If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a golf cart accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and not know where to turn. The experienced Nashville, Tennessee lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
Golf carts are a popular way to get around on and off the links, but they can also be dangerous. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, almost 15,000 people are injured in golf cart accidents every year in the United States. Most of these accidents occur when the golf cart tips over.
Here are 4 common causes of golf cart accidents and how you can avoid them.
1. Driver Inattention
One of the most common causes of golf cart accidents is driver inattention. When driving a golf cart, it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings and stay aware of any potential hazards. Be sure to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.
2. Speeding
Another common cause of golf cart accidents is speeding. Just like with any other vehicle, it’s important to obey the posted speed limit when driving a golf cart. Driving too fast makes it more difficult to control the golf cart and increases the risk of tipping over or losing control of the golf cart altogether.
3. Poorly Maintained Golf Carts
Another common cause of golf cart accidents is poorly maintained golf carts. Be sure to regularly check your golf cart for any mechanical issues that could cause problems while driving. It’s also important to make sure that your tires are properly inflated and that your brakes are in good working order before driving your golf cart.
4. Inclement Weather
Inclement weather can also be a factor in golf cart accidents. If you’re driving in wet or icy conditions, be sure to take extra care and drive slowly. Also, be sure not to use your golf cart on steep hills or slippery slopes.
Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries
Golf cart accidents are quite common, and they often result in serious injuries. In fact, according to a recent study, the most common injuries sustained in golf cart accidents include head injuries, neck injuries, and back injuries.
Head Injuries
One of the most common injuries sustained in golf cart accidents is a head injury. Head injuries can range from mild concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries. Unfortunately, head injuries are also some of the most difficult injuries to recover from. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may have suffered a head injury in a golf cart accident.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries are also quite common in golf cart accidents. The jolting motion of the golf cart can cause the neck to snap back and forth, resulting in serious strains, sprains, and even whiplash. Whiplash is a particularly serious type of neck injury that can take months or even years to recover from. If you think you may have suffered a neck injury in a golf cart accident, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are another common type of injury sustained in golf cart accidents. The force of the impact can cause the spine to compress, resulting in serious pain and even paralysis. If you think you may have suffered a back injury in a golf cart accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
About Golf Cart Accident Claims
What Are the Laws Governing Golf Carts in Tennessee?
To operate a golf cart on public roads in Tennessee, you must have a valid driver’s license and the golf cart must be registered with the state. The golf cart must also have insurance coverage that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements set forth by the state.
There are also restrictions on where you can drive a golf cart in Tennessee. For example, you can only drive a golf cart on a road with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. You also cannot drive a golf cart on an interstate highway or any other road where the speed limit is greater than 35 miles per hour.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Golf Cart Accident?
If you’re involved in a golf cart accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained. Once you’ve taken care of your health, you’ll need to begin gathering evidence to support your claim. This includes taking photos of the accident scene and getting contact information for any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
You should also contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at our firm have decades of experience handling all types of personal injury claims, including those involving golf cart accidents. We will fight to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible under the law.
Who is Responsible for My Golf Cart Injuries?
If you are injured or killed in a golf cart accident in Tennessee, you may be wondering who is responsible. The answer depends on several factors, including who was operating the golf cart, whether the golf cart was being used for business purposes, and whether the golf cart was defective.
Operator Liability
In Tennessee, the operator of a golf cart is liable for any injuries or damages caused by his or her negligence. This means that if the operator was careless or reckless in operating the golf cart, and as a result, you were injured, the operator can be held responsible. For example, if the operator was speeding or driving erratically, and you were injured as a result, the operator may be liable.
If you were a passenger in a golf cart that was involved in an accident, you may also be able to hold the operator liable if the operator was negligent. However, it may be more difficult to prove that the operator was negligent if you were not actually in the golf cart at the time of the accident.
Owner Liability
The owner of a golf cart can also be held liable for injuries or damages caused by its operation, even if the owner was not operating the golf cart at the time of the accident. This is because owners have a responsibility to maintain their golf carts in a safe condition and to ensure that only qualified and experienced operators are operating their golf carts.
For example, if an owner knew or should have known that his or her Golf Cart had defective brakes but failed to repair them, and as a result, you were injured in an accident involving that Golf Cart, the owner may be liable for your injuries.
Business Liability
If you were injured while riding in a golf cart operated by an employee of a business, such as a hotel or resort, you may also be able to hold the business responsible for your injuries. This is because businesses have a responsibility to ensure that their employees are properly trained in how to operate golf carts safely.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Golf Cart Accidents?
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a golf cart accident in Tennessee, you need to know your rights and what the law says about these types of accidents.
In Tennessee, golf carts are classified as “low-speed vehicles” and are subject to the same rules of the road as other vehicles, including stop signs, yield signs, and traffic signals. Golf carts must also be equipped with headlamps, tail lamps, brake lamps, turn signals, reflective materials on the sides and rear of the vehicle, and a slow-moving vehicle emblem on the rear of the vehicle.
When it comes to accidents involving golf carts, Tennessee law requires that all drivers have a valid driver’s license and insurance. If you’re involved in an accident while driving a golf cart, you should exchange insurance information with the other driver just as you would if you were involved in a car accident. You should also contact the police to file a report.
How Long Do I Have to File a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one were injured—or worse—in a golf cart accident, you may be wondering how long you have to file a lawsuit. The answer depends on the state in which the accident occurred. Here in Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is one year from the date of the accident. That means if you were injured in a golf cart accident on June 1, 2020, you would have until June 1, 2021, to file a lawsuit.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the person who was injured is under the age of 18, they have until their 19th birthday to file a lawsuit. Additionally, if the person who was injured is mentally incapacitated or cannot understand their rights, the statute of limitations may be extended.
Finally, it’s important to note that if a government entity is involved in an accident, there may be different rules that apply. For example, in Tennessee, if you want to sue the state or one of its municipalities, you must give notice of your intent to sue within six months of the date of the accident.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Golf Cart Accident in Tennessee
If you’ve been involved in a golf cart accident in Tennessee, chances are good that you’ve sustained some serious injuries. And if those injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, then you may be entitled to financial compensation. But here’s the thing: the insurance companies will be looking to settle this quickly and for as little money as possible. That’s why it’s so important that you have a lawyer on your side—someone who can help you navigate the legal system and make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
What Your Lawyer Can Do for You After a Golf Cart Accident in Tennessee
Your lawyer will be able to help you in several ways after your golf cart accident in Tennessee. First and foremost, they will help ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. But they will also help protect you from the tactics that insurance companies will use to try to lowball you or deny your claim entirely. And if it comes down to it, your lawyer will also be able to take your case to court and fight for you there.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
The Team’s Unique Experience and Qualifications
Our team has nearly 25 years of combined experience handling personal injury claims, and we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We’ve also been recognized by some of the most prestigious legal organizations in the country. In addition, we have a proven track record of success in golf cart accident cases specifically.
We’re Different Because We’re Focused on You
Most law firms are generalists—they’ll take any case that comes their way, regardless of whether or not they have expertise in that particular area. That’s not how we operate here. We only take cases that we know we can win, and we only take cases where we feel confident that we can get our clients the best possible outcome.
How Much Do We Charge?
We work on a contingency fee basis—which means that we only charge if we get you a recovery.
What is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a type of arrangement where the lawyer represents you in exchange for a percentage of the amount recovered if the case is successful. If the case is not successful, the lawyer does not receive any payment.
How Much Will I Have to Pay?
If we can get you a recovery, our fee will be 33 1/3% of the total amount recovered. For example, if we can settle your case for $100,000, our fee would be $33,333.33. Of course, every case is unique and we will agree to a fee arrangement that is appropriate to your case.
When Do I Have to Pay?
You don’t have to pay us anything upfront. We only collect our fee if and when we settle your case or win at trial.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss?
Why You Need an Attorney After a Golf Cart Accident in Tennessee
Although it may be tempting to try to handle the insurance claims process on your own after a golf cart accident, it is important to understand that insurance companies are motivated by one thing—profit. This means that they will do everything they can to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out on claims.
An experienced attorney will level the playing field by dealing with the insurance company on your behalf and fighting for the full compensation you are entitled to under the law. In addition, a lawyer can help you investigate the accident to identify all possible sources of recovery, including any negligent third parties who may be liable for your injuries.
Call us today to get started on your case immediately!
Conclusion:
Don’t wait – call the lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law today if you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a golf cart accident. We will fight for your rights and make sure that you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.