Do I Need a Golf Cart Accident Lawyer in Big Pine Key?

Golf carts fit in perfectly with the tropical and relaxed lifestyle that Florida Keys tourists and locals enjoy. Golf carts are routinely used as the preferred mode of transport in communities, resorts, and even on the streets of Key West. However, accidents can happen due to intoxication, distraction, or other reasons. 

What should you do when you are involved in a golf cart accident on Big Pine Key, and should you hire a golf cart accident lawyer? Seeking legal advice can be an excellent first step after experiencing an accident. While you may not necessarily need to hire an attorney, learning about your legal rights can be advantageous.

However, working with an experienced golf cart accident lawyer in Big Pine Key can be crucial if you or a loved one suffered serious or life-changing injuries. A seasoned attorney can fight for what you need to manage your life, such as compensation for medical bills, income loss, and other damages. Contact us now to learn about your legal rights and the next best steps in a free case review. 

Golf Cart Accident Causes on Big Pine Key

Golf cart accident causes can include driver negligence, inclement weather, poor roads, and vehicle defects, among others. Driver negligence often boils down to intoxicated driving, distracted driving, or generally reckless driving.

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), anyone aged 14 and over can operate a golf cart without a driver’s license. Therefore, many individuals erroneously assume that road laws and regulations do not apply to golf carts. However, drivers must obey the applicable road laws when golf carts are operated on public roads. 

If you got harmed due to a drunk, reckless, or otherwise negligent driver, you could qualify for compensation. Our tenacious golf cart accident attorneys can fight for justice and compensation on your behalf.

Injuries in Big Pine Key Golf Cart Accidents

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), children and older adults are at a high risk of getting injured in golf cart accidents. Since most golf carts lack essential safety features, such as seatbelts, even low-speed crashes can cause serious or life-threatening injuries. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Whiplash
• Back injuries
• Fractures
• Road rash
• Bruising
• Cuts and lacerations

Wrongful Death

Unfortunately, some golf cart accidents result in fatalities. Fatal injuries can occur when passengers are thrown off the vehicle. Nothing can turn back the time and bring back a beloved family member. However, if someone else caused the accident, you could receive compensation helping to deal with the expenses and financial losses due to a loved one’s passing.

Do You Need a Golf Cart Accident Attorney?

In some golf cart accidents, getting a lawyer can be essential to help you fight for what you deserve. Such circumstances can include:

• Suffering a severe or life-changing injury
• Losing a loved one in an accident
• Incurring astronomical medical bills due to the accident
• An insurance company has already rejected or minimized your claim
• The other side is trying to blame the accident on you

Morgan & Morgan Has Your Back 

If you experienced a golf cart accident and suffered a significant injury or lost a loved one, you do not have to struggle on your own. Our seasoned golf cart accident lawyers in Big Pine Key can be there for you and help you navigate the legal system. We have been fighting tooth and nail for injured victims for more than three decades and never settle for less. 

Your Next Best Steps After a Golf Cart Accident on Big Pine Key

The most important thing to remember if you are involved in an accident is to stay at the scene. You should wait until the authorities arrive and, if you can, assist anyone who needs help. Your next best steps can include:

Dialing 911

Dialing 911 is especially important if there are individuals with injuries at the accident scene, as you can alert law enforcement and request emergency medical assistance at the same time. Even if there are no injuries or only minor injuries, calling the police is a good idea. An officer will file an accident report detailing all important facts, which can be crucial evidence for your case later on.

Collecting Information

Before witnesses and other drivers disappear, make sure to collect their full names, contact information, and, if applicable, insurance details. Take as many photos as possible of the accident scene, any involved vehicles, the road layout, injuries, and anything else that seems necessary. Jot down all the accident details you remember, as memories can fade quickly.

Contacting a Golf Cart Accident Attorney in Big Pine Key

Even if you think you do not need a lawyer, consider seeking legal advice as soon as possible after your golf cart accident. An attorney can explain your legal rights and options to you and help protect your best interests. They could also help you seek compensation from the at-fault party for your medical bills, income loss, out-of-pocket expenses, and other damages.  

Determining Liability in a Golf Cart Accident Case

One of the most important tasks of your attorney will be identifying all liable parties in your accident. Determining the liable parties is crucial, as they are generally responsible for compensating you. Depending on your accident, there could be several liable parties, including:

The Driver 

Drivers could be responsible for a crash if they violated road laws or exhibited dangerous and negligent driving behaviors, including: 

• Driving intoxicated
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Failure to yield
• Ignoring traffic signs

The Golf Cart Owner

In the Florida Keys, you can rent a golf cart at every corner. Unfortunately, the owners of such rental companies may not always ensure that their vehicles are adequately serviced and repaired. Injured victims could have a case against a golf cart owner, such as a rental company or resort, if:  

• The golf cart was defective
• Security features were missing or in disrepair
• Irresponsible persons operated the cart 

A Golf Cart Manufacturer 

A malfunctioning or defective golf cart or part could cause serious accidents and injuries. Defects can arise during the manufacture of a vehicle, in which case the manufacturer could be responsible for an accident. 

The Local Government

Not all accidents happen due to the negligence of other drivers or defective vehicles. Sometimes, drivers lose control, or passengers get thrown from the golf cart due to road defects, like potholes and large cracks. If a poorly maintained road caused your accident, you could have a case against a Monroe County government entity.

Determining liability can be tricky in golf cart accidents. Our attorneys analyze accidents thoroughly to identify all liable parties and discover all potential avenues for pursuing compensation. 

You Could Receive Damages

Compensation will vary according to a victim’s injuries, medical expenses, and other damages. Generally, you could receive a variety of damages in a successful golf cart accident lawsuit, including but not limited to: 

• Medical expenses now and in the future
• Loss of wages and loss of future earning potential
• Transportation costs
• Miscellaneous expenses
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Loss of a limb or a sense
• Reduced life quality
• Disability
• Permanent disfigurement