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For retirement communities and recreational golfers, golf carts make a day outside reliable and easy. Golf carts may be used to sightsee at parks, feed birds, and other activities. The use of golf carts are enjoyable for those who want to bask in sunny weather and relaxing scenery. However, these compact vehicles could be potentially dangerous, leaving people with serious injuries that require medical attention. Our Largo, FL golf cart injury lawyer can meet with you to explain all of your legal options and which route is right for you. Ultimately, the goal would be to get you compensation for your injuries and losses that resulted from the accident. If you would like to know more, contact us at Mickey Keenan P.A. for a consultation.
Why Golf Cart Accidents Happen
There are many reasons why a golf cart accident or malfunction may happen. These motor carts are used on golf courses, roadways, and public paths. Primarily, golf cart crashes tend to affect the elderly and children. But anyone of any age can get injured. Unlike automobiles, golf carts do not have airbags, seatbelts, or turn signals which means they lack common safety features. As our Largo golf cart injury lawyer explains, contributing factors for these incidents may include:
- Overcrowding (too many people on the cart)
- Collisions between two golf carts
- Sharp turns and reversals
- Golf carts being struck by cars while crossing
- Wet, slippery, or icy roads
- Pedestrians getting hit by golf cart drivers
- Passengers tossed from carts or pinned when tipped over
- Distractions while driving (drinking, eating, texting, etc.)
- The golf cart was defectively designed/manufactured
- The golf cart was not properly maintained (negligence)
- The property owner failed to fix dangerous condition on-site
How We Recover Your Damages
If you have been in a golf cart accident, we can calculate the compensation amount you should receive and then pursue it from the parties at fault. We can do everything in our power to obtain your maximum financial outcome. Examples of damages you may receive compensation for include lost wages, current and future medical costs, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, physical therapy, temporary or permanent disability, property damage, and more. We know that medical bills can be costly, and you deserve fair payment for your out of pocket expenses.
Mickey Keenan, P.A.
Golf carts can be a fun way to get around when out on the course and to check out scenery in a community. But when there is a crash and people get hurt, it can be devastating. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we can identify the liable parties and then seek compensation for your losses. Our Largo golf cart injury lawyer can offer immediate support. We genuinely care about each client that needs our help. We work together to pick up the pieces when it feels as though your life and health has suddenly been turned upside down. Please contact our office today to get started.
Florida Considers Golf Carts As Dangerous Instruments
Golf carts may appear harmless, but the legal implications and risks of accidents are very real. If you’ve been involved in a golf cart accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options for compensation. Our Largo golf cart injury lawyer is here to unpack relevant state laws and help you navigate the entire claims process with precision.
Looking Into Florida Law
According to Florida Statutes F.S. 320.01(22), golf carts are defined as motor vehicles designed for use on a golf course for recreational purposes.
These vehicles typically do not exceed a speed of 20 mph but can be used on certain public roads that are designated for them, provided the posted speed limit does not exceed 30 mph. Some intersections, such as those near golf courses or mobile home parks, also allow golf carts to travel through areas with higher speed limits.
However, it’s important to note that golf carts do not need to be registered or titled, and their operators don’t need a driver’s license—unless they are driving on public roads, where the operator must be at least 14 years old. While this flexibility may seem convenient, it also contributes to the risks and potential for injury.
Florida’s classification of golf carts as “dangerous instrumentalities” makes it clear that these vehicles can lead to serious accidents, even when operated in seemingly safe conditions.
Why Golf Carts Are Classified As Dangerous
In Florida, golf carts are classified as dangerous instruments, a legal term applied to vehicles or tools that are inherently hazardous. This designation stems from the landmark 1984 Florida Supreme Court case Meister v. Fisher, where the court ruled that golf carts, even when used on a golf course, could be considered dangerous instruments.
The case established that the owner of a golf cart could be held liable for any injuries caused by the cart, even if they were not the ones driving it. This legal concept, known as vicarious liability, means that the golf cart owner can be held responsible for injuries caused by the cart, as long as the operator had the owner’s permission.
For those injured in an accident, this doctrine can be useful in determining who is at fault and who should bear the responsibility for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, in the case of golf cart rentals, owners may not be held liable for the operator’s negligence unless they failed to properly maintain the vehicle. This distinction is important in understanding how liability is determined in golf cart accidents, especially in rental situations.
Our Largo golf cart injury lawyer is here to answer any questions you may have regarding your accident case and walk you through how Florida law applies to your situation.
Injuries Can Be Severe, Even At Low Speeds
While golf carts are designed to travel at low speeds, their lack of safety features—such as seat belts, airbags, or roll bars—means that injuries from accidents can still be severe.
The risk of ejection, particularly when a golf cart overturns or collides with an object, increases the likelihood of broken bones, head injuries, and even spinal cord damage. Pedestrians are also at risk in areas where golf carts mix with foot traffic, as the smaller size and limited visibility of the cart make it harder for people to spot them in time.
We Can Help After A Golf Cart Accident
If you’ve been injured in a golf cart accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with life-altering injuries and trying to understand the liability of owners or rental companies. At Mickey Keenan P.A., our experienced attorneys are here to help you through this process. We can help you understand your rights, investigate the circumstances of your accident, and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, and more.
Don’t wait to seek legal advice after an accident. Contact our office today for a free consultation with our Largo golf cart injury lawyer. Let us help you pursue fair compensation.