Golf carts are a common sight in Florida. However, nationwide golf cart accidents are on the rise, and they are responsible for 6,500 children’s injuries each year. These disturbing statistics were behind Florida’s recent change in law, which now requires drivers under 18 to have a valid driver’s license or learner’s license to legally operate a golf cart.
If you or your child were injured, you may have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party. But how is fault determined in a golf cart accident in Jacksonville, FL?
A knowledgeable Jacksonville golf cart accident lawyer can review your case, determine who is liable, and gather the evidence necessary to prove it. Contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers today at (904) 396-1100 for a free case review.
How Our Jacksonville Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You After a Golf Cart Accident
Since 2012, Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers has helped Jacksonville accident victims recover compensation after the negligence of others harmed them. We know how to get to the bottom of a case to determine how the accident happened and who is responsible for it.
Our lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience in personal injury law, and we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for deserving clients.
If you hire our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers for help with your golf cart accident claim, we will:
- Review your case
- Investigate who is to blame
- Gather strong evidence to prove your claim
- Negotiate with opposing parties for fair compensation
- Go to court if necessary
Call our law firm today for a free consultation with a golf cart accident lawyer in Jacksonville, Florida.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents in Jacksonville, FL
Some of the leading causes of golf cart accidents in Florida include:
Distracted Driving
Motorists may be distracted by cell phones, eating, drinking, passengers, or other stimuli, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Failing To Yield the Right-of-Way
Motorists must be careful when driving around golf carts, just as they must when driving near pedestrians or cyclists. There may be signage on the road that indicates a driver must yield if there is a golf cart crossing. Golf carts are not allowed to be on major roadways unless there is infrastructure and signage that supports them.
Racing
Sometimes, golf cart riders may try to race, thinking it’s a game. However, these are motorized vehicles that operators must take seriously. Safety should always be a top priority.
Overloading
Golf carts may be loaded with too much weight or too many passengers, making them more likely to tip or rollover.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Some golf cart accidents are due to drinking and driving or drug use. Alcohol or drug use can decrease reaction time, lower inhibitions, and cause accidents. It is illegal to operate any motorized vehicle under the influence, including golf carts or low-speed vehicles.
Who Could Be Responsible For a Golf Cart Accident in Florida?
Various parties could potentially be liable for golf cart accidents, including:
- Motorists – Drivers of passenger vehicles could be responsible for these accidents when they operate their vehicles in a negligent way.
- The golf cart operator – Operators of golf carts could drive the vehicle in a careless way or fail to obey relevant traffic laws, resulting in a serious accident.
- The golf cart owner – Owners are responsible for maintaining the golf cart and not entrusting them to dangerous drivers.
- Parents – Parents who allow unlicensed children to drive the cart may be responsible for their children’s negligent vehicle operation.
- Golf cart manufacturers – Golf cart manufacturers can be held responsible when they manufacture golf carts in a dangerous way.
It is important to identify all the parties who may have contributed to the accident because Florida law does not require golf carts to be insured. However, owners are required to insure low-speed vehicles, which sometimes golf carts are converted into.
An experienced golf cart accident lawyer in Jacksonville can identify the liable parties and pursue the damages you suffered.
Proving Fault in a Jacksonville Golf Cart Accident Case
Evidence that can help prove fault in a golf cart accident claim may include:
- Driver statements
- Witness statements
- Accident reports
- Expert testimony
- Photos or videos of the accident and scene
- Citations
- Cell phone records
- Maintenance records
- Toxicology reports
A knowledgeable Jacksonville personal injury attorney can take steps to preserve important evidence in your case and seek compensation from the parties responsible for your injuries.
Contact Our Jacksonville Golf Cart Accident Attorneys For Guidance and Legal Assistance
Now that you have a better understanding of how fault is determined in a Jacksonville golf cart accident, you might be curious to learn more about your legal rights and options. Contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case review.
