How Do I Find Out Who’s Liable for My Golf Cart Accident?

If you were injured in a golf cart accident, your medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses are likely to be quite high. If you weren’t at fault for the accident, you shouldn’t have to cover the costs of the damages. It’s important to determine who else may be at fault and how you can hold them responsible for negligence or carelessness.

Ask yourself these questions:

Who Was Operating the Golf Cart at the Time of the Accident?

If someone else was driving and you were a passenger, they may be considered at fault if you were injured due to their carelessness or negligence.

Who Is the Owner of the Golf Cart?

If your golf cart accident was caused by a malfunction or other problem with the golf cart, the owner or manufacturer of the cart may be responsible. For example, if a defect in the design of the cart made it too top-heavy, and this caused your golf cart to roll over and injure or kill someone, the manufacturer or designer of the cart is likely to be the responsible party.

Who Is the Owner of the Property Where the Accident Occurred?

If your accident occurred on someone else’s property, they may be liable for your injuries under certain circumstances. Public properties, such as golf courses, have the responsibility to keep their grounds free of hazards. If they fail to do this and you or a loved one are hurt, you may be able to hold them legally accountable for the damages you suffered.

Private properties do sometimes also fall into this category if the owner explicitly invited you over to their property. In most cases of trespassing, private property owners do not owe a duty of care to those who enter their property without permission.

Did You Receive Adequate Safety Instruction?

When you were sold the golf cart or rented it from a golf course, were you educated about its safety features and how to operate the cart as safely as possible? If you didn’t receive adequate basic safety education about how to operate the cart, the party that sold or rented you the cart may be responsible.

Were Drugs or Alcohol a Factor in the Accident?

Anyone found operating a golf cart under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol and who subsequently causes an accident is likely to be automatically considered at-fault. In addition to being liable for financial damages caused by the incident, the perpetrator is likely to also face criminal charges.

Contact an Experienced Florida Golf Cart Lawyer Today

Hurt in a golf cart accident? Don’t wait to get legal help — your future and the futures of your loved ones depend on it. Call Frank D. Butler today for a consultation at (800) 253-2531.