Golf carts are no longer just for the golf course. In many communities, people use them for transportation in gated neighborhoods, resorts, and even city streets. While they may seem harmless, golf cart accidents can cause serious injuries due to the vehicle’s lack of safety features, stability issues, and increased risk of rollover crashes.
If you were injured in a golf cart accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding who is liable and how to pursue a legal claim can help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
Golf cart crashes happen more often than people think, and they’re usually the result of driver negligence, mechanical failures, or unsafe conditions. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Reckless Driving – Speeding, sharp turns, or driving on uneven terrain can cause rollovers.
- Drunk Driving – Many people operate golf carts while under the influence of alcohol, leading to impaired judgment and crashes.
- Lack of Seat Belts or Safety Features – Most golf carts don’t have airbags, doors, or proper restraints, making ejections common in an accident.
- Collisions With Larger Vehicles – Golf carts are much smaller than regular cars, and when they share the road, they are at higher risk of being hit by inattentive drivers.
- Defective Golf Carts – Poor manufacturing or maintenance issues can cause sudden malfunctions, leading to accidents.
Common Injuries in Golf Cart Accidents
Since golf carts lack many of the safety protections found in regular cars, injuries can be severe. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head Injuries & Concussions – Riders can be ejected from the cart, hitting the ground or another object.
- Broken Bones – Falls and rollovers often lead to fractured arms, legs, or ribs.
- Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries – Sudden jolts or rollovers can cause whiplash or paralysis.
- Lacerations & Internal Bleeding – Ejections or impacts with objects can lead to deep cuts or internal damage.
Injuries can range from minor scrapes to life-altering disabilities, depending on the speed, impact, and circumstances of the accident.
Who is Liable in a Golf Cart Accident?
Liability in a golf cart accident depends on who was at fault and where the accident occurred. Several parties may be responsible, including:
- The Golf Cart Driver – If the driver was reckless, intoxicated, or careless, they could be held accountable for injuries.
- The Golf Cart Owner – If the owner allowed an underage or unqualified driver to operate the cart, they could be liable.
- Property Owners or Golf Course Operators – If the accident was due to poor maintenance, unsafe pathways, or inadequate signage, the golf course or property owner may be responsible.
- Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers – If the accident was caused by a defective golf cart or faulty repairs, the manufacturer or service provider may be at fault.
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation, including witness statements, accident reports, and expert evaluations of the golf cart’s condition.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured in a golf cart accident, you may be eligible to recover damages for:
✔ Medical expenses – Emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment
✔ Lost wages – If the injury prevents you from working, you can claim lost income
✔ Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life
✔ Property damage – If the golf cart or personal belongings were damaged in the crash
✔ Punitive damages – In cases of gross negligence, such as drunk driving, additional damages may be awarded
The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
Steps to Take After a Golf Cart Accident
If you are involved in a golf cart accident, take these steps to protect your legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Report the Accident – Notify the golf course, property manager, or police, depending on where the crash occurred.
- Document Everything – Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage.
- Collect Witness Statements – Get contact information from anyone who saw the crash.
- Preserve Evidence – If a defective golf cart caused the accident, do not repair or alter it until an expert examines it.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer – Golf cart accident claims can be complicated. A lawyer can help determine who is responsible and pursue compensation.
Final Thoughts: Do You Have a Case?
Golf cart accidents can lead to serious injuries, and determining liability is not always straightforward. If your accident was caused by a negligent driver, a defective cart, or unsafe property conditions, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Hildebrand & Wilson, LLC, we help injury victims hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.