Although most golf carts can’t go faster than 15 mph, accidents can happen unexpectedly, and passengers can suffer severe and life-threatening injuries. This is because golf carts frequently lack safety features like doors to protect those inside.
There are various ways in which golf cart crashes can occur, and it’s crucial to understand how these accidents happen. If a golf cart collision is caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the option to seek financial compensation from either the cart’s operator or owner.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident, it’s important to explore your options by consulting with a knowledgeable golf cart accident attorney. They can guide you in filing a lawsuit and help you understand your rights.
Types of Golf Cart Accidents
There are different types of accidents that can happen with golf carts which can result in various damages and injuries.
Colliding with another vehicle
One common type is when golf carts accidentally crash into other vehicles, like trucks, cars, or even other golf carts. This can result in some serious injuries and damage to the vehicles involved.
Rollover
A rollover accident occurs when golf carts tip over, usually because of bumpy or uneven terrain or when taking turns too fast. Rollovers can lead to some pretty severe injuries, such as internal injuries, broken bones, and head injuries. That’s because the cart will often fall on top of the cart occupants.
Ejections
If a golf cart hits an object or flips, people riding in it might get thrown out. This could cause serious harm, like broken bones, damage to the spinal cord, or traumatic brain injuries.
Golf carts hitting pedestrians
If a pedestrian gets hit by a golf cart, it can cause serious injuries or even lead to tragic outcomes. This is especially true when the cart is being driven by someone inexperienced or speeding too fast.
What causes golf cart accidents?
Golf cart mishaps can sometimes resemble car accidents, but there are also instances where they appear quite different. One notable distinction is that many golf cart accidents involve individuals falling out of the cart and hitting the ground, which is something you wouldn’t usually see happening in moving cars.
Just like drivers of other vehicles, golf cart operators can also be reckless, drowsy, distracted, or even under the influence of alcohol. Moreover, accidents involving golf carts can be caused by other vehicles on the road, or even by the actions of pedestrians.
Here are some common reasons why golf cart accidents happen:
- Not having enough experience driving golf carts
- Getting distracted while driving
- Driving under the influence
- Forgetting to be considerate and share the road
- Sudden or unexpected braking of the golf cart
- Carrying too many passengers
- Overloading the golf cart
- Driving on muddy or wet surfaces
- Driving too fast
- Making sharp turns
- Reversing too quickly
- Passengers hanging arms and legs outside the golf cart
It’s also worth noting that some golf carts may have faulty or dangerous parts, which can contribute to accidents.
Who is Responsible for Golf Cart Accidents?
There can be numerous liable parties in a golf cart accident. What happened leading up to your accident will ultimately determine who the liable parties are. Possible liable parties may be golf cart operators, homeowners associations, landscapers, parts manufacturers, and the golf course parent company.
To prove that another party is responsible, a lawyer usually aims to demonstrate that the accused party acted negligently. Four key elements of negligence need to be established:
1. Duty of care: When driving on or off a cart path, everyone needs to act responsibly and ensure the safety of others.
2. Breach of duty: If a driver fails to fulfill their responsibilities by breaking laws or neglecting ordinary care, it is considered a breach of duty.
3. Causation: The at-fault driver’s breach of duty must directly cause the accident that resulted in your injury.
4. Damage: The accident must have caused some form of physical or mental harm, along with monetary losses.
What can a California Golf Cart Accident Attorney do for you?
When it comes to golf cart accidents, it’s crucial to have an attorney on your side to protect your rights and prevent any unfair outcomes during the settlement process. When you work alone, you miss out on valuable resources and have to blindly trust the neglectful party’s insurance company. Insurance companies often try to deny coverage for these accidents, giving various reasons. They might even accuse golf cart riders of being careless.
Luckily, a golf cart accident lawyer in California can be your experienced ally, watching over every step of the legal process ahead. It’s always the smartest choice to work with a professional, but what exactly can you expect from their legal assistance?
Our team of Temecula personal injury lawyers can:
- Help you grasp the laws and systems surrounding golf cart accident claims.
- Investigate the evidence supporting your claim.
- Handle all the necessary paperwork and communication.
- Negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Represent you in court if needed.
Remember, working with a skilled attorney not only ensures your safety but also gives you peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of.
Contact us
If you or someone dear to you has been hurt in a golf cart accident, reach out to Zucker Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, APC right away by giving us a call at (951) 699-2100. We would be more than happy to provide a friendly and complimentary consultation. We will carefully assess your case and guide you on the various legal options available to you.
