How To Own and Operate a Golf Cart in Jacksonville, FL
Beautiful sunny days often prompt fun outdoor activities in Jacksonville, FL. This often includes riding golf carts in residential areas.
Golf carts, as defined by state law, are meant to be used for recreational purposes and are not designed to exceed 20 miles per hour.
Before enjoying your golf cart in good weather, you should be mindful of Florida traffic laws that can protect you and others on the road.
Restrictions on Golf Carts in Florida
In Florida, golf carts can be driven on roads that are designated for golf carts. These roadways will have a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less.
Golf carts are also permitted to cross country roads that intersect with golf cart-approved roadways, golf courses, or mobile home parks. If a golf cart is permitted to be driven on a roadway, there should be posted signs indicating that golf carts share the road.
Florida does not require golf carts to be titled or registered. This means that golf carts are also not required to be insured with personal injury protection insurance or property damage liability coverage.
You are not required to have a driver’s license to operate a golf cart. However, to lawfully operate a golf cart on a roadway, a person must be at least 14 years old.
Before hopping in your golf cart for a ride, always verify that you are adhering to any restrictive local ordinances.
What To Do When Operating Your Golf Cart
To avoid being a danger to yourself and others, it is important to obey traffic laws when driving your golf cart.
The following are safety tips to remember when operating a golf cart:
- Do not drive a golf cart while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Maintain a safe speed
- Pay attention to the road
- Do not allow children to operate a golf cart
- Do not operate your golf cart when fatigued
- Maintain your golf cart
- Use seat belts if possible
- Stay seated at all times
- Remain fully inside the golf cart when moving
- Use turn signals or hand signals
- Yield for pedestrians
- Do not leave your keys in the golf cart
While operating a golf cart in Jacksonville, FL, can be a fun outdoor activity, it also poses risks for you, other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Golf Cart Accidents
If you are involved in a golf cart accident, you can sustain serious injuries.
The following are common golf cart accident injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Chest injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Lacerations
- Organ damage
- Road rash
Golf carts often leave drivers and passengers more exposed to injuries than cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs do. When operating your golf cart, it is important to understand the increased risk of injury.
What To Do After a Jacksonville Golf Cart Accident
If you are injured in a golf cart accident, it can be overwhelming for everyone involved. However, knowing what to expect can help you be prepared for what’s to come.
The following are steps to take after a golf cart accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene and visible injuries
- Exchange contact information and insurance information if applicable
- Obtain witness statements and contact information
- Document what occurred at the accident scene
- Consult with an experienced golf cart accident lawyer
Golf cart accidents can be complicated as more than one party may be at fault. A knowledgeable attorney can help you hold any at-fault party accountable.
A golf cart accident lawyer can help you with the following:
- Thoroughly investigate the golf cart accident
- Identify who is liable for your injuries
- Accurately assess your damages
- Gather and analyze evidence
- Discuss your legal options
- Devise an effective case strategy
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if necessary
If you were recently injured, contact an experienced golf cart accident lawyer for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options.
Contact the Jacksonville Golf Cart Accident Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra personal injury law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W. Forsyth St. #170,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167