At Tennessee Accident Law, our experienced lawyers can help residents of Columbia, Tennessee get the compensation you deserve if you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a golf cart accident.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
Golf carts are a convenient method of transportation for those on and off the golf course, but did you know that they can be dangerous? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in America alone, almost 15 thousand people are injured due to golf cart accidents yearly. The majority of these collisions happen when the golf cart topples over.
Here are 4 common causes of golf cart accidents and how you can avoid them.
1. Driver Inattention
Golf cart accidents often occur because the driver is not paying attention. It is important to focus on your surroundings and be aware of potential dangers when operating a golf cart. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
2. Speeding
If you’re looking to avoid golf cart accidents, one key piece of advice is don’t speed. Obeying the posted limits isn’t just important for regular vehicles–it’s essential for golf carts too. Driving fast makes it harder to control your cart and raises the chances of tipping over or losing control entirely.
3. Poorly Maintained Golf Carts
Many golf cart accidents are caused by poorly maintained carts. Always check your golf cart for mechanical issues before driving it. Additionally, make sure that both your tires are properly inflated and that your brakes work before using the vehicle.
4. Inclement Weather
Be wary of driving your golf cart in adverse weather conditions such as slippery slopes or steep hills. In addition, take extra care to drive slowly if the ground is wet or icy.
Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries
Golf cart accidents are relatively frequent and often result in injuries that require hospitalization. For example, common golf cart accident injuries include head trauma, neck damage, and back problems.
Head Injuries
Golf cart accidents often lead to head injuries, which can be very mild or much more severe. Head injuries are tough to heal from, so it is essential to go see a doctor right away if you think you might have one.
Neck Injuries
Given their jolting motion, it’s not surprising that neck injuries are common in golf cart accidents. These back-and-forth motions can cause serious strains, sprains, and whiplash. Whiplash is a severe type of neck injury that might take months or years to heal. Thus, if you believe you’ve suffered a neck injury from a golf cart accident, be sure to seek medical attention right away.
Back Injuries
If you think you’ve suffered a back injury as the result of a golf cart accident, don’t hesitate to see a doctor right away. Back injuries are unfortunately common in these types of accidents, and they can cause severe pain or even paralysis. The force of the impact can compress the spine, resulting in serious damage. So if you have any doubts, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and get checked out by a professional
About Golf Cart Accident Claims
What Are the Laws Governing Golf Carts in Tennessee?
You must have a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart on public roads in Tennessee. The golf cart must also be registered with the state and it must have insurance coverage that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements set forth by the state.
In Columbia, Tennessee, there are restrictions to where you’re able operationally permitted to use a golf cart. For example, the only places you can drive a golf cart is on slower speed limit roads of 35 miles per hour or less. Also, interstate highways and other high-speed limit roads aren’t allowed for safety reasons.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Golf Cart Accident?
Your health should be your priority after a golf cart accident. After ensuring that you’re okay, you can start collecting evidence for your claim, such as taking pictures of the accident scene and getting contact information from witnesses.
Motor vehicle collisions are devastating and often leave the victims with physical, emotional, and financial injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a golf cart accident due to someone else’s negligence, it is important to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney. The attorneys at our firm have decades of experience handling all types of personal injury claims and will fight diligently to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible under the law.
Who is Responsible for My Golf Cart Injuries?
If you were injured or killed in a golf cart accident, many factors will decide who is responsible. These include the driver of the golf cart, if it was being used for business purposes, and if there were any defects with the vehicle.
Operator Liability
In Columbia, Tennessee, if the person driving a golf cart carelessly or recklessly injures someone, that driver can be held legally responsible.
While passengers in golf carts involved in accidents can hold the operators liable if they were negligent, it may be more difficult to prove negligence if the passenger was not present during the accident.
Owner Liability
Even if the owner of a golf cart wasn’t driving it at the time of an accident, they can still be held responsible for injuries or damages caused by its operation. This is because owners are obligated to keep their golf carts in safe working condition and only allow qualified drivers to operate them.
For example, if an owner knew their Golf Cart had defective brakes but neglected to repair them, and as a direct result you were injured in an accident involving that same Golf Cart, then the owner may be held liable for your injuries.
Business Liability
If you were injured while riding in a golf cart that was being operated by an employee of a business, such as a hotel or resort, you may 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?
After a golf cart accident, it’s important to know your rights in Tennessee and what the law says about these types of accidents.
Most people equate golf carts with lazy Sunday afternoons or retirement communities, but in Tennessee, they are considered “low-speed vehicles” and held in the same regard as other automobiles on the road. This includes stopping signs, yield signs, traffic signals, as well reflective materials affixed headlamps, tail lamps, brake lamps turn signals To be legally driven in Tennessee,.golf carts must also have a slow-moving vehicle emblem on the back.
If you’re driving a golf cart in Tennessee, then you must have a valid driver’s license and insurance like any other car. If there’s an accident, get the other driver’s insurance information and notify the police so they can file a report.
How Long Do I Have to File a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit?
The amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after sustaining injuries from a golf cart accident depends on the state in which the accident occurred. Here is Tennessee, for example, The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits gives people one year from the date of the accident to take legal action. So, if somebody was injured in a golf cart accident on June 1st, 2020, they would have until June 1st, 2021 to file a lawsuit.
Though, there are a few striking omissions to this rule. If, for example, the person who was hurt is under 18 years old, they have until their 19th birthday leeway to file a lawsuit. Also, if the individual injured is mentally incapacitated or unable to understand their privileges, the statute of limitations might be stretched.
Lastly, it’s crucial to understand that if a government organization is involved in an accident, various regulations may be applicable. For example, Tennessee requires individuals who wish to sue the state or one of its municipalities to notify of their intent within six months from the date of when the accident transpired.
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 resulted from someone else’s carelessness, then you might be able to get financial compensation. Here’s the kicker: insurance companies want to settle this quickly and with as little money as possible. That emphasizes the importance of having an attorney on your side–someone who can help guide you through the legal system and make certain that obtain sufficient recompense.
What Your Lawyer Can Do for You After a Golf Cart Accident in Tennessee
A lawyer can assist you in many ways following a golf cart accident in Tennessee. First and foremost, they will make sure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries. But they will also help protect you from the devious tactics insurance companies might use to lowball you or deny your claim entirely. If it comes down to it, your lawyer will be able to take your case to court and fight for what’s rightfully yours.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
The Team’s Unique Experience and Qualifications
We are a personal injury law firm that has recovered millions of dollars for 25 years worth of clients combined. We have also been recognized by many legal organizations and have had lots of success with golf cart accident cases in the past.
We’re Different Because We’re Focused on You
Unlike most law firms, we only specialize in cases that we have expertise in and know we can win–guaranteeing 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 allows you to hire a lawyer without having to pay any upfront costs. The lawyer represents you and only gets paid if your case is successful. If the case is not successful, the lawyer does not receive any payment.
How Much Will I Have to Pay?
Contingent upon a recovery, our fee will be 33 1/3% of the total amount recovered. Arrangements will be made on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that the fee is appropriate for your situation. For example, if we can settle your case for $100,000, then our standard percentage rate would result in a $33,333.33 fee.
When Do I Have to Pay?
You don’t need to give us any money in advance. We only take our payment if we win your case or get a settlement for you.
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 you may feel capable of handling the insurance claims process on your own after a golf cart accident, keep in mind that insurance companies’ primary concern is their bottom line. They will do everything possible to minimize how much money they have to pay out on claims.
An experienced attorney can help you by handling the insurance company and getting you the full compensation that you are legally entitled to. A lawyer can also help investigate the accident so that all possible sources of recovery, including any third party liable for your injuries, are identified.
Call us today to get started on your case immediately!
Conclusion:
The lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law are here to fight for you if you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident. We want to make sure that you get the full compensation that you deserve, and we’re offering free consultations. Don’t wait – call us today.