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Were you injured in an accident someone else caused while you were riding on a golf cart? You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and accident-related losses. The experienced legal team at Spiva Law Group focuses on personal injury cases, including golf cart accidents.

One of the Best Golf Cart Injury Lawyers in Savannah

We are your dedicated legal advocates in Savannah, bringing decades of experience to your golf cart accident claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

How Do Golf Cart Accidents Happen?

Several factors can contribute to golf cart accidents.

Here are the most common golf cart accidents:

  • Carts not maintained correctly – Regular maintenance is vital for the safe operation of golf carts. Failing to service them properly can lead to severe mechanical issues, including faulty brakes, steering malfunctions, or tire defects.
  • Operating under the influence – Operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs dramatically increases the risk of accidents – and golf carts are no exception. Intoxicated operators can have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, leading to risky behaviors and collisions.
  • Speeding – Golf carts are not designed for high speeds, and driving them too fast for conditions can be dangerous. This reckless behavior can lead to losing control, increasing the risk of a collision or overturning the cart.
  • Dangerous terrain – Golf carts cannot handle all types of terrain. Using them on uneven ground, steep slopes, or unstable surfaces can cause them to tip over or crash. Knowing the limitations of these vehicles and avoiding hazardous terrain is vital for their safe operation.

Where Do Golf Cart Accidents Occur?

Golf cart accidents can occur in a variety of settings, including:

  • Golf courses – With their winding paths and occasional steep slopes, golf courses are common places for golf cart accidents. These accidents can occur due to the vehicle’s high center of gravity, sharp turns, or driver distraction.
  • Residential communities – People frequently use golf carts in residential neighborhoods, especially in gated or retirement communities with light traffic and short distances. However, their use also increases the risk of accidents.
  • Resorts – Resorts often use golf carts for guest transportation. While convenient, using golf carts in these settings can lead to accidents if drivers are unfamiliar with the cart operation or if poor maintenance is an issue.
  • Public roads – In some areas, golf carts are allowed on public roads. When golf carts share the road with larger, faster vehicles, the potential for accidents increases significantly – particularly if golf cart drivers or other motorists do not follow traffic rules.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Golf Cart Accident?

Responsibility for a golf cart accident can fall on several different parties. The golf course owner may be liable if poor maintenance or dangerous conditions contributed to the accident. The person operating the cart could be at fault if their reckless behavior or negligence led to the incident. Additionally, the golf cart manufacturer may be responsible if a fault in the cart’s design or manufacturing process caused the accident. Contact our Savannah golf cart injury lawyer today.

What Injuries Can Happen in a Golf Cart Accident?

While golf carts may seem less dangerous than cars or other larger vehicles, they can still cause serious injuries.

Here are some of the most common types of injuries that occur in golf cart accidents:

  • Head and neck injuries – Golf carts rarely come equipped with seat belts. This means passengers can be thrown from the cart during a collision, leading to potentially severe head and neck injuries. These can range from whiplash or mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries.
  • Fractures and broken bones – The impact of a golf cart accident can easily result in fractures or broken bones. These injuries can occur anywhere in the body but are most common in the arms, legs, or ribs when an accident throws the individual from the cart.
  • Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord injuries are a serious risk in golf cart accidents, especially rollover incidents. Depending on the severity, these injuries can lead to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
  • Soft tissue injuries – Soft tissue injuries, like sprains and strains, can happen when the force of a collision throws a person against part of the golf cart or out of the vehicle.
  • Fatalities – While rare, the most severe golf cart accidents can result in death. Fatalities are especially possible if the accident involves a collision with a larger vehicle or the accident ejects passengers from the cart at high speed.

All these injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, loss of income, and physical and emotional suffering.

Can Golf Carts Be Driven on Roads?

In Georgia, golf carts can operate on public roads if they meet specific safety standards. However, the risk of accidents increases when golf carts share the road with larger, faster vehicles.

Is a Driver’s License Required to Operate a Golf Cart?

You need a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart in Georgia. A person 12 years or older can drive a golf cart as long as they are accompanied by a licensed adult. There may be exceptions for drivers under 18 who have a permit.

What Compensation Is Available for a Savannah Golf Cart Accident?

Victims of golf cart accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of earnings, and property damage – among other losses. The exact amount depends on the specifics of the accident and the severity of the injuries sustained. An experienced Georgia golf cart accident attorney can review the specifics of your case and assess the value of your claim.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in Georgia for Filing a Golf Cart Accident Claim?

The statute of limitations for Georgia personal injury cases, including golf cart accidents, typically allows injured parties to file a lawsuit within two years from the accident date. It is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss this deadline.

Contact a Savannah Golf Cart Accident Lawyer

If you have suffered injuries in a golf cart accident in Savannah, trust in the experience, skill, and knowledge of the Savannah golf cart injury attorneys atSpiva Law Group. Our dedicated team will provide the aggressive representation you need to fight for the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.