In Florida, golf carts are widely used on golf courses, in private communities, and even on the streets in some beach or retirement towns. These communities usually have laws governing the use of golf carts on the road. However, accidents often occur due to the negligence of the golf cart driver. For example, there have been cases where a golf cart strikes a pedestrian, or the driver’s negligence results in an injury to one of the golf cart passengers. Every year, there are almost 15,000 accidents involving golf carts.
Accidents involving golf carts can be quite serious because the carts do not typically have the same safety features as a car. They rarely have seat belts, and if they do, the occupants tend not to use them. This can result in the occupants being partially or fully ejected upon impact, leading to serious injuries. Also, golf carts are not engineered the same as cars and tend to roll over more easily, sometimes resulting in catastrophic injuries. Many accidents occur when the golf cart is driven on uneven terrain and it becomes unstable or even rolls over.
Can you recover for injuries caused by the negligent driver of a golf cart in Florida? The short answer is yes. You also have a claim against the owner of the golf cart because, just like a motor vehicle, a golf cart is considered a dangerous instrumentality. This means that the owner of the golf cart is legally responsible for any negligence of the driver. Therefore, an injury claim will typically be brought against both the driver and the owner.
Golf cart injury claims can be very complicated and involve significant legal issues that could affect your recovery. The first thing your lawyer needs to determine is whether there is any insurance covering the golf cart. Automobile insurance policies rarely cover these claims because they almost always exclude coverage for golf cart accidents.
The primary source of coverage might be through a policy specifically covering the golf cart. But what if the owner did not get an insurance policy specifically for the cart? A homeowner’s insurance policy might also provide coverage. However, these policies typically have complicated language limiting the circumstances under which the insurance will apply. It is very important to determine whether there is insurance coverage and if so, how much is available. If you have been involved in a golf cart accident, it is a good idea to contact an MVA accident lawyer in Tampa who has prior experience in handling golf cart claims. Contact a law firm with your questions about your golf cart injury claim.
Thanks to Jeff Murphy Law for their insight into personal injury claims and golf cart accidents.
