Can You Get Injured In A Golf Cart Accident?

We’re inundated with messages of traffic safety every day. (We know—we’re writing those messages too!) Between the messages of motorcycle safety and the accidents we see on a daily basis, it’s easy to recognize the need to be safe. There are some stranger incidents that can affect you, though, and we thought you should be aware of one of the more curious ones: golf cart accidents.

Most people don’t think of golf carts when they think of motorized accidents, but golf cart accidents happen fairly often. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that in 2010, 13,838 people went to the hospital because of injuries due to golf cart accidents. That’s a fairly large number!

Common Golf Cart Injuries

Some of the most common injuries that result from golf cart accidents are smaller ones, such as:

• Bruising/Soft Tissue Injury
• Bone Fractures
• Minor Lacerations

These are painful, but generally don’t result in major permanent injury or death. However, there are other less common results for a golf cart accident. For instance, if the golf cart (which can weigh 1000 pounds) were to run over your spine, it could result in spine injury or even a severed spine. If that were to hit your head, it would likely be fatal.

Uncommon Golf Cart Accidents

It’s not just injuries resulting from minor collisions, either. There are people who drive golf carts erratically or under the influence of alcohol, which leads to more traditional kinds of accidents, the ones you might think of happening between cars rather than golf carts. People jumping or being ejected from the golf cart is one of the top reasons for injury during golf cart accidents.

People have even died in golf cart accidents. Just last year, a young Land O’ Lakes girl was thrown from her golf cart and died due to the trauma to her head. A six year old girl lost her life when she, too, was thrown from her golf cart. While the thought of golf cart accidents might be fodder for the Three Stooges, there are real and serious consequences to it. Be sure to take care when you’re riding in a golf cart. 

And, while we’re sure you don’t engage in these types of activity with your golf cart, there is an extreme sport that revolves around golf carts and using them in ways that they’re not intended for. People can do stupid things on golf carts, so you should be careful.

Can I Get Damages If I’m Involved In A Golf Cart Accident?

In short, yes, you can. In Florida, a driver of a golf cart must be fully licensed as per the state because they consider golf carts vehicles. Therefore, the rules of safe driving that the state enforces also apply. If someone violates those rules and injures you, then you’re able to file a claim against them. If they drive their golf cart in front of you or smash into you, you might be able to get damages if your injury is severe enough.

And, as always, be sure to contact us if you’ve been injured or know someone who has been injured in a golf cart accident. While it may seem unusual, it’s no freak accident and can have terrible after effects. It’s not pleasant to go through any tragic situation, but with us at your side you can get the damages that you deserve and be able to heal from the situation. We advise caution, but we know that accidents happen. That’s why we’re here. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can assist you!