The Dangers of Used Golf Carts: Legal Steps After an Accident

The days when you would only find golf carts on golf courses are long gone. Golf carts enjoy increased popularity and are used by many to get around neighborhoods and communities. The convenient little vehicles are easy and fun to drive. However, there is also a darker side to the golf cart boom. Figures from the National Safety Council (NSC) show that older adults and children, in particular, face increased golf cart injury risks. 

Getting hurt in a used golf cart accident can have devastating consequences for victims, who might end up with high medical and rehabilitation bills, wage losses, and other damages. Moreover, getting what you deserve when you’re hurt in a used golf cart accident can be tricky as the owner might not have adequate insurance. Having a seasoned lawyer by your side can be essential for recovering a fair settlement. Our experienced golf cart accident lawyers are ready to help. Contact us now for a free consultation.

Common Injuries in Golf Cart Accidents

According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, golf cart injuries are increasing. As used golf carts typically lack seatbelts and other essential safety features, even a minor accident can result in permanent or fatal injuries. There have been multiple reports of people getting thrown from golf carts and suffering considerable head injuries in recent years. Common golf cart accident injuries include:

• Bone fractures
• Facial injuries
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Lacerations
• Road rash
• Broken knees

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), over 150,000 individuals needed emergency treatment for golf cart injuries between 2007 and 2017. 

Suffering a permanent injury can turn your entire life upside down and lead to astronomical medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. A seasoned lawyer could help you get a fair settlement so you can put your life back together. 

Common Causes of Used Golf Cart Accidents

While some crashes are caused by reckless driving, the state of the golf cart itself can also contribute to accidents. Unlike new golf carts, used golf carts may have changed hands several times and potentially experienced years of use without inadequate maintenance. These older golf carts could have several significant defects, potentially making accidents more likely. Causes of used golf cart accidents can include:

• Defective brakes
• Overly worn wheels 
• Broken steering
• Turning too sharply
• Cramming too many passengers on the golf cart
• Drunk driving 
• Distracted driving
• Dangerous driving
• Failing to observe traffic signs and signals
• Failure to yield
• Underestimating the speed of traffic

There can be many other reasons for golf cart accidents. However, if you got hurt due to another’s negligence in maintaining a golf cart, or reckless driving, you could be entitled to damages.

Used Golf Carts May Be Unsafe on the Road 

While state laws can vary, it is generally permitted to use golf carts on some low-speed roads. The vehicles may also lawfully cross some highways and county roads. However, in particular, used golf carts and older models often lack crucial safety features, such as:

• Seatbelts
• Side mirrors
• Headlights 
• Signal lights
• Windshield wipers

While some newer golf carts can come with bells and whistles, including safety features, older models are generally very basic. However, despite their appearance and simplicity, golf carts are not toys. Drivers must take great care to avoid accidents when operating them on public roads and sidewalks. 

Injured Individuals Could Recover Damages 

Used golf cart accident cases can differ, and individuals can suffer various injuries. Therefore, there is no such thing as a standard settlement amount. However, you could be entitled to reimbursement for your damages, including but not limited to: 

Medical Expenses: If another causes your accident, you are generally entitled to reimbursement for all your healthcare costs, such as treatments, rehabilitation, medical devices, and others.

Wage Loss: If you have suffered a significant injury, you might not be able to return to your job for the foreseeable future. In this circumstance, you could seek damages for loss of income and future loss of income.

Pain and Anguish: If you got hurt in a used golf cart accident and suffered severe or disabling injuries, you could recover significant amounts for pain, emotional distress, loss of life enjoyment, and other damages.

Settlements for Common Golf Cart Injuries

Depending on the severity of your injury, damages could be considerable. For example, traumatic brain injury (TBI), a common head injury in golf cart accidents, could result in a settlement exceeding six figures. If you suffered broken bones in your accident, you could potentially receive a settlement amount of up to several hundred thousand dollars or more, particularly with multiple fractures or complicated bone breaks. 

However, it is important to note that each case is unique. Our golf cart attorneys can analyze your claim and determine the value of your case based on your expenses and losses. Morgan & Morgan has helped injured victims receive settlements for decades. We recovered $20 billion in damages for our clients to date and could help you receive a fair payout too.

Who Is Liable for My Expenses?

If you experienced an injury due to a used golf cart, you could have several defendants in a lawsuit, such as:

The Person Owning the Golf Cart: If you got hurt while operating a used golf cart, the owner (whether a private person or a business) could be responsible for your damages.

A Dealership or Private Seller: If you were sold a defective, used golf cart and, as a consequence, experienced an accident, you could have a case against the company or person that sold the cart to you. 

The Golf Cart Manufacturer: Some used golf carts may have manufacturing defects or defective parts that only show up after some years. If a used golf cart’s defect caused your injury, you could potentially sue the manufacturer or part manufacturer for damages.

Another Party: If the driver of another vehicle caused your golf cart accident due to negligent conduct, you could hold them responsible for your damages.

In many cases, the golf cart owner could be held liable. However, it can be unclear who is responsible for your accident and losses. Therefore, seeking legal advice can be vital for determining your legal options when you or a loved one gets hurt.

How to Recover Damages for a Used Golf Cart Injury

Depending on your accident’s facts, you could have several avenues for recovering what you deserve. If you were hurt in a used golf cart owned by another, you could potentially hold the owner of the golf cart responsible. You may be able to file an insurance claim or file a lawsuit against the golf cart owner personally.  

Morgan & Morgan Can Help

A golf cart accident attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help you move forward with a claim to recover damages for a used golf cart injury. We can:

Assess Your Options: During a free initial consultation, our legal team can assess your case and determine your best course of action, which could be filing an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover damages. Our attorneys can then move forward with the legal process.  

Collect Evidence to Prove Your Case: Some evidence, such as traffic camera footage, is highly time-sensitive and should be immediately secured. Our dedicated lawyers can collect the relevant evidence, consult with professional investigators, and build a comprehensive case against the liable party. 

Fight for Maximum Compensation: Our attorneys know how to fight for what you are owed, whether negotiating with an insurance company for a fair settlement or fighting vigorously in court. Morgan & Morgan knows that you need a settlement to rebuild your life after a serious injury. As America’s largest personal injury firm, we never settle for less. Our clients are like family, and we want to see them thrive and move on from a stressful and difficult time.

Why You Need a Golf Cart Accident Lawyer 

Seeking legal advice can always be a good step in dealing with any accident or injury. However, if you get significantly hurt, hiring a lawyer can be crucial for a positive outcome of your case. 

Your Car Insurance Is Unlikely to Cover Expenses: In a motor vehicle accident, you could file a claim against your own insurance, even if another is at fault for the accident. In some states, motor vehicle accident victims can claim coverage from their personal injury protection insurance (PIP) or file a claim under uninsured motorist coverage. However, these options are generally unavailable when you experience an accident with a standard golf cart. 

The Used Golf Cart Owner Could Be Uninsured: Owners of golf carts are not required, by law, to carry any insurance for their golf cart. This generally leaves victims without the option to file a claim. However, the owner may be covered under their homeowners’ insurance in some limited circumstances. 

Since used golf cart accidents can involve complex legal issues, working with an experienced lawyer can be critical for financial recovery. Filing a lawsuit might be your only option for receiving what you deserve. 

How Much Time Do I Have for Recovering Compensation?

Consider acting promptly when you get injured in a used golf cart accident, as you do not have an unlimited amount of time available to file a personal injury case. The timeline for filing a suit will depend on the statute of limitations in your state, which determines the deadline. 

Most states give you two years or more. However, in a few states, you only have one short year to file your personal injury lawsuit. The statute starts ticking down on the day of your accident and injury. While you may not wish to file a lawsuit immediately after an accident, consider seeking legal advice as soon as possible to discover your options and the best possible timing for your lawsuit.

Which Types of Cases Do Golf Cart Accident Lawyers Handle?

Morgan & Morgan’s experienced personal injury lawyers can handle most golf cart accident cases. Cases we see in our practice include: 

• Golf carts colliding with motor vehicles
• Individuals getting thrown off golf carts
• Used golf cart accidents
• Accidents with defective golf carts
• Collisions with bicycle riders and pedestrians 

How Do I Find the Best Golf Cart Lawyer?

If you suffered injuries and damages in a used golf cart accident, you deserve the best legal help. To find a great attorney, consider working with a firm that has experience with handling golf cart accidents successfully. Your lawyer should be experienced, motivated, and know the relevant local and state laws impacting your case. 

Meet Potential Lawyers 

Meeting attorneys personally can be beneficial for choosing the right fit for you. An attorney can be excellent on paper, but they may give you the personal care and attention you deserve. How an attorney and their staff handle the first meeting can be an indication of how they might handle your case.

Ask Questions

Good questions to ask during the first meeting can include:

• Do I have a good case?
• What do you think my injury is worth? 
• Will you personally handle my case? 
• Do you charge attorney’s fees upfront? 
• Do I have to pay expenses if I lose my case?

Can I Afford a Used Golf Cart Accident Lawyer?  

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you won’t have to worry about attorney’s fees at all. We do not charge our clients any upfront fees and only get paid if we win. There are no unexpected expenses, hidden fees, or nasty surprises. Our fee is always free until you win and recover compensation. 

Let Morgan & Morgan Fight for What You Deserve

You don’t have to fight alone if you were hurt in a used golf cart. Morgan & Morgan has your back. Our motivated lawyers can fight tooth and nail for the settlement you deserve. Get started today and contact us for a free case review.