Golf Cart Accidents Can Result in Significant Damages
Golf carts may travel at slow speeds, but their smaller size and lack of mounted lights sometimes make it harder for other drivers to spot them. This is especially true at nighttime or when the other driver is distracted. Golf cart accidents can cause severe injury depending on the impact. Drivers that act negligently and cause accidents and injuries can be held liable for financial damages.
Negligent golf cart drivers can also be sued when they injure a pedestrian. If you or someone you love was injured in a golf cart accident, you should consult with experienced personal injury attorneys to hold the at-fault parties liable and obtain maximum compensation.
Causes of Golf Cart Accidents in Alabama
There are several factors that make golf carts dangerous. Unfortunately, these accidents usually result in severe injuries. This is even when the cart is traveling at low speed. Golf cart accidents are on the rise because of the following reasons:
Limited safety restrictions
A primary reason that makes golf carts dangerous is the lack of safety restrictions. Golf courses don’t have any restrictions on the allocation of carts. There are a few courses that won’t provide a golf cart to people that have been drinking, but others don’t really care as long as they get money for the rental. In short, you never really know if the golf cart is being driven by someone conscientious or reckless.
Unsafe driver behavior
Golf carts are not really real vehicles. This means that drivers don’t always take them seriously. Even though golf carts travel at lower speeds, they have the potential to cause serious property damage and injuries. Drivers may zip across the course without thinking about pedestrians or have a drink or two. Unsafe driving increases the risk of accidents and places innocent golfers in danger.
Minimal safety equipment
The lack of safety gear in golf carts is mind-boggling. There are very few golf carts with seat belts. Having no doors makes it easier to get in and out every few minutes. With that said, it also places you at a greater risk of injury if an accident occurs. In addition, most golf carts don’t have any lights or mirrors.
You should speak with a seasoned personal injury attorney as soon as possible following your golf cart accident to gather evidence and file a lawsuit.
Filing an Injury Lawsuit for Your Golf Cart Accident in Alabama
Golf cart drivers have a responsibility to avoid reckless behavior that may place others in harm’s way. Drivers that engage in drinking and driving, texting while driving, speeding, and maneuvering recklessly increase the risk of an accident. This applies to both golf cart operators and other drivers. In most cases, the golf cart occupants are left with severe injuries.
You may hold the golf cart driver responsible if they took a curve too fast or turned sharply. This is also true in an accident where there is no other vehicle involved. Furthermore, if the golf cart accident occurred because of a poorly maintained road or another reason, the government or property owner may be found responsible for the accident.
You need to find the right legal representation if you were injured in a golf cart accident. You should insist on calling the police to make an official report. You should also get medical attention for your injuries. This will provide you with the necessary evidence required to file a lawsuit. Don’t forget to get the driver’s name and details.
You should report the accident to the golf course management. You may file a lawsuit against them if they rent the carts without verifying whether the driver is in a safe condition to operate the cart. It’s critical that you speak with an experienced golf cart crash attorney as soon as possible. An attorney who understands this area of the law can advocate for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Suing the Owner of the Golf Cart
The owner of the golf cart may not be the same individual as the one operating it. Whether the owner is present at the scene of the accident or not, you may have a viable case against them. Under Alabama law, golf carts are treated as “dangerous instrumentalities.”
Golf cart owners can face indirect liability because of this designation. This is possible even if the owner was not directly involved in the accident. You may need to bring a lawsuit against the owner of the golf cart if the operator lacks the financial resources to provide compensation under a personal injury claim. It’s best that you consult with a proven personal injury attorney for obtaining the justice you deserve.
Talk to a Skilled Alabama Golf Cart Accident Attorney – Book Your Free Consultation Today
The experienced and proven golf cart accident attorneys at the Smith Law Firm have the necessary resources, skills, and legal knowledge to help you prove the liability of the negligent parties and recover the damages you are entitled to. Our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience in helping injured victims to get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Call us at 334-377-1674 or reach us online for a initial consultation and case assessment.
