Golf carts are an increasingly common sight in many Florida communities. They are used not only on golf courses but also to travel through neighborhoods, retirement communities, and other residential areas. While convenient, golf carts offer far less protection than passenger vehicles, and a crash can result in serious injuries.
If you are injured in a golf cart accident, Florida law may provide options for pursuing compensation. However, determining who is responsible and what insurance coverage applies can be more complicated than in a typical car accident.
Why Are Golf Cart Accidents Dangerous?
Unlike most passenger vehicles, golf carts generally lack many of the safety features designed to protect occupants in a collision. Depending on the cart, these may include doors, airbags, and other protective equipment. Passengers can also be thrown from a golf cart during a sharp turn or crash.
Common injuries may include:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and road rash
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Pedestrians and bicyclists may also suffer serious injuries if they are struck by a golf cart.
Who May Be Liable for a Golf Cart Accident?
Liability depends on how the accident happened. In many cases, the person operating the golf cart may be responsible if careless or reckless behavior caused the crash.
Examples of potentially negligent conduct include speeding, failing to yield, driving while distracted, carrying too many passengers, or operating the cart while impaired. A driver may also cause an accident by taking a golf cart into a restricted area or by failing to follow applicable traffic rules.
Other parties may sometimes share responsibility. A golf cart owner could potentially face liability depending on the circumstances surrounding another person’s use of the vehicle. A manufacturer or maintenance provider may also be responsible if a defective part or improper repair contributed to the accident.
What Florida Laws Apply to Golf Carts?
Florida law distinguishes golf carts from low-speed vehicles, and different requirements may apply to each. Under Florida law, a golf cart is generally designed for operation at speeds of no more than 20 mph. Where and how golf carts may be operated can depend on state law and local regulations.
Florida also has age and identification requirements for certain golf cart operators on public roads or streets. Because the rules can vary depending on the type of vehicle and where the accident occurred, identifying the applicable law is an important part of investigating a claim.
Can You File a Negligence Injury Claim?
If another person’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to pursue a negligence claim for your losses. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
Insurance coverage can be a significant issue in golf cart cases. Coverage may depend on who owned the golf cart, where the accident occurred, and the terms of the applicable insurance policies. A homeowners, auto, umbrella, or specialized golf cart policy may come into play, but coverage depends on the specific policy.
What Should You Do After a Golf Cart Accident?
After an accident, seek medical attention for any injuries and report the incident to the appropriate authorities or property management. If possible, take photos of the golf cart, the accident scene, any visible injuries, and the surrounding conditions. Obtain contact information from the driver, passengers, and witnesses.
Keep copies of medical records, bills, and other documents related to your injuries. Avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement before you understand the extent of your injuries and the insurance coverage that may be available.
Talk to a Florida Personal Injury Attorney
A golf cart accident Florida claim can involve questions about negligence, local regulations, vehicle classification, and insurance coverage. Determining who is responsible may require a careful investigation of how and where the crash occurred.
If you were injured in a golf cart accident in a Florida neighborhood, a personal injury attorney can review the circumstances, identify potentially liable parties, and help you understand your options for seeking compensation.
If you have been involved in a personal injury incident, seeking legal advice is essential to protect your rights. Our legal team has more than 40 years of experience seeking justice for accident victims. Our attorneys have sought and won millions of dollars for our injured clients.
Call 850-601-1111 to schedule a complimentary consultation with no obligations. This consultation will help you explore your legal options. Let us help you fight for fair compensation.
Jaeson continued his studies at Florida State University College of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 2011. Throughout his law school career, Jaeson regularly volunteered his time at Florida Legal Services, where he assisted with several projects aimed at advancing the rights of low-income families in Florida. Jaeson has recovered millions of dollars from individuals for his clients. For his efforts, Jaeson was inducted in 2016 into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. At the time of his induction, he was one of the youngest attorneys in the State of Florida to be inducted.