Available 24/7
Living in Pensacola, Florida, it is likely that seeing golf carts on the roadways has become common, and you may even own one yourself. A golf cart can provide a simple and easy way to get around your community, particularly if you live on or near a golf course.
However, while golf carts can be fun to drive, many people underestimate the dangers of riding in these vehicles. There is a much higher risk of sustaining injuries in an accident while driving a golf cart since these vehicles do not have standard safety features like seat belts.
If you or a loved one was recently injured in an accident while riding a golf cart, or you were injured by someone driving a golf cart, you may find yourself asking a lot of questions about your next steps.
At Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers, we know that the time immediately following a golf cart accident can be overwhelming, which is why we work tirelessly to support our clients. If you believe your injuries are the result of another driver’s negligence, feel free to contact us to find out how our experienced, knowledgeable golf cart accident attorneys can help you.
Are Golf Carts Street Legal in Pensacola, FL?
A common question among Pensacola residents is whether it is legal to drive golf carts on roadways in Florida. People often assume that golf carts are limited to golf courses and certain communities, only to be surprised when they encounter a golf cart on the road.
However, according to section 316.212 of the Florida Statutes, golf carts may be operated on roadways designed for golf carts with a speed limit of 30 mph or less. Golf carts can also cross county roads that intersect roadways approved for golf carts or that intersect a mobile home park. These roads must have signs posted indicating that golf carts and other vehicles share the same roadway.
While golf carts can drive on certain roads in Florida, these vehicles do not have to be titled or registered, and golf cart drivers aren’t required to carry insurance. Additionally, those who drive a golf cart do not need to be licensed; however, one must be 14 years of age or older to drive a golf cart on public roadways.
Are Golf Carts Safe to Drive on Florida’s Roads?
Of course, while driving golf carts on certain roads and highways may be legal, this does not make it safe to do so. Since golf carts are more exposed than other vehicles and usually do not have standard safety features like seatbelts and airbags, golf cart drivers and passengers involved in an accident with another vehicle can sustain serious injuries.
This makes it important that golf cart owners and users are aware of the common causes of golf cart accidents, as this can help them avoid being injured in an accident in the future.
Top Reasons for Golf Cart Accidents
Like any car accident, there are numerous reasons a golf cart accident may occur. Often, these accidents occur because the driver was reckless, or they may even result from the driver or passenger falling out of the vehicle since most golf carts do not have safety restraints or side protection.
Golf cart accidents are most commonly caused by:
- Young/inexperienced drivers.
- Overcrowding a golf cart can cause the vehicle to sway or tip.
- Reckless driving.
- Distracted driving (often involving cell phones).
- Driving a golf cart while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Hanging arms or legs outside of the golf cart.
- Driving a golf cart on muddy, wet, or uneven ground.
- Taking turns too sharply.
- Colliding with other golf carts, vehicles, or pedestrians.
While accidents can occur for a number of reasons, operator error and the negligence of other drivers on the road are two of the most common causes of golf cart accidents. If you are injured in an accident involving a golf cart, and you believe another person’s negligence is to blame, it is important that you consult an experienced personal injury attorney to see if you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries
Since golf carts offer minimal protection or safety features, injuries can be surprisingly severe, even in a mild accident.
While the extent of the injuries sustained in this type of accident will depend on a variety of factors, including how fast the golf cart was moving at the time of the accident, some of the most common golf cart accident injuries include:
- Cuts, scrapes, bruises, and other minor skin damage.
- Severe skin damage and skin loss.
- Lacerations.
- Strains and sprains.
- Whiplash.
- Broken bones.
- Knee and shoulder injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Mild or severe concussions.
- Chronic pain.
It is critical that you see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident involving a golf cart.
Who is Liable for a Golf Cart Accident in Florida?
Determining liability for injuries sustained in a golf cart accident can be complicated, as who is liable may depend on a variety of factors. These include who owned the golf cart, whether negligence on part of one or both drivers was to blame, and whether the golf cart may have had a defect.
If you were driving your golf cart on the road and were hit by a negligent driver, they may be responsible for your injuries and any resulting property damage. Alternatively, there are many cases where neither driver was negligent, but a defect in the golf cart caused the accident. In this case, the manufacturer may be liable for your injuries.
This is why it is so critical that you consult an experienced personal injury attorney following an accident involving a golf cart, as an attorney can review the facts of your case and help determine if someone else may be liable for your injuries and how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Consult With an Experienced Pensacola Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in an accident involving a golf cart and believe another individual’s negligence is to blame, you may be entitled to compensation. You should contact a golf cart accident lawyer to discuss your options moving forward, including whether you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit.
At Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers, we work tirelessly to help guide our clients through the difficult times following a golf cart accident by providing them with the answers and support they need every step.
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a golf cart accident, call us today at 850-444-0000 to discuss whether you may be entitled to compensation.
Golf Cart Accident Case FAQs
What is the statute of limitations for a golf cart accident lawsuit?
Personal injury cases in Florida are time sensitive, as Florida Statute 95.11 allows individuals to file a personal injury lawsuit for no more than two years following an accident.
What damages can you receive compensation for following a golf cart accident?
While the types of damages you can recover following a golf cart accident will vary by case, you may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income, golf cart repairs, and pain and suffering.