Florida Golf Cart Accident Lawyers: Legal Compensation for Golf Cart Accidents

Golf carts are usually involved in fun and leisurely activities, whether you’re doing a few rounds on the golf course or cruising through your neighborhood. However, disaster can strike at any moment. When it does, you need qualified Florida golf cart accident lawyers on your side.

There are approximately 13,000 golf cart-related accidents each year that necessitate emergency room visits. Understanding your legal options is crucial if you find yourself involved in a golf cart accident. Knowing the common causes of these accidents, the types of injuries they can cause, and the specific legal frameworks governing golf cart use in Florida will guide your decisions.

When seeking legal representation, choosing lawyers experienced in Florida’s golf cart laws is important to navigate your claim effectively. Contact Hughes and Barnard Law Firm, PA, for expert advice on the legal process and potential compensation.

Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents

Golf cart accidents can happen for various reasons, many of which mirror the common causes of automobile accidents, but with some unique aspects due to the design and typical usage of golf carts. You may be entitled to legal compensation based on the reason for your golf cart accident. 

Here are some of the common causes of golf cart accidents:

Driver Error

This includes speeding, reckless driving, or inattention while operating the golf cart. Given the open design of golf carts, even slight errors can lead to accidents.

Driving Under the Influence

Operating golf carts under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs the driver’s ability and increases the risk of accidents.

Inexperienced Drivers

Golf carts are often driven by individuals who may not have as much driving experience, such as teenagers or those unfamiliar with the vehicle’s handling characteristics.

Overcrowding

Loading a golf cart with too many passengers can lead to imbalance and loss of control, making accidents more likely.

Mechanical Failures

Golf carts can experience mechanical issues such as brake failure, steering problems, or tire blowouts, leading to serious accidents.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, uneven pathways, or slippery surfaces can cause a golf cart driver to lose control, especially because golf carts are less stable than cars.

Lack of Safety Features

Golf carts typically do not come equipped with the safety features found in cars, such as seat belts, doors, or airbags, which increases the risk of injury during an accident.

Visibility Issues

Due to their small size and low profile, golf carts can be harder for other drivers to see, particularly in low-light conditions or when they are in a vehicle’s blind spot.

Understanding these risks can help drivers take preventive measures to ensure their own and others’ safety when operating or riding in a golf cart.

Types of Injuries Common in Golf Cart Accidents

Golf cart accidents, although they might seem less severe than car accidents due to lower speeds, can still lead to various injuries. 

Here are some of the common types of injuries that can occur:

  • Bruises and Contusions: Due to bumps and collisions, even minor ones.
  • Sprains and Strains: Often result from sudden stops or impacts, affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
  • Broken Bones: Common in hands, wrists, arms, and legs, particularly when individuals instinctively extend an arm or leg to break a fall during an accident.
  • Concussions: Can occur from hits to the head, either from striking the steering wheel, canopy frame, or as a result of being thrown from the golf cart.
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  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): More severe impacts can lead to significant brain injuries, which may have long-term consequences.
  • Cuts and Lacerations: Can be caused by sharp edges during a crash or if glass or other debris becomes airborne during an accident.
  • Whiplash: Often results from rear-end collisions.
  • Spinal Cord Damage: Can lead to paralysis in severe cases, depending on the area and severity of the injury.
  • Organ Damage: Can occur from high-impact collisions.
  • Internal Bleeding: Could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
  • Dislocations and Joint Injuries: Occur when parts of the body are twisted or knocked out of position.
  • Road Rash and Abrasions: Can happen if someone is dragged or slides along a surface.

The open design of golf carts and lack of comprehensive safety features like seatbelts and doors increase the risk of ejections, significantly contributing to the severity of injuries in many golf cart accidents. Awareness and proper safety measures, such as driving safely and not overcrowding the golf cart, are essential to prevent these injuries.

If you have gotten into a golf cart accident and suffered injuries, you may be entitled to legal compensation based on the details of your case.

Legal Framework Governing Golf Cart Use in Florida

According to Section 320.01 (22) of the Florida Statutes, you can drive a golf cart on roadways specifically designated for such use, where the posted speed limit is 30 mph or less. 

Your golf cart:

  • Must be designed and manufactured primarily for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes. 
  • It must not be capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour. 
  • You can also cross certain county roads that intersect with roadways approved for golf carts or that lead to golf courses or mobile home parks. 
  • It’s important to note that local signs must indicate that golf carts share the roadway. 
  • Be aware that local ordinances may impose more restrictive rules, and it’s wise to check these before driving a golf cart on public roads. 
  • Golf carts in Florida do not need to be titled or registered and, therefore, do not require insurance coverage typically mandated for other vehicles. 
  • You must be 14 years old to operate a golf cart on designated public roadways.

When operating a golf cart in Florida, always be mindful of both state and local regulations to ensure safe and legal use. If you ever find yourself involved in a golf cart accident or if you have any legal concerns regarding golf cart injuries, it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer who specializes in this area. 

A knowledgeable attorney can provide you with detailed information on your rights and obligations, help you navigate the complexities of the law, and offer the necessary support to address any legal issues effectively. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a lawyer for tailored advice and assistance concerning golf cart injuries.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a golf cart accident in Florida and seeking knowledgeable legal counsel to understand your rights and the potential compensation you might be entitled to, consider reaching out to Hughes and Barnard Law Firm, PA for professional help.

Contact Huges and Barnard Law Firm, PA to Learn More About the Legal Process and Potential Compensation 

At Hughes and Barnard Law Firm, PA, we understand the complexities and unique aspects of golf cart accident cases in Florida. With nearly 25 years of experience specializing in personal injury and wrongful death matters, our team of civil trial attorneys is dedicated to securing successful outcomes for our clients throughout the state. We are committed to practicing law with the highest legal and ethical standards, ensuring you and your family receive the best legal services possible.

We pride ourselves on offering personal, hands-on, professional services, a quality that sets us apart from larger firms. Our clients are more than just a number to us; they are part of our community. You can count on us to be responsive, accessible, and proactive in communicating with you throughout your case. Our attorneys personally take and return your phone calls, ensuring you have all the information you need and feel supported at every step.

Contact Us Today!

We believe that our reputation is the strongest testament to our service excellence and client satisfaction. If you have been involved in a golf cart accident, let us help you navigate the legal process and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Contact Hughes and Barnard Law Firm, PA, today to learn how we can assist you in this challenging time.