If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a golf cart accident in Brentwood, Tennessee, the last thing you want to deal with is insurance companies. The experienced lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law can help get you the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on what’s important – your health and your family.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
Golf carts are fun vehicles that can be used both on and off the golf course, but they pose a safety risk. 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.
Did you know that there are 4 main reasons golf cart accidents happen?
1. Driver Inattention
Golf cart accidents are often caused by driver inattention. To avoid these, you must stay aware of your surroundings while driving. Make sure to keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.
2. Speeding
Speeding is also an essential factor in golf cart accidents. Much like other vehicles, you should adhere to the posted speed limit when driving a golf cart. By speeding, it becomes more challenging to control the golf cart; thus, increasing the possibility of tipping over or completely losing control of the vehicle.
3. Poorly Maintained Golf Carts
Golf cart accidents are often caused by poorly maintained golf carts. Be sure to check your golf cart regularly 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 play a role in golf cart accidents, so if you’re driving during rough conditions take things slow. Drive defensively and be cautious of using your golf cart on areas with a lot of downhill or uphill slopes as they may be icy.
Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries
A recent study found that golf cart accidents are common and often result in serious injuries, such as head injuries, neck injuries, and back injuries.
Head Injuries
One of the most common—and potentially severe—injuries from golf cart accidents is a head injury. Head injuries can include concussions and traumatic brain injuries, which are both difficult to recover from. That’s why you should visit a doctor promptly 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 immediately
Back Injuries
Back injuries are common following golf cart accidents. The force of the impact can compress the spine, causing serious pain or even paralysis. If you think you have suffered a back injury in such an accident, seek medical attention immediately.
About Golf Cart Accident Claims
What Are the Laws Governing Golf Carts in Tennessee?
You cannot drive a golf cart on public roads in Brentwood, Tennessee unless you have a valid driver’s license, and the golf cart is registered with the state. The insurance coverage for the golf cart must also match or exceed the minimum requirements set by Tennessee law.
In Brentwood, Tennessee, there are locations where golf carts cannot be driven. For example, a golf cart can only be driven on a road with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. A golf cart also cannot go on an interstate highway or any other road where the speed limit is more than 35 miles per hour.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Golf Cart Accident?
If you were in a golf cart accident, your top priority should be receiving medical treatment for any injuries. Once you have been seen by a doctor, you can begin to collect evidence to support your case. This includes taking pictures of the accident and getting contact information from witnesses who saw the incident.
filing a personal injury claim is no easy feat, especially if you’re going up against big companies or organizations. You’ll need an experienced legal professional in your corner to guide you through the process and make sure you get what’s rightfully yours. The lawyers at our firm have decades of experience fighting for people just like you; we know how to get results. In golf cart accident cases, we will aim for the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to under law.
Who is Responsible for My Golf Cart Injuries?
Several factors come into play when determining who is responsible for an injury or death caused by a golf cart accident in Tennessee. These include the identity of the golf cart operator, whether the vehicle was being used for business purposes, and if there were any defects with the golf cart itself.
Operator Liability
The person driving the golf cart in Tennessee can be sued for any accidents or damage their carelessness causes. For example, if they were speeding or driving unsafely and you got hurt because of it, the driver would be held responsible.
If you were a passenger in a golf cart that was involved in an accident and the operator was negligent, you may be able to hold them liable. However, it may be more difficult to prove that the operator was negligent if you weren’t actually in the golf cart at the time of the accident.
Owner Liability
Even if the owner of a golf cart wasn’t driving it during an accident, they can still be held liable for injuries or damages caused by its operation. This is because owners are responsible for keeping their golf carts in good condition and making sure only qualified drivers operate them.
If, for example, an owner knew that their golf cart had defective brakes but neglected to repair them and as a direct result you were injured in an accident involving the cart, then the owner may be held 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 be able to hold the business accountable for your injuries. This is because businesses are expected to ensure that their employees are properly trained in how to operate golf carts safely.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Golf Cart Accidents?
You must understand your legal rights if you or somebody close to you has been injured or killed in a golf cart accident within the state of Tennessee.
In Brentwood, Tennessee, golf carts are not just for the country club- they’re classified as “low-speed vehicles”! This means that golf carts need to obey all the same rules of the road as any other car, like stop signs, yield signs, and traffic signals. They must also have headlamps, tail lamps, brake lamps turn signal reflective materials on both the sides and rear of the vehicle,, and a Slow Moving Vehicle emblem displayed prominently on the back.
Golf cart-related accidents in Brentwood, Tennessee require that the 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 if it were 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?
The timeframe in which you can file a personal injury lawsuit after a golf cart accident—known as the statute of limitations—varies by state. Here in Tennessee, you have one year from the date of the accident to take legal action. So, if your accident happened on June 1, 2020, you would have until June 1, 2021, to file a claim.
There are, however, a few instances in which this rule does not apply. If the person injured is under 18 years old, they have until their 19th birthday to file suit. Furthermore, if the person who was hurt is mentally incapacitated or unable to comprehend their rights, the statute of limitations may be lengthened.
If a government organization is somehow involved in an accident, a different set of regulations may apply. For example, if you live in the state of Tennessee and wish to sue either the state or one its smaller communities, you have to notify them of your lawsuit intentions within six months maximum from the date of when the accident occurred.
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 were in a golf cart accident in Tennessee, you likely received some serious injuries. If those injuries happened due to someone else’s carelessness, then you could be qualified for financial aid. Here’s the catch: insurance companies will want to settle this case rapidly and with as little money as possible. That’s why it is crucial to have an attorney by your side–someone who can help guide you through the legal system and make sure that obtain what you’re entitled too.
What Your Lawyer Can Do for You After a Golf Cart Accident in Tennessee
After your golf cart accident in Tennessee, your lawyer will help ensure you receive proper compensation for any injuries. They’ll also work to protect you from lowballing insurance companies or denial of claims. If needed, they’re prepared to take your case to court and fight on your behalf.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
The Team’s Unique Experience and Qualifications
Our team has combined experience of nearly 25 years in handling personal injury claims and recovering millions of dollars for clients. We’re also been recognized by some organizations as prestigious as the American Bar Association. Plus, we have a successful track record of winning golf cart accident cases.
We’re Different Because We’re Focused on You
We only take cases that we are confident in and know we can win. This allows us to better serve our clients and get them 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 arrangement means that the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. If they don’t, you don’t owe them anything.
How Much Will I Have to Pay?
We will only charge you if we can get a recovery for you. Our fee is 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. We tailor each case individually and will agree to a fee arrangement that makes sense for your particular situation.
When Do I Have to Pay?
You won’t owe us anything until we either 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
It may be in your best interest to avoid the headache of dealing with insurance companies after a golf cart accident, as they will do whatever possible to minimize payouts.
If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the liable party. An experienced attorney can help you level the playing field by dealing with insurance companies and ensuring that you receive full compensation for your injuries.
Call us today to get started on your case immediately!
Conclusion:
If a golf cart accident has injured or killed you or someone close to you, call the lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law today. We’ll battle for your justice and make sure that you’re sufficiently compensated. There’s absolutely no obligation when you contact us today for your free consultation.