Golf cart accidents

Accidents involving golf carts are on the rise in Florida and throughout the United States. Because Florida has more than 1,200 golf courses, the use of golf carts is quite prevalent and injuries can occur in various forms.

Collisions with automobiles, striking a pedestrian, and rollovers have occurred with the use of golf carts. The same kind of negligence that occurs with automobile use also can occur with the use of a golf cart. Drivers of golf carts can be distracted, can be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, can be guilty of erratic driving and can fail to take into consideration dangerous conditions such as uneven or wet pavement.

Both the driver and owner of the cart can be potentially liable. A golf cart, like an automobile, can be considered in Florida a “dangerous instrumentality” in which case the owner who allows someone to drive their cart can be just as responsible as the driver for damages when the driver is negligent.

Anyone involved in a golf cart accident should treat the accident just as if it were an automobile accident. Medical treatment should be immediately provided to anyone injured and once everyone is safe the police should be called and photos should be taken of the scene including any damage to the cart. Names and contact information should be Ted Babbitt

Babbitt and Johnson, P.A. obtained from everyone who was involved or witnessed the accident. The police will ordinarily do an investigation but if the accident happens on private property they may not file a standard report so it is important that if you are involved in a golf cart accident you take the time to document everything about the accident including obtaining statements from any witnesses.

Golf cart accidents, like automobile accidents, are handled by lawyers who charge a contingent fee for representation. This means that injured persons do not pay up front lawyer fees or court costs and the lawyer is reimbursed and paid a fee only upon successful conclusion of the case.

Theodore Babbitt is senior partner in the law firm of Babbitt & Johnson, P.A., and is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, which is limited to the top 100 personal injury lawyers in the United States.