Just like with auto accidents, it is important to identify who is responsible in a golf cart accident and hold them accountable for their negligence. If you suffered injuries in a golf cart accident, you may be entitled to compensation from a variety of sources. A personal injury lawyer from our firm could help you evaluate your options and pursue fair financial recovery for your injuries.
Golf carts are popular in Florida, particularly among communities built around golf courses. These vehicles offer convenience and a method of transportation that costs less than the average motor vehicle. Despite these benefits, accidents are also commonplace.
Understanding What Qualifies as a Golf Cart
There are numerous vehicles on the sidewalks and roadways throughout Florida, and understanding what qualifies as a golf cart could be useful to your personal injury case. While liability issues involving golf cart accidents are similar to those in motor vehicle collisions, there are important differences regarding issues like insurance.
According to Florida Statutes § 320.01, a golf cart is any motor vehicle that “is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour.” The registration of these vehicles is governed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
While these vehicles lack the size and speed of a motor vehicle, the damage they can cause is still significant. A collision between a pedestrian and a golf cart could lead to devastating injuries.
To consult with an experienced golf cart accidents lawyer today
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The Negligence of the Golf Cart Driver Could Lead to Your Financial Recovery
If you suffered harm in a golf cart accident due to the negligence of the operator, you could be entitled to a monetary award. This is true if you were operating a different golf cart, traveling by foot, or even riding in the cart driven by the negligent operator.
Proving negligence in these cases is similar to motor vehicle collisions. Golf cart operators have a duty to drive these vehicles with care. If they fail to do so, they could be responsible for any injuries they cause.
Negligence is not uncommon when it comes to golf cart accidents. Most people receive no training when it comes to using these vehicles, which can lead to golf cart drivers engaging in risky behavior on sidewalks and roadways.
Examples of Golf Cart Negligence
There are numerous ways that negligence could lead to a golf cart accident. A driver could operate a golf cart while intoxicated or travel at unsafe speeds.
They could also drive aggressively, which puts bystanders at serious risk of injury. In these cases, it is possible to file a civil lawsuit against the negligent operator.
Don’t wait any longer. Contact our skilled Personal Injury Lawyers today, and let us fight for your rights.
You Could Have a Case Against the Owner of the Golf Cart
In some situations, the owner of the golf cart is not the same individual that is operating the vehicle at the time of the accident. Regardless of whether the golf cart owner was present at the scene of the crash, you could have a viable case for compensation against them.
Under state law, golf carts are considered to be “dangerous instrumentalities.” Because of this designation, the owner of a golf cart could face indirect liability for an accident even if they were not involved.
This is important in situations where the operator of the golf cart lacks the resources to resolve a personal injury claim.
A Lawsuit May Be the Best Course of Action for You
In those situations, pursuing a lawsuit against the owner could be your best path towards fair compensation.
Another benefit of pursuing compensation from the owner of the golf cart is that they could have an insurance policy in place. Insurance coverage is common, especially when it comes to commercial entities that borrow or rent golf carts. If you were injured by a golf cart owned by an apartment complex or golf course, you could be entitled to pursue a claim through their insurance policy.
The owner of the golf cart might represent a strong option for pursuing compensation, but it is important to remember that success with these claims is never guaranteed. An attorney from our team could help you pursue a civil lawsuit or insurance claim against the owner of a golf cart. You should focus on your recovery.
Call Us Today to Discuss Liability in Your Golf Cart Accident
Determining the liable party in a golf cart accident is only one of the ways our firm could help you pursue your personal injury case. Our team could help you negotiate a settlement or pursue a lawsuit against the party that caused the crash.
The team at Bogin, Munns & Munns is prepared to serve as your advocate during your pursuit of fair compensation. If you are ready to get started on your golf cart accident case, call (855) 686-6752 for a free consultation right away.
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