Golf Cart Accidents: What You Need to Know and How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Golf carts are no longer limited to golf courses. From retirement communities to college campuses and even city streets, these small vehicles have become a convenient mode of transportation. 

However, their increasing popularity has also led to a rise in golf cart accidents. Due to their open design, lack of safety features, and the mistaken belief that they are risk-free, golf cart crashes can lead to severe injuries and legal complications.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident due to someone else’s negligence, Morgan & Morgan is here to help. Our experienced attorneys can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.

What to Do After a Golf Cart Accident

Taking the right steps after a golf cart accident is crucial for protecting your health, legal rights, and potential claims for compensation. Here’s what you should do:

1. Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention

The first priority after any accident is safety. Check yourself and others for injuries. Even if injuries appear minor, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Many injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not show immediate symptoms but can become severe over time.

2. Call Emergency Services

If the accident involves significant injuries, property damage, or another motor vehicle, call 911. Law enforcement can document the accident and create a police report, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal action.

3. Document the Scene

Take photos and videos of the accident site, injuries, and any property damage. Capture different angles to provide a complete picture of the scene. If possible, get witness statements and their contact information.

4. Report the Accident

Depending on where the accident occurred, report it to the appropriate authorities. If it happened on private property, notify the owner or management. If it occurred on a public road, report it to local law enforcement.

5. Avoid Admitting Fault

Never admit fault or speculate about what happened. Insurance companies and opposing parties may use your statements against you. Stick to the facts when discussing the accident with law enforcement and other involved parties.

6. Contact a Golf Cart Accident Attorney

Golf cart accidents can involve complex liability issues. An experienced attorney at Morgan & Morgan can assess your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you pursue maximum compensation.

Common Injuries From Golf Cart Accidents

Despite their small size, golf carts can cause serious injuries. Here are some of the most common:

Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Golf carts lack seat belts and doors, making passengers vulnerable to being thrown out during an accident. Head trauma can result in concussions or more severe TBIs, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Falling from a golf cart or being struck by one can result in broken arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones. Recovery can take months, and some fractures may require surgery.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A rollover accident or ejection from a golf cart can lead to serious spinal cord damage, potentially resulting in paralysis or chronic pain conditions.

Cuts, Bruises, and Soft Tissue Injuries

Even minor golf cart accidents can cause cuts, lacerations, and muscle sprains that require medical treatment.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma from a collision can damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.

Dangers of Used Golf Carts: Did You Buy a Lemon?

Many people opt to buy used golf carts for their affordability. However, used golf carts can pose significant risks if they are not properly maintained or inspected. Here are some dangers associated with used golf carts:

Mechanical Failures

Brakes, steering mechanisms, and tires wear down over time. If a used golf cart is not properly maintained, these failures can lead to loss of control and serious accidents.

Electrical Issues

Older golf carts may have faulty wiring or failing batteries, increasing the risk of fires or sudden power loss while in motion.

Lack of Safety Features

Newer golf carts come with enhanced safety features such as seat belts and reinforced frames. Older models may lack these protections, making accidents more dangerous.

Unreliable Modifications

Many used golf carts are modified for increased speed or performance. These alterations can make the vehicle unstable, harder to control, and more prone to tipping over.

Unregulated Street Use

Used golf carts are often sold without ensuring they meet local road safety regulations. If you plan to use a golf cart on public roads, ensure it complies with your area’s laws to avoid fines and accidents.

For instance, Georgia passed new laws for golf carts, seeking to make them and their drivers safer when driving on the road. The new laws require that golf carts used “off the course” must be equipped with braking systems, a reverse warning device, tail lamps, a horn, and hip restraints. If buying a used cart, ensure that it meets these standards.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

If you’ve been injured in a golf cart accident, Morgan & Morgan has the expertise to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights. Here’s how we can assist you:

Investigate the Accident

Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage to build a strong case.

Determine Liability

Golf cart accidents can involve multiple liable parties, including drivers, property owners, manufacturers, or maintenance companies. We work to identify who is responsible and hold them accountable.

Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurers to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Fight for the Maximum Compensation

We fight for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If necessary, we will take your case to trial to secure the justice you deserve.

No Fees Unless We Win

At Morgan & Morgan, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we successfully recover compensation for you. That’s right—the Fee Is Free®, and you only pay if we win.

Injured in a Golf Cart? Contact Us Today

Golf cart accidents may seem minor, but they can result in severe injuries and legal complications. Whether due to reckless driving, mechanical failures, or unsafe modifications, victims deserve justice and fair compensation.

Morgan & Morgan has decades of experience representing victims of personal injury, and we are committed to fighting for those injured in golf cart accidents. If you or a loved one has been hurt, contact us today for a free case evaluation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.