Who Is Liable In A Florida Golf Cart Accident?
Recreational golf carts have become a popular and convenient mode of transport for Floridians. In Florida, you will not only find golf carts on golf courses. You will also find golf carts in the community, especially in communities built around golf courses. When people think of golf carts, rarely do they think about the possibility of an accident. However, the reality is that golf cart accidents are quite common. And, unfortunately, these accidents can result in serious injuries. If you suffered injuries in a Florida golf cart accident, you might be wondering who is liable for your accident.
Who is responsible for a Florida golf cart accident depends on the accident’s specifics. For example, a golf cart owner may be liable for a golf cart accident. A golf cart operator may be liable for a golf cart accident. Also, another motorist may be liable for a golf cart accident. Read on to learn more about liability in golf cart accidents.
What Is a Golf Cart?
Before going into details about liability in golf cart accidents, it is important to first discuss what qualifies as a golf cart. According to Florida Statute 320.01, a golf cart is a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course. It is a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for recreational purposes that cannot go more than 20 mph. While a golf cart cannot travel at high speeds, it can cause significant damage. If, for example, a golf cart collides with a pedestrian, it can result in catastrophic injuries.
Liability in a Florida Golf Cart Accident
Golf cart owners are expected to know that golf carts are dangerous instruments capable of causing harm. Golf cart owners should, among other things, ensure that golf carts are in good condition. A golf cart owner may be responsible for injuries suffered in a golf cart accident if they, for example, failed to ensure the vehicle was in good condition.
Often, golf cart owners protect themselves from liability through different means, such as waivers. Suppose a person rents a golf cart and ends up causing an accident, for example, to a pedestrian. In that case, that person may be held responsible for the resulting injuries and damages if they acted negligently. Some negligent causes of golf cart accidents include driving while drunk, speeding, failing to yield the right of way, and distracted driving.
Lastly, suppose a golf cart gets into an accident with another motor vehicle. In that case, the other vehicle’s driver may be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages if they acted negligently. Some negligent causes of accidents between golf carts and other vehicles include distracted driving, speeding, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving.
Contact a Delray Beach Personal Injury Lawyer
Determining liability after a golf cart accident requires the assistance of a qualified attorney. Our Delray Beach personal injury lawyers at Lyons & Snyder can help you determine who is liable for your golf cart accident and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0320/Sections/0320.01.html
