Spring Hill Golf Cart Accident Lawyer

Here in Florida, golf carts can be found not just on the state’s many golf courses but also in countless retirement, beach, and tourism-driven communities and at special events. They offer an efficient way of getting around when walking is challenging and driving a car is impractical. Unfortunately, while they serve a valuable purpose, the number of golf carts in Spring Hill and other nearby communities also increases the likelihood of Florida golf cart accidents.

If you’ve been injured in a golf cart collision due to another party’s negligence, you may be dealing with severe injuries and wondering whether you can seek compensation. Contact Zervos & Calta, PLLC to discuss your situation in a free consultation with a Spring Hill golf cart accident lawyer.

What Are the Most Frequent Reasons for a Golf Cart Accident?

Golf cart accidents have a variety of potential causes, including:

• Colliding with another golf cart or motor vehicle
• Colliding with a pedestrian
• Overloading resulting in rollover or tip-over
• Operating on uneven terrain
• Operating at an unsafe speed while turning or driving on a hill
• Operating on roadways
• Golf cart operator impairment or distraction
• Motor vehicle operator impairment or distraction
• Failure to lock the brake
• Golf cart or motor vehicle defects
• Poor road conditions

The unique construction of golf carts can make them hard to control in the event of a collision, increasing the possibility of injury.

What Are Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries?

Following a Florida golf cart accident, you may be seeking treatment for a wide range of injuries, including:

• Head injuries, including concussion and traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries, including whiplash
• Facial injuries
• Broken bones
• Injuries to the hands and wrists
• Bruising

Many golf carts don’t come equipped with seatbelts, which can lead to ejection from the vehicle in an accident. This, along with golf carts’ general lack of protection, increases the likelihood of injury and makes those injuries more likely to be severe.

Are Golf Carts Allowed on Public Roads?

Florida law generally prohibits the use of golf carts on public roads. However, the law allows communities to permit golf cart operation on state roads with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour (mph) or less. Operators may also use golf carts to cross state highways with a posted speed limit of 45 mph, but only at intersections with traffic lights.

Do Certain Communities in Spring Hill Have Their Own Rules for Operating Golf Carts?

Communities in Spring Hill and throughout Hernando County may establish their own rules and regulations regarding golf cart operation in accordance with applicable Florida laws. Anyone operating a golf cart in a permitted area in Spring Hill must abide by the community’s rules.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Spring Hill Golf Cart Accident?

Determining liability in a golf cart accident case comes down to identifying whether any party failed in their responsibility to avoid causing an accident. Because golf cart accidents can occur in a variety of ways and a wide range of conditions, several different parties may be liable in your accident case, including:

• A golf cart operator
• A motor vehicle operator
• The golf cart manufacturer
• A motor vehicle manufacturer
• The party responsible for maintaining the golf cart
• The party responsible for maintaining the roads

The liable party in the golf cart accident that injured you will depend on the unique circumstances of the accident. A Spring Hill golf cart accident attorney near you will review the facts to identify all liable parties and seek to hold them accountable.

Will My Auto Insurance Cover Me If I Am in a Golf Cart Accident?

Your existing auto insurance policy will not automatically cover you if you’re involved in a golf cart accident. Unless they’ve been appropriately modified for use as low-speed vehicles, Florida golf carts do not have to be insured. However, you can purchase coverage for your golf cart, which will protect you in the event you experience a golf cart accident.

What Compensation Could I Recover for a Florida Golf Cart Accident?

The compensation you may be able to receive following a golf cart accident will depend on a few factors, including the unique circumstances of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and how likely you are to make a physical recovery. Some of the losses you may pursue compensation for include:

• Medical bills, including anticipated future expenses
• Lost income, including loss of future earning capacity
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Property damage

Your attorney will review all the evidence to determine the amount that would fully compensate you for your injuries and other losses. They’ll review your medical records as well as documentation from your employer and may even seek expert testimony to gain the most accurate understanding of your condition and prognosis.

How Long Do I Have to File a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

Florida has a two-year statute of limitations on golf cart accident claims. This means you have two years from the accident date to file a golf cart injury lawsuit against the party whose negligence caused the collision that resulted in your injuries.

Two years may seem like a long time, but it’s essential that you reach out to a golf cart accident attorney right away following a crash. Injury cases take time to put together, and your attorney will benefit from having access to the evidence as soon as possible.