While golf cart accidents are not as common as other types of collisions, they still injure thousands of Americans every year. Although perceived to be as safe as other motor vehicles, golf carts leave those inside them much more vulnerable to injury than a four-door car or similar vehicle.
In a study from the Journal of Trauma, data shows that around 48,255 injuries occurred in golf cart accidents between 2002 and 2005. Not much data is available regarding the frequency of these collisions beyond that, as golf carts remain largely unregulated across the country.
As a major destination for golf enthusiasts all over the United States, Florida is a likely hotspot for these types of accidents. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a golf cart accident, you may be eligible for compensation to cover the resulting cost of treatment and financial losses. A Clermont golf cart accident lawyer from Bogin, Munns & Munns may be able to help you build a case and represent your interests. Call (352) 243-8981 today to learn more.
How Golf Cart Accidents Occur
Much like collisions involving other motor vehicles, golf cart accidents often occur due to driver negligence and inexperience. These vehicles are designed for recreational purposes and do not have many regulations regarding age limits, training requirements, and driving rules. This leaves plenty of room for carelessness among drivers. The top reasons why these accidents tend to occur include:
- Drunk driving: Consumption of alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate any type of vehicle, including a golf cart.
- Driver distraction: Driver distraction, such as cell phone use, is a common cause of accidents on major roadways, and this issue may only increase when drivers are operating golf carts in recreational areas.
- Recklessness: Some drivers, especially those of a younger age, may take safety precautions less seriously when operating a golf cart and may choose to speed, make sharp turns, or load too many passengers onto the vehicle.
- Inexperience: Florida law requires you to be at least 14 years old to operate a golf cart, though this law is not always enforced on private property. Younger drivers may not have the experience necessary to understand how to safely operate these vehicles.
In some cases, though rare, a golf cart accident may involve another motor vehicle. Florida law largely prohibits the use of golf carts on public streets and highways, unless the local municipality has designated a particular road as safe for golf cart operation, as stated in Section 316.212 of the Florida Statutes. If either driver fails to follow the law in these designated areas, it can lead to devastating accidents.
Without many of the safety features that other motor vehicles tend to provide, golf carts do not provide much protection in the event of an accident, if any. This can result in injuries ranging from minor to severe.
To consult with an experienced golf cart accident lawyer serving Clermont, call 855-780-9986
Golf Cart Accident Injuries
Though golf carts are much smaller than passenger vehicles and can generally travel only up to 20 miles per hour, they can still cause serious injuries when accidents occur. Many victims suffer injuries from falling off a golf cart. Getting crushed beneath the vehicle or being run over by the golf cart are also possible scenarios. The most common injuries in these types of accidents include:
- Soft tissue damage
- Bruises and contusions, particularly around the hip area
- Fractured arms or shoulders
- Concussions
- Brain hemorrhage and hematomas
According to the American Journal of Preventative Medicine (AJPM), 7.8% of golf cart accident cases treated in U.S. emergency departments between 1990 and 2006 required hospitalization. Death is also a possible result in the most severe cases, though certain age groups are at higher risk for these severe injuries and fatalities.
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When a Golf Cart Accident May Warrant Compensation
If the accident that caused your or your loved one’s injuries occurred because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. Golf cart injuries can be just as severe as those in some car accident cases, which can result in high medical bills.
If the golf cart accident occurred in Florida, a Clermont golf cart accident lawyer can review your case and help you determine what steps to take next. Although you may be able to handle the legalities of your case on your own, our attorneys will fight for compensation on your behalf so you can focus on recovery. Reach out to Bogin, Munns & Munns at (352) 243-8981 today to get started before the statute of limitations runs out.
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Don’t Delay in Filing Your Clermont Golf Accident Lawsuit
As with other personal injury cases, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit for a golf cart accident. Florida law requires victims or their representatives to file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident, or they forfeit the right to seek compensation. We always recommend that victims call our firm as soon as possible so we can get started right away.
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Seek Help from a Clermont Golf Cart Accident Lawyer
Bogin, Munns & Munns takes on all types of personal injury cases in Florida, including those involving golf cart accidents. You do not have to seek the compensation you deserve on your own. Allow us to review your case and determine any damages for which you may be eligible.
To learn more about how a Clermont golf cart accident lawyer can help you, call (352) 243-8981 today for your free consultation.
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