Golf Cart Accidents
A classic American pastime, hundreds of thousands of people play golf every day for exercise, love of the game, and in no small part—to socialize and network. Nearly 25 million people play golf in the U.S. every year and the Southeast holds some of the most beautiful courses in the world. From Augusta National, Peach Tree Golf Course and The McLemore in Georgia to the Honors Course, Golf Club of TN and Holston Hills in Tennessee, there is no shortage of regional hotspots. Revenue for golf courses and country clubs in the U.S. alone are projected to exceed 24 billion dollars a year by 2024, but very little of this revenue is utilized to improve golf course or golf cart safety.
How Frequent are Golf Cart Injuries?
Although the game offers something for practically everyone, a combination of factors makes it all too easy for accidents to occur. Course carts inevitably develop mechanical issues and are often driven by people with little to no experience (and varying degrees of sobriety). All told, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that more than 6,500 children are injured in reported golf cart accidents per year. The majority of those reported accidents occur at sporting events, but the beautiful setting and a reluctance to stop the fun contribute to thousands of additional unreported injuries to adults.
Golf Cart Accidents: What You Need to Know
Golf carts are a popular mode of transportation on golf courses, but they can also be dangerous.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident, it is important to know what to do. Here are some tips:
- File a police report. This is important for documenting the accident and identifying the responsible parties.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is important to be checked out by a doctor. Golf cart accidents can cause serious injuries, even if they don’t seem serious at first.
- Document your injuries and expenses. Keep track of all of your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can represent you in negotiations with the insurance company or in court.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
There are many factors that can contribute to golf cart accidents. Some of the most common causes include:
- Speeding. Golf carts are designed to travel at low speeds, but many people drive them too fast.
- Drunk driving. Alcohol consumption is a major factor in many golf cart accidents.
- Improper operation. Golf carts are not like cars, and they require different skills to operate safely.
- Unsafe conditions. Golf courses can be dangerous places, with uneven terrain, obstacles, and other hazards.
- Mechanical problems. Golf carts can malfunction, which can lead to accidents.
What to Do After a Golf Cart Accident
If you are involved in a golf cart accident, it is important to take the following steps:
- Stay calm. It is important to stay calm and assess the situation. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s). Get the names, addresses, and insurance information of the other drivers involved in the accident.
- Move the carts to a safe location. If the carts are blocking traffic or are in a dangerous location, move them to a safe place.
- File a police report. A police report will document the accident and help you with your insurance claim.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is important to be checked out by a doctor. Golf cart accidents can cause serious injuries, even if they don’t seem serious at first.
- Document your injuries and expenses. Keep track of all of your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can represent you in negotiations with the insurance company or in court.
Conclusion
Golf cart accidents can be serious, and it is important to know what to do if you are involved in one. By following the tips above, you can protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a golf cart accident, contact DRS Law Personal Injury Lawyers today. We will help you understand your legal rights and options, and we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
I was injured by a golf cart, what should I do?
Many who are injured are unaware that most hotels, resorts, courses and clubs maintain insurance covering golf course and cart accidents injuries. However, evidence necessary to prove a dangerous condition of the premises or of a golf cart’s mechanical failure is not automatically preserved, and it is important that you immediately speak to an experienced golf cart injury attorney in the event of an injury. Our personal injury firm has handled many cases involving golf cart accidents and injuries and is ready to talk about yours. If we can help, we’ll gladly tee it up.
Contact the golf cart accident attorneys at DRS Law today.
