What you should do after a golf cart accident is similar to what you do after a car accident. File a police report, seek medical attention, document your injuries and expenses, and contact a personal injury lawyer to help you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation.
With more than 9,400 golf courses all over the U.S., golf carts abound! They are also used off the course for short distance runs on campuses, in private residences, and at large events. With so many golf carts, accidents occur. A personal injury lawyer in your area can help you determine the steps you should follow to get compensation for any injuries or property damage you suffer in the accident.
How Often do Golf Cart Accidents Happen?
Golf carts are a significant source of injuries for many people across the U.S. According to Reuters research, between 1990 and 2006, there were nearly 150,000 injuries involving a golf cart. An astonishing number considering how “safe” most people believe golf carts to be. Some of these accidents resulted in serious injuries including head, neck, and spinal cord injuries.
If you or someone you love was injured in this way, you could be entitled to recover financial compensation from the at-fault party.
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What Financial Damages Are Recoverable After a Golf Cart Accident?
These types of accidents can be as serious as a car or other motor vehicle collision. In many cases, you can recover the same types of damages. These include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Current and future lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Ongoing pain and suffering
- Property damage or loss
- Mental and emotional distress
If a family member is fatally injured in a golf cart accident, the lawyer who handles your case will also help you pursue wrongful death damages. These include your loved one’s funeral and burial expenses and your loss of companionship, consortium, and society.
How Long do I Have to Sue the At-Fault Party?
An accident of any type, including a golf cart accident, that was caused by negligence is a personal injury case. As such, your state will have a statute of limitations that applies to your case. The statute of limitations must be met, or you could lose the ability to legally compel compensation.
It can also be difficult to correctly interpret the correct filing deadline because several factors can cause it to change. One of these factors is the age of the injured party (Reuters reports that approximately one-third of all golf cart accidents involve children). The best way to ensure compliance is to work with a personal injury lawyer who is familiar with the personal injury laws in your state.
Who Will Pay Compensation After the Accident?
The person or entity whose negligence caused the accident is responsible for compensating you. This can include:
- The golf cart’s driver or their homeowners’ insurance
- The golf cart’s owner via a personal injury lawsuit
- The golf cart’s manufacturer or their insurance provider
On your own, it can be hard to know who to pursue for damages. Your lawyer will explain how the investigation into the accident’s cause helps point to the at-fault party. From there, your lawyer will pursue compensation via the appropriate avenue.
How does a Lawyer Prove Who Was Negligent?
Proving negligence is critical to proving liability. To meet the legal elements of negligence, your lawyer will prove the at-fault party:
- Owed you a duty of care
- Failed to provide it
- Caused your injuries
- Caused your financial damages
The lawyer who represents you can prove these elements with evidence including accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and photos and videos. Because collecting, compiling, organizing, and submitting evidence can be a complex process, your lawyer will handle these details for you.
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Do I Really Need a Lawyer?
While you can pursue the negligent party on your own, there are benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will:
- Investigate the accident’s cause
- Identify the appropriate at-fault party
- Pursue the appropriate insurer
- Handle case-related communication
- Negotiate a favorable settlement
A lawyer can also ensure your case receives the right financial valuation in the first place and can help you avoid a speedy, but flawed or insufficient, settlement.
In addition, personal injury lawyers often work on a contingency fee basis. This fee structure means you avoid any upfront or out-of-pocket expenses because you only compensate your lawyer when you are compensated.
Call for a Free Review of Your Golf Cart Accident
If you or someone you love was injured in a golf cart accident, our personal injury lawyers can help you seek financial compensation. We will explain what you should do after a golf cart accident and what we will do on your behalf. Find out how hard we will work for you while you focus on getting better.
Contact one of our Bogin, Munns & Munns case review team members to get started today.
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