When a larger vehicle hits a golf cart, the occupants are often thrown from the vehicle, which can result in traumatic brain injuries, among others. There are many, many cases listed by The Center For Disease Control and Prevention where children were airborne after their golf cart collided with a parked vehicle or when the golf cart overturned.
Full Answer
Are golf courses liable for accidents caused by golf carts?
Golf courses have been held liable when they have paths that have been improperly paved. For example, if a poorly paved road allows a golf cart to spin out, tip over, or rush down a hill, the golf company can be held responsible for any injuries sustained the accident.
What happens if a golf cart lands on You?
For example, not informing a user of how sensitive or hard to control the golf cart is can result in the cart flipping or tipping over, crushing the person inside. These vehicles are very small but they are not made of a soft substance, and accidents can lead to serious injury, especially if the cart lands on you.
Who is liable for maintaining a golf cart?
Golf club operators are liable when they assign their duty to maintain golf carts to a person someone who is not qualified. For example, a caddy may be asked to inspect a golf cart to see if it is safe to drive; a caddy, however, is not a repairman or a mechanic.
Is it in the job duties of the golf cart driver?
It is not in his job duties to make sure that golf carts are up to the standards of driving ability.Country clubs may ask servers, cashiers, desk workers, landscapers, and others to perform extra duties that are not in their job descriptions and for which they are not qualified.
Are golf cart injuries common?
At the beginning of the study period, there were about 5,490 injuries to children each year using golf carts, which rose to more than 6,500 during each of the last three study years. The greatest number of injuries happened at school or sports events. Boys were more frequently injured than girls.
Has anyone ever been killed by a golf cart?
Here are just a few of the types of golf cart accidents that have taken place in recent years: An 11-year old South Carolina boy died when the golf cart he was driving ran off the road, flipped and the golf cart's canopy support landed on his neck, causing fatal traumatic asphyxiation.
How many golf cart accidents occur annually?
It might surprise you to learn, however, just how common serious golf cart injuries have become. Each year, there are approximately 13,000 golf cart-related accidents that require emergency room visits, and that number is rising, according to data compiled by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.
How many deaths are caused by golf carts?
Annually, 136 GC crashes occurred on average, resulting in 65 hospitalizations and death or disability of 9 persons. Of these crashes, 48% resulted in hospitalization, disability, or death per year (Table 2).
Can a golf cart flip over?
Design defects in a golf cart can be responsible for a rollover. In other instances, road defects can cause the driver to lose control and roll the cart – this occurrence can be much more dangerous, as an accident on grass is generally less damaging than on a paved surface.
Are golf carts safe?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports over 130 work-related incidents resulting in citations, injuries, and death associated with golf cart use. The increased power and lack of safety regulations on golf carts are likely adding to rising rates of accidents.
When were golf carts first used?
1932The first electric golf cart was custom-made in 1932, but did not gain widespread acceptance. In the 1930s until the 1950s the most widespread use of golf carts was for those with disabilities who could not walk far.
Nicholas Charles McGowan
You are liable for the harm you cause through your negligence. Notify your homeowners or auto insurer. One of them may cover the claim.
Lindsey Marie Hansen
Yes you would be liable. Check your homeowners insurance for coverage (your automobile insurance probably has an exclusion, but check).
Joel Gary Selik
Unfortunately for you , i think that you are liable for the damage you caused, absent a defect in the cart, fault of someone else, or some other excuse. In addition, the prior case is likely admissible as to your credibility. I suggest that you try to reach a settlement and avoid that golf course. Good luck!
How Do Golf Cart Accidents Occur?
In cases where the vehicle’s design or maintenance may be to blame, golf cart accidents can be caused by:
Golf Cart Injury Statistics
Golf cart accidents typically cause soft tissue injuries; however, severe accidents can be fatal. Between 2001 and 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported at least 33 fatalities involving carts on golf courses alone. Other injuries associated with golf cart accidents include:
What is the Statute of Limitations (SOL) for Suing the Owner or Driver of a Golf Cart?
Statutes of limitations vary from state to state; however, the general SOL for an injury resulting from the operation of a golf cart is four years from the date of the accident.
Do I Have a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit?
The Personal Injury & Product Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Golf Cart Accident Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new golf cart injury cases in all 50 states.
What happens if you get injured in a golf cart accident?
In these cases, the person injured in the golf cart accident may deserve compensation for the medical bills and pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Who is at fault for a golf cart?
In some cases, if the driver was a child or teenager incapable of using the golf cart safely, a parent or guardian may be at fault. Similarly, if the driver is a golf course employee, the golf course itself may be at fault.
What is golf cart liability?
Because golf carts require no special training, and they are often used on private property and maintained by people who do not drive them, determining who is liable in a particular accident can be difficult.
What is the number to call for a golf cart accident?
If you or a loved one has been in a golf cart accident, call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today at (312) 236-2900 for a free consultation on your case. As experienced Chicago accident attorneys, we have the knowledge needed to quickly help you determine who is most at fault and help you pursue an effective claim. Free Consultation.
Can a golf cart driver be liable for a violation of the warning signs?
If the golf cart was in an area illegally, the driver may be liable for disregarding warning signs. Still, though, a certain level of care is required, especially if the prohibition of golf carts in an area was not well-marked.
Can a golf cart accident ruin a day?
Unfortunately, nothing can ruin a nice day out more than a golf cart accident. Golf cart accidents can often cause minor injuries and damage, but the worst accidents are catastrophic, even causing death.
Can a golf cart driver be liable for an accident?
A driver who is intoxicated while operating a golf cart is most likely liable for any accident that occurs, but if they were over-served (especially if the driver is underage), the provider of the alcohol may be liable.
What happened to a teenager who hit his head with a golf cart?
A teen was playing golf with friends when a shot ricocheted off a golf cart and hit him in the head. He wound up with a concussion and a skull injury, but due to his friends getting him prompt medical attention and excellent care from the hospital he was able to recover fully.
What are some examples of injuries that can occur in a golf cart accident?
Injuries could vary and include things such as broken bones, concussions or other head injuries, sprained ankles and even more serious problems . One example of such an accident occurred in Avon, Ohio. A teen was playing golf with friends when a shot ricocheted off a golf cart and hit him in the head. He wound up with a concussion and ...
What are the risks of playing golf?
While the game of golf may seem safe and tame, in reality, there are many chances for accident or injury to occur. Some of the potential accidents you might encounter include: 1 Tripping over landscaping 2 Slipping due to improper course maintenance 3 Golf cart accidents 4 Being struck by a ball or another player 5 Lightning strike
What are some of the potential accidents you might encounter?
Some of the potential accidents you might encounter include: Tripping over landscaping. Sli pping due to impro per course maintenance. Golf cart accidents. Being struck by a ball or another player. Lightning strike. These are just a few of the ways you could be injured.
What happens if you overdo it while playing golf?
Also, if you trip and fall over a branch on the course, but are found to be intoxicated, you may not be able to recover the same damages as you would if you were sober. Every case is different.
Who is at fault for a golf course accident?
It can be very tricky to decide who is at fault in a golf course accident. There can be several different people or groups that contribute to an accident. It will be important to study the case and figure out if the accident was caused due to negligence on the part of the park owner, or course manager. Other accidents could be caused due to mechanical failure—such as an accident that occurs on a golf card. In some cases, an accident may be the fault of another player on the course, such if you are struck by a ball when the other player wasn’t following course rules.
Where is golf played?
Golf is played all over the country, but especially in areas with warm weather climates like Arizona. While you are likely to enjoy round after round of golfing without ever experiencing a problem, the fact is that accidents can and do occur on golf courses. If you are a golfer, it is imperative that you understand the risks ...
What happens if you are on a golf cart?
Inappropriate behavior on the part of a driver could make that person accountable and liable for the accident. If you are a passenger on the golf cart, you are much less likely to be at fault. If the driver is a golf course employee, other parties could be named as liable, such as the golf course. Another issue to consider is who owns and maintains the cart itself. The owner of that golf cart could be held accountable for failing to properly maintain it or if a certain person used the golf cart and failed to report potential damage or wear and tear, they could also be held responsible. It can be hard to figure out liability issues without the support of an experienced golf cart accident lawyer.
Do golf carts require special training?
Golf carts require no special training and are often used by people who do not drive them regularly or on private property. This makes it really difficult to determine who is liable for a particular accident.
How many golf cart accidents are there in 2019?
With a top speed of 15 miles per hour, you don’t typically think of golf carts as being involved in serious accidents. However, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, there are approximately 15,000 golf cart related injuries ...
Do insurance companies cover golf carts?
Automobile insurers often claim that their policies do not provide coverage for golf carts. Generally, the policies limit coverage to vehicles that are designed to be used on public streets and highways. Most manufacturers of golf carts specifically instruct owners not to use the golf cart on public roads.
Does homeowner insurance cover golf carts?
Homeowner Policies. Most homeowner insurance policies either have special terms that are specifically tailored to golf cart use or allude to golf carts as “recreational vehicles.”. Coverage for the homeowner typically depends on where the accident occurs. Most policies do not cover golf cart accidents unless the accident occurs on a golf course ...
How did the golfer die?
The injured golfer was taken to a hospital and died a few days later due to his injury, which caused a cerebral hemorrhage. No one was liable, since the injured golfer assumed the risk of being hit by a ball when he stepped on to the golf course to play.
What happened to the woman who was hit in the head by a golf ball?
This was confirmed by an Illinois Court concerning a woman who lived in a home bordering on a West Chicago golf course. The woman was gardening in her yard when she was hit in the head by an errant golf ball. She sued the golf course and the golfer for her damages. The case wound its way through the legal system before the golfer was lucky ...
What is the doctrine of golf?
The doctrine applies to golfers who are hit by errant golf balls or even flying club heads. These types of accidents are considered just part of the sport of golf and to be expected. A few years ago in Wisconsin, a golfer was struck in the right side of his head by a ball that was hit by his partner. The injured golfer was taken to ...
What are some examples of golfers?
Some examples are: The golfer was angry and intentionally slammed the ball into another person or threw the golf club and hit another person on the golf course. The golfer was inebriated and acted negligently in the way he or she was attacking the ball. A golf cart was driven in a negligent way or by a drunk golf cart driver.
Do golf balls end up in the exact spot?
The general conclusion by most courts, in Illinois and other states, is that it is common knowledge that golf balls do not always end up in the exact spot players intend when they hit the ball. Players assume this risk when they themselves get on the golf course to play the game.
Is golf a contact sport?
The court held that golf, on the other hand, is not a contact sport because “There is never a need for players to touch one another.”. Since golf is not a contact sport, the court concluded that a player injured by the golf ball errantly hit by another golfer need only prove “traditional negligence in order to recover damages rather ...