Do I Need a Golf Cart Accident Lawyer in Kissimmee?

Florida without golf carts is simply unthinkable. They are common on golf courses, in neighborhoods, and on public roads in Kissimmee. Although golf carts are not designed for high speeds, accidents and injuries are surprisingly common. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), golf cart users, in particular older adults and children, face considerable risks of injury.  

Suffering severe injuries in a golf cart accident can leave victims emotionally, physically, and financially worse off. However, if another caused your golf cart accident and injuries, you could hold them legally responsible and receive damages such as healthcare costs, pain and suffering, and others. However, having an experienced lawyer in your corner can be crucial. Our golf cart accident lawyers in Kissimmee could help fight for what you need and deserve after a golf cart accident. Contact us now for a free case review.

Causes of Golf Cart Accidents

Most people perhaps assume that a golf cart is harmless and safe. Unfortunately, this is a misconception. According to figures from the NSC, between 2007-2017, more than 150,000 individuals received emergency medical treatment for golf-cart related injuries. Although golf carts are much lighter than cars and designed to operate at a lower speed, they can still cause serious injuries and even deaths. Causes of golf cart accidents include:

• Too many individuals crammed on the golf cart
• Golf cart defects
• Turning too sharply
• Operating the cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving
• Reckless and dangerous maneuvers
• Disregarding traffic signs
• Failure to yield to other road users

This list is not exhaustive. Many types of negligent or reckless driving behavior can potentially result in a golf cart accident with injuries. If you suffered a golf cart injury in Kissimmee and are unsure about the next best steps, consider contacting our golf cart attorneys for help and advice. You could be entitled to compensation.

Golf Carts Are Generally Not Roadworthy

Golf carts can be operated legally on some Kissimmee roads. They are also generally permitted, by law, to cross county roads and highways. However, golf carts are not designed for public roads and usually lack the safety features required, such as: 

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

Moreover, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), golf carts do not require registration and PIP insurance, and operators do not need a drivers’ license. 

Injuries in Golf Cart Accidents

Since golf carts usually lack critical safety features such as seat belts, even minor accidents have the potential to cause devastating or fatal injuries. Perhaps surprisingly, golf cart accident injuries can be just as severe as those experienced in car accidents and include: 

• Traumatic brain injury 
• Bone breaks
• Spinal cord injury and paralysis
• Road rash
• Lacerations, cuts, and puncture wounds
• Back injuries
• Knee injuries

Suffering a permanent or disabling injury can impact your life forever and cause astronomical medical bills for years to come. However, if someone else is responsible for the accident, they should pay for your damages. If you have suffered a significant injury in a golf cart accident, you most likely need a seasoned attorney to help you fight for full and fair compensation so you can go on with your life. 

Compensation for Golf Cart Accident Victims in Kissimmee

If you or a loved one suffered injuries and financial losses in a golf cart accident, a range of damages could be available. Depending on the injury and accident facts, you could receive:

• Medical expenses
• Income loss
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Since no two cases are the same, consider speaking with a golf cart attorney if you would like to find out the approximate worth of your case and the damages that may be available to you. 

When You Need a Golf Cart Accident Lawyer in Kissimmee 

Generally, seeking legal advice can work to your advantage in any accident, even a minor one. However, if you get seriously hurt in a golf cart accident, working with an experienced golf cart accident attorney can be crucial for receiving what you deserve. 

Golf Cart Accident Insurance Claims Can Be Tricky

In a car accident in Kissimmee, you are typically covered by your PIP insurance. If your damages are greater than the PIP coverage limit, you could file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. 

Unfortunately, things can be much more complicated when you get hurt in a golf cart accident. Unless the golf cart is classified as a low-speed vehicle (LSV), owners are not legally required to carry insurance. You would also most likely not be entitled to coverage from your PIP insurance as standard golf carts are not classified as motor vehicles. In other words, hiring an attorney and filing a lawsuit might be your only option for recovering compensation. 

Cases Golf Cart Accident Lawyers Handle

Our Kissimmee injury lawyers can handle various golf cart accident cases, such as:  

• Golf cart collisions
• Passengers getting thrown from golf carts
• Golf carts getting struck by motor vehicles
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Golf cart accidents due to poor roads 
• Accidents due to defective golf carts

How to Find a Good Golf Cart Accident Lawyer in Kissimmee

If you got injured in a golf cart accident, you should look for an attorney who has experience with such accidents. Your attorney should know about the relevant local and Florida golf cart laws and regulations. They should also have a successful track record and several years’ experience under their belt. Tips for finding an excellent golf cart attorney include asking for referrals from friends and family and searching for attorneys near you online. 

Meet Prospective Lawyers Personally

If you are looking for an attorney for your golf cart accident, it is best to meet them in person to ensure they are a good fit. A free first consultation can be an excellent way to get to know the law firm and legal team you would be working with. Prepare for the meeting by jotting down some questions. For example, you could ask about the attorney’s experience and track record. Good questions to ask can include:

• Do I have a case?
• Have you handled many golf cart accident cases?
• What is the average settlement in a golf cart accident case?
• Will you handle my case personally? 
• Do I have to pay any upfront attorney’s fees?
• What are my costs if I lose the golf cart case?

Always listen to your feelings. If you leave the meeting with your prospective attorney feeling uplifted and positive, you probably found a good match. However, if you feel that the attorney or legal team avoided your questions or did not address your concerns honestly, you may wish to keep looking. A lawsuit can go on for a year or more, and it is important that you are working with an attorney you can trust.
Morgan & Morgan’s compassionate and dedicated golf cart attorneys can handle your case from beginning to end, ensuring you receive the personal attention and time you deserve.