Golf cart accidents are prevalent and can be devastating. Like any other motor vehicle accident, people who sustain injuries in golf cart accidents must seek medical attention, document their damages, and contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Since golf carts typically lack seat belts, it is easy for occupants to fall out or be ejected from the vehicle. Injuries often include severe or life-threatening injuries.
Call 911
Golf carts may be small, but they can cause serious injuries. Although golf carts are designed for use on a golf course, they can also be driven in neighborhoods for security and recreational use. As a result, they can be found on streets and sidewalks, and they are not typically equipped with standard car safety features such as seat belts and airbags. Even low-speed collisions or rollovers can cause severe injuries or death.
While golf cart accidents are rare, it is still important to know what to do if you are involved in one. The first step is to call 911 so that medical help can be sent to the scene and a police report can be filed. This is vital for several reasons.
In addition to helping you get medical care, a police report can be used as evidence in a legal claim. It can provide essential details such as the names and contact information of all parties involved, the location of the accident (including street names), witness accounts, insurance coverage, citations issued, and other relevant data.
It is common for people to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when driving a golf cart. Additionally, because golf carts are not as safe as cars, drivers often make dangerous maneuvers, such as speeding and taking sharp turns, that can lead to crashes.
Another common type of golf cart injury is whiplash. When you collide, your neck and back can be jolted suddenly, leading to severe injuries such as herniated discs or chronic pain.
After an accident, it is always best to remain calm and take a few moments to assess your condition before making any sudden movements. Many of our clients tell us that they are tempted to hop up and start walking after a crash, but this is only sometimes the best idea. Sudden movements can exacerbate your injuries, especially to the spine or neck. Instead, try to sit down or lean against something so that you do not worsen your injuries.
Seek Medical Attention
Golf carts are a standard means of transportation for people on college campuses, in private residences, and at significant events. Unfortunately, these vehicles are also prone to accidents that can lead to severe injuries and costly property damage. If you are injured in a golf cart accident, you must file a police report and seek medical attention immediately. You should contact an experienced golf cart accident lawyer to determine your legal rights and seek compensation for your losses.
A golf cart accident can lead to severe injuries, even wrongful death. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reported that 147,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for golf cart-related injuries over 15 years. Many of these injuries were the result of collisions or rollover accidents. Often, these accidents occur because of reckless driving by people who are intoxicated or otherwise negligent.
Whether in a low-speed collision or a catastrophic accident, you could suffer life-changing injuries, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken bones, or internal injuries. For example, whiplash can have a lasting impact on your head and neck, causing headaches, dizziness, and chronic pain. Injuries to the spine can be devastating, leading to permanent loss of function and mobility. Moreover, a soft tissue injury such as a bruise, cut, or sprain may not be life-threatening, but it can still leave you in excruciating pain.
It is essential to document the scene of your accident as much as possible. This includes taking pictures of the scene and any damage, speaking to eyewitnesses and getting their contact information, and jotting down your account of what happened as soon as possible. This will help you remember the facts of your case since memories can fade over time. Giving statements to insurance companies is only advisable once you have consulted with an attorney. In addition, you should avoid making sudden movements after an accident – this can worsen your injuries.
Gather Information
While you await medical personnel, gather the names and contact information of all parties involved in the accident. You should also take photos of the golf cart and the accident scene if you can do so safely. This will help preserve evidence, and it can also be helpful when filing a personal injury claim.
One of the most common causes of golf cart accidents is reckless driving. This includes speeding, making sudden turns, and swerving. Golf carts are also prone to rollover accidents, which can trap passengers and cause severe injuries. Flying metal shards may injure vehicle occupants, and they can suffer from head trauma or spinal cord injuries.
If you rent a golf cart from an establishment, such as a resort or a private club, you should know that the property owner is liable for any accidents on the premises. They may have insurance coverage for these incidents, covering medical bills and other expenses.
Negligence could also be a factor in a golf cart accident. For example, if the driver is intoxicated and drives recklessly, it puts everyone else at risk. In other cases, the golf cart manufacturer releases a defective product that ends up in an accident.
You can file a personal injury claim against the responsible party and seek financial compensation for your injuries. This money can pay for your medical expenses, lost wages from work, and pain and suffering.
Contact a Lawyer
Like in a car accident, you must contact a lawyer when you experience an injury due to someone else’s negligence. Unlike motor vehicle accidents, where victims can file claims through their personal injury protection or uninsured motorist coverage, golf cart injuries are typically covered under the negligent driver’s insurance. Having an experienced and skilled personal injury attorney on your side can help you maximize your compensation.
While golf carts may seem safe because they operate at much lower speeds than cars, they can still cause severe and even fatal injuries. Because of this, they should always be used with extreme caution, and drivers should always follow traffic laws and take steps to prevent accidents. Unfortunately, these safety rules are often disregarded, and people are hurt in daily golf cart accidents.
In addition to the driver, other parties could be held liable for a golf cart accident. The establishment that rents or owns the carts, the company or club that hires the drivers, and the manufacturer may all be at fault. A good lawyer will examine your accidents’ circumstances and determine who is responsible.
An experienced attorney can also help you to pursue damages for your medical expenses and other losses related to the accident. This includes lost wages and future earning potential, the cost of care you require to recover, and other out-of-pocket costs. If your family member died in a golf cart accident, an attorney could also help you to file a claim for wrongful death damages.
While it is a good idea to seek medical attention, document the incident as thoroughly as possible and contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Waiting to do this can leave you vulnerable to allegations that the accident did not occur or did not result in your injuries. It can also limit your ability to secure compensation. Depending on your state’s statute of limitations, you may only have a limited time to file a legal claim.