Golf cart accidents may seem like no big deal. After all, they are typically slower and smaller than traditional vehicles. However, you can sustain serious injuries from an accident, especially since most golf carts do not have seat belts and are typically open, putting you at risk of being thrown out of the vehicle.
You should treat a golf cart accident like a car accident by immediately calling the police and seeking medical treatment before filing an insurance claim and consulting a personal injury attorney. An attorney from Dismuke Law could help you recover compensation for your losses.
Are Golf Carts Dangerous?
According to data cited in an American Journal of Preventive Medicine study, 147,696 injuries from golf cart accidents occurred between 1996-2006. While golf carts don’t seem to pose a risk to your safety, you can suffer an injury in an accident, just like in any other vehicle accident.
Unlike traditional vehicles, a golf cart typically lacks doors and seat belts, putting you at risk of being thrown from the vehicle. Even if you are not thrown out of the vehicle, you can still sustain severe head, neck, and back injuries that require medical attention. And just like other vehicles, some irresponsible drivers drive golf carts recklessly.
If you or someone you love suffered an injury in a golf cart accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries and resulting financial losses.
For a free legal consultation, call 863-250-5050
What Steps Should You Take After a Golf Cart Accident?
While you should take golf cart accidents seriously, it’s not always clear what to do if one happens. There will be initial shock and confusion. Taking the following steps can help keep you safe after an accident and help you prepare your case for compensation should you choose to file an insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Find a safe place and check for injuries: After an accident, you should find a safe place away from the golf cart to assess possible injuries. Some injuries are not apparent immediately, especially during high adrenaline. Like other vehicles, golf carts run on gasoline, a flammable liquid, making the cart a fire risk that can cause burns.
- Call the police: A golf cart is still a vehicle no matter where you drive it. Call the police or have someone else call so officers can secure the scene and determine the cause of the accident’s cause. The police can determine if the accident results from negligence and will prepare a report you can request as evidence to support your claim later.
- Seek medical treatment: Again, some injuries may not be apparent until later, so even if you do not think you have an injury, you should seek immediate medical attention. Immediate care can make a difference, especially if you sustain a head or spinal cord injury. Your doctor can document your injuries and treatment in your medical records, which you can use as evidence.
- Collect evidence: If you can, gather evidence of the accident, such as taking photographs and requesting a copy of the police report. You can also collect contact information from witnesses. The more evidence you can present to support your claim, the better.
- File an insurance claim: You should contact your insurance provider or the negligent party’s insurance provider and file a claim to collect compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
- Consult an attorney: A personal injury lawyer can provide you with options, investigate the accident, determine liability, gather evidence, assess the value of your claim, negotiate a fair settlement, and file a lawsuit, all while protecting your rights and guiding you through the legal process every step of the way.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Golf Cart Accident?
A golf cart accident can result in serious injuries and subsequent financial expenses that can affect your future. If your injuries and financial losses are due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation to cover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Home services
- Household modifications
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Childcare
- Physical therapy
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one in a golf cart accident
Your lawyer will determine which damages apply to you and calculate the value of your claim to determine how much compensation you can request. Our firm has recovered multimillion-dollar settlements for clients. While each case differs, we seek to recover the maximum compensation for each client.
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How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit for a Golf Cart Accident?
You generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. Once the statute of limitations runs out in your case, you can no longer pursue compensation for your injuries and financial expenses through the legal process.
We recommend consulting a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident so your legal representative has time to build your case. Our law firm will work to meet all deadlines in your case, including the statute of limitations so you don’t lose your right to file a lawsuit.
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Learn More About What to Do After a Golf Cart Accident Today – Call Dismuke Law for a Free Consultation
Any accident involving a vehicle can result in severe injuries and financial losses. This is why it’s always important to exercise responsible driving and remain aware of your surroundings and other drivers. An injury lawyer from Dismuke Law can handle your case and seek the proper compensation that helps you cover the accident expenses.
To learn more about what to do after a golf cart accident or get a free consultation so you can Ask Dave about your case, please do not hesitate to contact us. A lawyer from our firm is ready to talk to you about your case, so call us today.
Call or text 863-250-5050 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form