California Golf Cart Accident Lawyers

The Need For Our Golf Cart Injury Lawyers

Golf carts have turned into a successful enterprise. Annual sales of golf carts top $1,600,000 in the United States alone. They aren’t just used on the golf course anymore either. They’re often used as transportation at sports and recreational facilities. Additionally, several communities use them as the preferred method of transport in place of automobiles.

But, are they the safest form of transportation?

Golf Cart Injury Statistics

• According to The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, injuries linked to golf carts expanded by 132% from 1990 to 2006.
• Almost 150,000 individuals were involved in golf car accidents during that same time frame.
• The age range of injured parties was between two months old to ninety-six years of age.
• Approximately seventy percent of the injuries happened at sports and recreational facilities.
• Almost one-third of documented injuries affected children.

Common Injuries In Golf Cart Accidents

Golf cart injuries come in many varieties.

• Foot injury
• Leg injury
• Head injury
• Neck injury
• Bruises
• Strained neck or back
• Cuts
• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

A fireman once noted that golf cart operators aren’t usually to blame in accidents. However, the nature of their vehicle leaves them poorly protected in many cases.

Who’s At Fault In A Golf Cart Accident

Frequently, the golf cart manufacturer is responsible for design problems, which contributed to what could have been a preventable mishap.

In other cases, operators or riders could be at fault. If the operator drove faster than was safe for the circumstances or veered too sharply, individuals could be launched from the cart.

Sometimes irregular terrain could precipitate an accident. If riders are “fooling around” or not keeping themselves inside the golf cart, they can experience severe injuries.

Safety specialists contend the most prevalent causes linked to golf cart accidents are a failure to follow safety policies and an inclination to see and operate a golf cart as if it were a toy.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham conducted a study on golf cart safety. They discovered the greatest degree of injury involves men between the ages of ten and nineteen. Golf cart accidents in Florida are such a problem that the state has designated golf carts as a “dangerous instrumentality.” The use of golf carts on public roads is significantly restricted.

Here are a few essential questions to ask yourself:

• Were you driving carelessly or joyriding?
• Did you miscalculate the golf cart’s power?
• Did you exceed the cart’s abilities?
• Were you driving while distracted?
• Were you under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
• Did you drive over irregular terrain hazards like potholes, steep slopes, or tree roots?

California Laws That Apply To Golf Carts

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, a golf cart can be driven on roads, but there are stipulations (and laws may vary from city to city).

• Golf carts must not be able to exceed twenty-five miles per hour.
• Including the driver, you’re limited to four people on board.
• You can’t drive a golf cart on sidewalks.
• You can’t drive one on private property unless you obtain the consent of the owner of the property.
• To drive a golf cart on public roads, operators must hold a valid California driver’s license. They must also have liability insurance.

Common Causes Of Golf Cart Accidents

• Crowding too many passengers into the cart, causing unstable steering and possible tipping
• Weighing down the cart with excessive or uneven loads
• Operating the cart while impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Engaging in dangerous racing with other carts
• Attempting sharp turns and rapid reversing on slick, wet, or muddy terrain
• Braking too forcefully for the cart’s braking capacity
• Allowing passengers’ limbs to dangle outside the cart
• Collisions with other carts or vehicles due to careless maneuvering

Golf cart accidents share some risks with other vehicles, yet also present unique hazards. A common golf cart mishap, falling out while in motion, is rare for enclosed automobiles. Studies show that 40% of golf cart injuries involve passengers ejected onto the ground.

Like any driver, golf cart operators can cause accidents when distracted, impaired, fatigued, or careless. However, the open design provides less protection if another vehicle collides with the cart. Pedestrians walking nearby may also precipitate crashes. Just one unwise move could lead to injury. Vigilance is essential, as an instant of inattention while driving a golf cart can produce dire consequences.

What to Do After a Golf Cart Accident

Golf carts can be especially hazardous to bicyclists and pedestrians as they don’t possess the security of the cart’s frame. As a quick search of California news shows, golf cart accidents can be deadly for anyone operating one when an accident occurs.

The primary thing you should do following an accident is to get medical treatment. Get seen by a doctor, even if it seems you’re not injured immediately after the accident. Symptoms like internal bleeding and soft tissue injuries frequently aren’t felt right away.

Next, use your cell phone to take photos from all possible angles and record as much evidence as you can. Video is an excellent option to add if you’re able.

After you’ve received qualified medical treatment, speak to our California golf cart attorneys. If another party was at fault for the accident, that person may be obligated to pay damages for your medical bills and other expenses.

For example, if an automobile driver pulled out too quickly in front of a golf cart, that driver may be responsible for the crash. On the other hand, if a golf cart operator was violating the law and then struck a pedestrian, it may be considered negligent and at fault for the accident.

Unquestionably, golf cart accidents aren’t uncommon in California. When they occur, the losses following them can be substantial. Anyone driving a golf cart has to know the rules of the road pertaining to their operation.

Our California Golf Cart Accident Lawyers Can Help

Our specialized legal team can assess your case and ascertain if we can assist you by fighting for reimbursement for medical bills, property destruction, and much more. Don’t dismiss your incident as “no big deal” or take a settlement for less compensation than your accident demands.

What Will It Cost To Hire A Golf Cart Injury Lawyer?

Not to worry. We have you covered.

There are NO FEES unless we win. There’s no risk to you.

Your initial consultation is free. There’s absolutely no obligation. This empowers you to receive answers to all your questions about your options without any pressure.

You won’t pay any upfront expenses. There are no attorney fees unless we prevail by negotiating a settlement on your behalf or winning your case in court. We only accept cases we believe we can win. Again, we don’t collect any fees until we deliver payment for your case.

Let’s get started on your claim. Call us or contact us online today. Our lawyers will start working on your personal injury case immediately.