Do I Need a Golf Cart Accident Lawyer in Tampa?

There was a time when you would only see golf carts on golf courses. However, the little vehicles have become ubiquitous in Tampa neighborhoods and on roads in recent years. Despite seeming a fun and harmless way to get around, golf carts can cause accidents with severe injuries and even deaths. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, more than 18,000 golf cart-related injuries occur in the US annually. 

Getting what you deserve can be tricky ff you got hurt in a golf cart accident in Tampa. Operators are not always insured, and your PIP insurance is unlikely to cover your damages. Working with an experienced golf cart accident lawyer in Tampa can be vital for recovering damages such as wage losses, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation to determine whether you have a case and could seek compensation. 

Where Do Most Golf Cart Accidents Happen?

Golf cart accidents do not only happen on golf courses. Many Floridians now use golf carts to pick up their groceries at their nearest store, to drop off the kids at school, or to visit neighbors. Therefore, common places for golf cart accidents can include:

Housing Communities

Housing communities often allow residents the use of golf carts to get around the neighborhood. In the city of Tampa, for example, Davis Islands is covered by a golf cart ordinance. The use of golf carts is also legal in Temple Terrace, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Golf cart accidents can be more common in housing communities that allow their use.

Golf Courses

Since golf carts are still mostly used on golf courses, accidents can commonly occur here. Uneven terrain, reckless maneuvers, or distracted driving can all lead to golf course accidents. 

Small Towns 

Residents in small towns, where amenities and restaurants tend to be closer together, often prefer to use golf carts rather than cars for getting around. 

Roadways

It has become increasingly common to see golf carts on the road. Since cars tend to travel at a much higher speed, accidents between a golf cart and a motor vehicle can be dangerous for golf cart occupants.

Causes of Golf Cart Accidents

Just like car accidents, golf cart accidents can happen due to various causes, including driver error, bad roads, bad weather, and vehicle defects.

Lack of Safety Features

Golf carts were originally intended for golf courses only. Therefore, most standard golf carts lack the safety features expected in a motor vehicle, such as seatbelts, signal lights, headlights, and many others. Since golf carts are sometimes operated on public roads, the lack of necessary safety features can cause tragic accidents with injuries and even fatalities. 

Defective Golf Carts

Golf carts, much like cars, should be adequately maintained and repaired. Accidents can happen due to a lack of maintenance or an inherent manufacturing defect. 

Driver Negligence

Common causes of golf cart accidents involving driver negligence can include:

• Reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Taking turns at high speed
• Overloading the golf cart

Poor Road and Weather Conditions

Much like cars, golf carts can be vulnerable to potholes and other defects in the road. Bad weather, such as heavy rain or fog, can also contribute to golf cart accidents.

Common Injuries in Golf Cart Accidents

Since accidents with golf carts can include rollovers, getting ejected from the vehicle, and colliding with motor vehicles, injuries can be severe. Some of the most common injuries in golf cart accidents claims include:

• Shoulder and neck injuries
• Lacerations, cuts, and scrapes
• Knee and leg injuries
• Fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Facial and dental injuries
• Back injuries

A catastrophic injury can have devastating impacts on a victim’s home life and career and result in astronomical medical costs. In some cases, a golf cart accident can lead to the tragic loss of life. However, if another caused your injury or your loved one’s death, you deserve justice and compensation. Our seasoned Tampa golf cart accident lawyers can walk you through your options and could help you get the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

Liability in Golf Cart Accidents

Liability can be tricky to determine in golf cart accidents, as responsibility can depend on several factors, including where the golf cart was operated, who owns the golf cart, and others. In many cases, a reckless or negligent driver can be responsible for injured victims’ injuries and expenses. However, the owner of the golf cart could also be responsible, for example, if they allowed an irresponsible person to operate the cart or failed to maintain and repair the vehicle. 

In addition, the place where the golf cart accident happened can also play a role in determining liability. For example, if a dangerous condition on a golf course contributed to the accident, the property owner could be held accountable. Since determining liability can be challenging, injured victims should seek advice from an experienced golf cart accident lawyer in Tampa as soon as possible after their accident.

You Could Be Entitled to Compensation

If someone else caused your golf cart accident negligently, you could be entitled to compensation, such as: 

• All medical expenses connected to your golf cart accident injuries
• Future medical costs 
• Lost wages and future lost income
• Pain and anguish
• Household expenses
• Transportation costs
• Property damage

Depending on your specific golf cart accident case, you could recover different or additional damages.

Reasons for Hiring a Tampa Golf Cart Accident Attorney

If you experience an accident with a golf cart, learning about your legal rights is always a good next step. However, you should strongly consider working with an experienced golf cart accident attorney if:

• You or a loved one suffered significant injuries
• A loved one died in a golf cart accident
• You have high medical bills and other expenses
• Fault is contested in the accident
• The insurance company refused a settlement
• Your insurance claim is minimized or severely delayed

Handling a golf cart claim can be challenging as, unlike in a car accident, there may not be insurance cover, and your only way of getting justice could be filing a lawsuit against the responsible party.

Morgan & Morgan Can Help

You do not have to deal with a potentially complicated golf cart accident lawsuit on your own. Let us determine your next best steps and legal options in a free case review. Our dedicated attorneys have helped many injured clients receive what they deserve and are ready to fight tooth and nail for fair compensation on your behalf. You don’t pay a dime unless we win.