Thousands of people are injured in golf cart accidents every year. The most common cause is falling or jumping from a moving cart, collisions, or rollover accidents. In some cases, victims may be able to file a lawsuit and recover compensation for medical expenses, disability, and more.
Need a Texas Golf Cart Accident Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured in a golf cart accident, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
$5 Million Settlement in Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit
June 2012 — A man who was disabled in a golf cart accident has agreed to a $5 million settlement with the New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the manufacturer of the golf cart, Textron Inc.
The accident occurred in 2006, when Roderick Jenks, 53, was thrown from the back of the cart driven by a track employee. His head hit the pavement and caused a severe brain injury. Jenks underwent brain surgery and months of hospitalization, but still has disabilities. The lawsuit was filed in 2009.
Textron, a defense contractor that made $11.3 billion in 2011, was accused of failing to warn users not to sit in the back of the golf cart. Textron said this was an “open and obvious danger.” The speedway was also accused of failing to post speed limits for golf carts or adequately train drivers.
Why Do Golf Cart Accidents Cause So Many Injuries?
Drivers and passengers rarely wear helmets or other safety equipment. Unlike cars or trucks, golf carts typically lack doors, seat belts, mirrors, and lights. They are often driven by people who have no safety training.
Another problem is that golf carts are not stable vehicles — they are lightweight and have small tires, making rollovers and ejections more likely in an accident. Sitting on the back of the golf cart is dangerous because a sudden turn or bump is all it takes to fall off.
Most Common Injuries
- Scrapes and bruises
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injury
- Brain injuries (concussion, hemorrhage, etc.)
- Skull fracture
- Paralysis
- Death
Statistics on Golf Cart Injuries
This study found that approximately 150,000 injured people were treated in emergency departments in the United States for golf cart accidents between 1990 to 2006. During the study period, the number of injuries increased by 130%. Researches found the following statistics on golf cart accidents:
- About 30% of injuries involved children under 16 years old.
- 50% of patients had soft-tissue injuries (lacerations, cuts, bruises, etc.) and about 8% were hospitalized.
- Falling from golf carts caused 40% of injuries.
- Over 70% occurred at a sports facility (such as a golf course), 15% occurred on city streets or public property, and 15% occurred on private property.
Factors Involved in Liability
- Who was driving? This is especially important if the accident was caused by a driver who was intoxicated, reckless, a joyriding teenager, or high on drugs. Most states also require drivers to have a valid driver’s license.
- Who owns the golf cart? If the cart was owned by a golf course or country club, there may be a premises liability claim for failing to adequately maintain the golf cat or the grounds where the accident occurred.
- Where did the accident occur? In some states, golf carts are considered “dangerous instrumentalities,” similar to cars and trucks. Your state or city probably has specific laws about driving golf carts on city streets, and some require a special permit or a “slow-moving vehicle” sign or flag.
Filing a Lawsuit
Every state has a different statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. Some states might give you as much as 4 years from the date of an accident, while others are significantly shorter. It is important to talk to an attorney as soon as you think you might have a lawsuit.
Need a Golf Cart Accident Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas golf cart accident lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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