Why Is a Golf Cart Accident Lawyer Important in Panama City?

With the prevalence of street-legal golf carts in Florida, the risk of being injured in a golf cart accident goes up. In fact, many residents may use a golf cart as their primary mode of transportation. When golf carts enter roadways along with cars and commercial vehicles, a collision can cause devastating injuries, and you could be eligible for significant financial compensation if the other driver were driving recklessly or negligently. 

A settlement or jury award for a golf cart accident that wasn't your fault could include the following:

Medical bills: Your medical bills for the accident may be covered, but what most people and insurance companies don't factor into a settlement are ongoing costs for treatment. A severe injury often requires further therapy or rehabilitation. Our expert lawyers can work with your doctor to assess how much more treatment will be necessary and come up with a dollar amount that will cover your ongoing medical expenses.  

Lost wages:  You may need to take substantial time off from work to recover from your injuries, and in that case, your lost wages should be recovered. Suppose you can no longer work or have to take a lower-paying job because of your injuries. Under these circumstances, the loss of income should be factored into the amount of compensation you should receive. Our lawyers are well versed in how to calculate this kind of compensation.

Pain and suffering:  Pain and suffering compensation doesn't necessarily make up for the pain you've endured, but it can make your recovery a little more comfortable. Pain and suffering can also include mental anguish, anxiety, or even PTSD if you feel traumatized from your accident.

Punitive damages: In some cases, a judge may order the person who caused your accident to pay punitive damages if they behaved in an extremely reckless manner. Suppose a commercial driver was speeding in a residential area while under the influence. If it's discovered that the driver's company knew their driver had a history of DUI yet hired the individual anyway, the judge may want to make an example of them to deter others of the same behavior by awarding punitive damages, which can be significant.

While not every accident requires the help of a lawyer, serious injuries can make claims complex. And the right lawyer can make a distinct difference in the amount of compensation you receive. Often, people don't realize what and how much they are entitled to when talking to the insurance companies, and the insurance companies aren't going to volunteer this on their own. Frequently, when our clients receive low ball offers or are flat out denied their claim, and we have to take the case to trial, we often see awards come back that are twenty times the amount offered before trial. 

Having someone who will look out for your best interests is critical when it comes to hiring a golf accident lawyer. Panama City residents who have been injured by the reckless acts of another are entitled to the best kind of legal representation available. At Morgan & Morgan, we deliver just that.

Since golf carts aren't strictly limited to golf courses anymore, there is a considerable risk of injury and even death for drivers and passengers of golf carts. According to research from the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital, this is especially true for older adults and children.

The average rate of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) among children who suffered golf cart-related injures was 1.6 per 100,000, which is three times the rate incurred by adults which are 0.5 per 100,000. In older adults, the average is 1.1 per 100,000. In 2017, the statistic for TBI climbed to 8.1 per 100,000 in older adults.

While fun and convenient to drive, golf carts lack basic safety features such as seatbelts, doors, mirrors, and lights, which makes a collision a scary thought. Golf cart-related injuries range from minor lacerations, bone fractures, to severe brain injuries, and even death.

Sharp turns: Turning too quickly in a golf cart could be considered reckless driving. Even making a U-Turn too fast makes it easy for passengers to be thrown from the golf cart causing injuries like painful road rash, fractures, or even worse. The golf cart driver has the steering wheel with which to brace themselves, but the passenger is out of luck, especially if the vehicle has no seat belts. Suppose you've been injured because your golf cart driver was being reckless with your safety. In that case, it may be possible to make a compensation claim.

Overloaded carts:  Generally speaking, most golf carts have a weight capacity ranging from 600-800 pounds. That's maybe three 200-lb individuals. However, you're over the limit if you add another plus all the golf gear. The danger introduced by an overloaded golf cart is lowered braking functionality, maneuverability, and even popped tires. If you were hurt because someone was driving a golf cart over the maximum weight limit, you might be able to sue that person for your injuries.

Distracted driving: Distracted driving is even more dangerous in a golf cart than in a car because of the lack of safety features and the open-air design of a golf cart. When people drive a golf cart, they have the illusion of safety because you're driving at lower speeds. Still, a collision under these circumstances can result in extreme injuries. People still have the same duty of care while operating a golf cart as they do a car. So, if you were hurt because another driver was talking on the phone or engaging in any behavior that took their attention away from operating the golf cart, they could be found negligent.

Driving under the influence:  Again, since golf carts operate at lower speeds than a car, some golf cart drivers mistakenly believe it's not as dangerous to drive while under the influence of alcohol. And since Florida has the highest number of private golf courses in the U.S., some people may think they are above the law and drink too much. With the increase of golf cart communities, this danger is more relevant now than ever before. Drinking and driving is never a good idea, especially if it leads to an accident.

Yes, people are subject to getting a DUI in Florida, even if they are driving a golf cart. Driving or being in control of a golf cart counts as being in charge of a vehicle, and it is illegal to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a vehicle. Having a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater is considered driving under the influence of alcohol. If someone caused you or a loved one serious bodily injury while driving a golf cart under the influence, you are likely able to sue for compensation for your losses.

If you've been injured in a golf cart accident, time is of the essence. Getting legal help quickly after your accident increases the chances of getting a good settlement, and it makes the process of gathering evidence far easier. If you wait, evidence can be lost, witnesses can move or pass away, and it makes it more challenging to establish how your injuries came about. That's why it's also very important to see a doctor right away after an accident, so you have documentation. 

Instead of handling all the negotiations yourself, our golf accident lawyers will take control of all communication moving forward, making it easier for you to recuperate. We ensure that your claim is handled in a manner that results in full compensation for your injuries. Our lawyers are highly competent but also compassionate. For over 30 years now, we've been handling personal injury cases and fighting the good fight for people just like yourself. Contact us today for a free, no-risk case evaluation. Our lawyers are ready to help.