often associated with low speeds.

Golf cart accidents can occur due to various reasons, including reckless or negligent driving, faulty design, and inadequate maintenance. These accidents can result in serious injuries, including head and neck injuries, scrapes, cuts, and bruises. In Florida, golf cart accidents are a common type of vehicle accident, and victims may be entitled to seek compensation for their injuries. If you need support during your golf cart accident case, an attorney from Dismuke Law can provide support and guidance in challenging circumstances.

Who is Responsible for a Golf Cart Accident in Florida?

Who is legally responsible for injuries and damages after a golf cart accident depends on the circumstances and cause of the incident. The liable party in your case could be a distracted driver, a drunk driver, or a golf cart manufacturer, depending on the facts of your case. In some cases, multiple parties could be responsible, and holding each individual accountable for their actions may be necessary.

Any of the following individuals may be liable for your losses: 

• The golf cart driver: Golf cart drivers and operators have a duty to drive with care. If a golf cart driver is reckless, neglectful, or distracted, they may be held liable for any injuries or damages caused.
• The golf cart owner: Golf cart owners are responsible for maintaining their vehicles properly. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for any injuries or damages caused.
• The manufacturer of the golf cart: Golf cart manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are safe for use. If a golf cart is designed or manufactured with a defect, the manufacturer may be held liable for any injuries or damages caused.
• Passenger car drivers: Passenger car drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and regulations. If a passenger car driver fails to see a golf cart or fails to yield when turning left, they may be held liable for any injuries or damages caused.
• Truck drivers: Truck drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and regulations. If a truck driver fails to see a golf cart or fails to yield when turning left, they may be held liable for any injuries or damages caused.
• Motorcycle drivers: Motorcycle drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and regulations. If a motorcycle driver fails to see a golf cart or fails to yield when turning left, they may be held liable for any injuries or damages caused.
• Other vehicle drivers involved in the accident: If another vehicle is involved in the accident, the driver of that vehicle may be held liable for any injuries or damages caused.

Suppose you suffered injuries in a golf cart accident. In that case, you should discuss your options with a personal injury lawyer to get a better idea of who might be responsible and how you can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other costs. Most law firms provide free case consultations for injury victims. 

Golf Cart Laws and Expectations

Florida has a number of golf cart laws that rule how owners and operators equip, operate, and safeguard themselves and others on the road. When someone driving a golf cart or the owner of the cart violates one of these laws, and it causes an accident, they might be responsible for any injuries that occur, whether the accident happens on a public road or a golf course.

Golf cart drivers must also follow any applicable traffic laws, such as stopping at stop signs and obeying yield signs. Violating a traffic law could cause a crash and result in the driver being held liable.

Of course, the other party is sometimes at fault in a collision. Passenger car drivers often fail to see smaller vehicles and fail to yield when turning left. They may try to pass them on narrow roads and take other risks that lead to crashes and serious injuries.

Proving Liability in a Golf Cart Accident

An investigation is necessary to hold another party legally liable for injuries. This requires evidence gathering to determine what happened and each party’s role in the crash. The evidence should clearly show who acted negligently, how this caused the incident, and the harm it caused. Gathering evidence is crucial for a successful personal injury claim.

Some of the steps that might be necessary to properly document a golf cart injury case include the following:

• Interviewing eyewitnesses
• Obtaining official documents, such as police reports
• Seeking video of the incident
• Surveying the accident scene
• Reviewing relevant medical records
• Working with medical and economic experts
• Gathering documents to show expenses and losses

If you or a loved one has been involved in a golf cart accident, it is important to seek legal support to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Contact an attorney from Dismuke Law to retain our services and support.

Using Liability Insurance to Pursue Compensation After a Golf Cart Accident

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the state does not require registration or insurance for golf carts. However, many owners invest in liability insurance because of the possibility of a collision. Under Florida laws, golf carts are classified as motor vehicles for certain legal considerations, such as traffic regulations and licensing. Still, they are not subject to traditional motor vehicle insurance requirements. This classification plays a critical role in determining liability and entitlement to benefits in the event of accidents involving golf carts.

Liability insurance provides a way for victims hurt in a golf cart accident caused by the cart’s owner to recover compensation without the owner paying out of their own pocket. When the at-fault party is a motorist, their car insurance coverage should cover the expenses and losses involved, including those stemming from life-altering injuries and wrongful death.

Working with an attorney familiar with the state’s golf cart accident laws can help you identify the liable party and understand your options for holding them responsible. You should not have to pay for your medical bills and other costs if someone else caused your accident and injuries. An attorney from Dismuke Law can simplify the legal process on your behalf, so don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance.

How Long You Have to Sue After a Florida Golf Cart Accident Injury

Florida Statutes § 95.11 states that victims of personal injury generally have two years to file a lawsuit against the liable party. However, getting started on your case as soon as possible may be in your best interest.

For example, it may be easier for your legal team to collect evidence shortly after the accident occurred. Some types of evidence disappear within hours or days, and you will not have access to this evidence to support your claim or lawsuit unless it is preserved quickly.

Connecting with an attorney as soon as your injuries are stable can help get your case started as quickly as possible. If your loved one has a traumatic brain injury or other catastrophic injuries, you can reach out to Dismuke Law to discuss how to best protect your rights during this time.

How Can a Lawyer Help With a Golf Cart Accident Injury Case?

Hiring a personal injury lawyer familiar with state and local golf cart laws may make it easier to navigate the legal process and seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Lawyers handle cases involving various types of golf cart injuries, including tip-overs and collisions, which can lead to serious or fatal injuries. When you choose to work with an attorney from Dismuke Law, we can do the following:

• Investigate what happened and gather evidence to document negligence
• Research the applicable laws and how they affect the case
• Determine who is at fault for the incident
• Establish a compelling case showing negligence and liability
• Identify any insurance coverage available in the case
• Negotiate with the insurance carrier, if possible
• Sue the liable party as necessary
• Represent your best interests throughout this process

Personal injury firms understand how difficult it is to worry about your legal case and financial standing when receiving treatment and undergoing therapies for catastrophic injuries. Let our legal team handle your insurance claim or lawsuit while you focus on your healing and physical recovery.

Contact a Golf Cart Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

Dismuke Law provides free initial consultations for those with injuries after a Florida golf cart accident. To learn your options, all you have to do is ask Dave. Get answers to your questions and learn how we will help you fight for justice and compensation. Golf cart accidents can occur in various settings, including golf courses, and legal advice is crucial in these cases. 

To get started today, call us at (863) 250-5050 or complete our online contact form.