“AV-Preeminent” Rated Lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell & Personal Injury Lawyer for over 35 Years
Golf cart accidents often seem minor at first glance. Because the vehicles are small and typically driven at low speeds, many people assume injuries will be limited, and claims will be straightforward. However, golf cart accident claims are often far more complicated than people expect.
Video Transcript:
What are some common challenges when pursuing a claim for compensation after a golf cart accident?
What may seem to be a simple accident in a golf cart is going to turn out to be anything but from issues regarding who's at fault to who should pay. Often times the liability part of a golf cart accident is fairly simple.
What we find is that the most common type of golf cart accident is when someone is thrown from the golf cart due to a driver of the golf cart turning it too quick from the left or right because of the shorter wheelbase of the golf carts. It just tends to throw people out.
You're also dealing with situations that are typical that the driver of the golf cart doesn't have a lot of experience driving a golf cart. It's not like they drive it every single day like they drive their car. So, they're unfamiliar with the way it handles, the way it stops, the way it starts.
And again, we typically have injuries caused by being thrown from the golf cart, or having the golf cart roll over on top of them and cause injuries. So, those are the bits of information to discuss regarding the liability of the accident.
The other part is and sometimes the more important part is does the owner of the golf cart or the driver of the golf cart have insurance available to them that will pay for the your injuries caused by this golf cart accident. That involves a whole different set of issues. ones including whether the golf cart was meant to be limited to 25 mph or less, whether it was properly registered and has a tag to be driven on the streets. The golf cart is owned by a business and the business has liability insurance to cover you, whether it's being driven by an individual, and whether their homeowners insurance will cover you for your injuries.
Those are all things that we investigate and those are the most common challenges of representing anyone involved in a golf cart accident. These injuries are often serious. They're often catastrophic. A lot of times involve broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and one of the biggest challenges involved in these cases is actually finding the insurance coverage that is going to be sufficient to pay for all of your injuries.
If you've been involved in a golf cart accident or you're investigating for a loved one who's been seriously injured in a golf cart accident, please give me a call at 813-915-1110.
I'd be happy to consult with you, give you my evaluation of your claim, let you know the challenges involved in your particular claim, and we can help determine what insurance is out there that is going to be available to pay for the injuries that you or your loved one sustained.
Injuries from a Golf Cart Accident? How to Determine Who is at Fault
One of the most common causes of golf cart accidents occurs when a passenger is thrown from the cart. Due to their short wheelbase, golf carts can turn sharply. When drivers make sudden turns to the left or right, passengers may be thrown from the vehicle, leading to serious injuries.
Another factor is driver inexperience. Most people do not operate golf carts regularly, and they may not understand how differently they handle compared to a car. Sudden acceleration, abrupt stops, and tight turns can quickly create dangerous situations for passengers.
Golf cart accidents can also involve rollovers. When a cart tips or overturns, occupants may become trapped underneath the vehicle. These incidents can cause severe injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and other catastrophic harm.
However, determining fault is only one part of the challenge. In many golf cart injury cases, the biggest obstacle is identifying insurance coverage that will pay for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Unlike traditional motor vehicle accidents, golf carts do not always carry auto insurance. Coverage may depend on several factors, including whether the cart was designed to travel under 25 miles per hour, whether it was registered for road use, and how the vehicle was being used at the time of the accident.
Ownership of the golf cart can also affect the claim. If the cart belongs to a business, there may be commercial liability insurance available. If it is owned by a private individual, homeowners' insurance may apply. Determining which policy covers the accident often requires careful investigation.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help
Golf cart accident cases frequently involve complex insurance questions and serious injuries. An experienced attorney from our firm can investigate the circumstances of the accident, determine who may be legally responsible, and identify all potential insurance policies that could provide compensation.
Legal guidance can also help gather evidence, document injuries, and communicate with insurance companies that may attempt to minimize or deny a claim. By fully evaluating liability and available coverage, an attorney can work to secure compensation that reflects the true impact of the injuries.
Take Action Today: Protect Your Rights After a Golf Cart Accident
Hancock Injury Attorneys can explain that while liability in these cases may sometimes appear clear, multiple factors can make it difficult to recover compensation. Victims frequently face questions about who caused the accident, whether insurance coverage exists, and how severe injuries should be valued.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident, it is important to understand your legal options. Speaking with an experienced attorney from our firm can help you identify available insurance coverage, understand the challenges of your claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 813-915-1110 to schedule your free consultation.
FAQs
Are golf cart accidents considered motor vehicle accidents?
Not always. Golf carts are often treated differently under the law, and they may not require traditional auto insurance. This can make determining liability and insurance coverage more complicated.
What types of injuries happen in golf cart accidents?
Common injuries include broken bones, head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Many occur when passengers are thrown from the cart or when the vehicle rolls over.
Who can be held responsible for a golf cart accident?
Responsibility may fall on the driver, the owner of the golf cart, or even a business if the cart was being used for commercial purposes. Each case depends on the specific circumstances of the accident.
What if the driver of the golf cart doesn’t have insurance?
In some cases, other insurance policies such as homeowners' insurance or business liability coverage may apply. An attorney from our firm can help investigate and identify possible sources of compensation.