Golf Cart Accident Lawyer Serving Palm Beach County, FL
Our law firm can protect your rights after a golf cart injury in Florida
Florida’s warm climate makes golf carts popular in golf courses, theme parks, and communities. However, golf cart accidents can occur, leading to potentially serious injuries for those involved. If you are injured in such an incident, it is critical to seek experienced legal representation.
At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, our law firm has extensive experience handling complex personal injury claims involving golf cart accidents in Palm Beach County. With extensive knowledge of golf cart laws, he aims to build a robust case for your success.
Mr. Shomo’s case results include securing $139,000 for a golfer injured in a collision with a golf cart, an incident that resulted in injuries without the need for surgery. Additionally, he has achieved a $78,500 outcome in a case involving a golf car accident that led to lacerations and scarring for the victim.
Why golf cart accidents occur
Golf cart accidents can occur unexpectedly, despite efforts to prevent them and adhere to safety measures. Often, these incidents result from negligence. While some accidents may be minor, others have the potential to cause the cart to tip or even roll over completely.
Common causes of golf cart accidents include:
- Drunk driving: Just like a car, operating a golf cart while under the influence of alcohol is a bad idea. It messes with your judgment and slows your reaction time, making accidents more likely. Keep the drinks off the course to keep everyone safe.
- Reckless driving: Speeding, swerving, and taking sharp turns might feel exciting, but it’s reckless on a golf cart. Slow down and enjoy the ride without risking a collision.
- Overloaded/improperly loaded carts: Overloading a golf cart or loading it unevenly throws off its balance, increasing the risk of tipping over.
- Sharp turns: Taking sharp turns at high speeds might seem fun until your cart topples over. Drivers must slow down and keep all four wheels on the ground to avoid accidents.
- Distracted driving: Whether it’s chatting with friends or checking a phone, distractions can lead to unexpected accidents.
Where do golf cart accidents happen?
Golf carts aren’t only on golf courses in Florida; they are used as forms of transportation all around the state, only increasing the risk of accidents. Many common places where golf cart accidents happen include:
- Golf courses
- Country clubs
- Roads
- Residential communities
- Retirement communities
- Theme parks
Common injuries
Golf carts may seem harmless, but when accidents occur, the consequences can be severe. In some cases, golf cart accidents can be so serious that passengers are ejected from the cart. Golf cart accidents can result in the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts and bruises
Who can be held liable?
Proving fault in a golf cart accident can be challenging, given the various factors at play. However, an experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of determining liability. Several parties could potentially be held accountable for a golf cart accident, including the country club or business, the golf cart driver, and the golf cart manufacturer.
Country Club or Business
In cases where the accident occurs on a golf course or within a business’ premises, the establishment may bear responsibility. Factors such as inadequate maintenance of the golf carts, poorly maintained pathways, or insufficient training provided to drivers could contribute to accidents. Establishments have a duty to ensure the safety of their patrons and visitors, and failing to uphold this duty could result in liability.
Golf Cart Driver
The individual operating the golf cart at the time of the accident could also be held liable. Factors such as reckless driving, driving under the influence, or distracted driving could contribute to the accident. Additionally, if the driver is an employee of the country club or business, the establishment may share liability based on the principle of vicarious liability.
Golf cart manufacturer
In some cases, defects in the design or manufacturing of the golf cart itself could contribute to accidents. Malfunctions such as brake failures, steering defects, or faulty electrical systems could lead to loss of control and accidents. In such instances, the manufacturer of the golf cart could be held liable for producing a defective product that contributed to the accident.
Schedule a free consultation after a golf cart accident in Palm Beach County
If you have sustained injuries from a golf cart accident in or around Palm Beach County, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we offer personalized attention in handling every golf cart accident case. Our dedicated team builds strong client-lawyer relationships based on trust and open dialogue. With us, you will receive the individualized support you deserve as we fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through this process with care and expertise.