After an injury or death due to a golf cart accident in Cool Springs, Tennessee, you and your family may be feeling lost. The experienced lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law can help get the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
Golf carts have become a popular mode of transportation on and off golf courses, but what many people don’t know is that they can be dangerous. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that almost 15,000 Americans are injured in golf cart-related accidents annually. Most of these mishaps happen when the cart tips over.
Here are 4 common causes of golf cart accidents and how you can avoid them.
1. Driver Inattention
Golf cart accidents are often caused by driver inattention. When driving a golf cart, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and look for any potential hazards. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.
2. Speeding
Much like other cars, one of the leading causes of golf cart accidents is speeding. When driving a golf cart, it’s important to stick to the posted speed limit for two reasons: It becomes more difficult to control the cart as speeds increase and there’s a greater risk of tipping over or losing control entirely.
3. Poorly Maintained Golf Carts
One thing that often leads to golf cart accidents is when they aren’t well-kept. Make sure you frequently check your golf cart for anything that could cause issues while driving, such as flat tires or failing brakes.
4. Inclement Weather
In bad weather, golf cart accidents are more common. Drive carefully and slowly in the rain or on ice. And don’t use your golf cart on steep hills or where it might slide.
Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries
Golf cart accidents, while not as common as car accidents, frequently result in major injuries. A recent study showed that the most typical injuries resulting from golf cart accidents are head injuries, neck wounds, and back problems.
Head Injuries
One of the most common injuries suffered 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
Golf cart accidents often result in neck injuries from the violent jerking motion that snaps the head back and forth. These can include strains, sprains, and whiplash – which is a painful neck injury that may take an extensive amount of time to heal. If you believe you have suffered any type of neck injury in a golf cart accident, do not hesitate to seek medical attention immediately.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are common in golf cart accidents. The impact can compress the spine, causing paralysis or serious pain. If you think you have a back injury from a golf accident, get medical help immediately.
About Golf Cart Accident Claims
What Are the Laws Governing Golf Carts in Tennessee?
You need a valid driver’s license and registration for your golf cart to drive it on public roads in Cool Springs, Tennessee. Your insurance must also meet or exceed the state’s minimum requirements.
In Cool Springs, Tennessee, golf carts are only allowed on certain roads. For example, you can drive a golf cart on any road with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. However, you cannot take a golf cart onto an interstate highway or any other road where the speed limit is higher 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, follow these steps to help support your claim: take photos of the accident scene and get contact information for witnesses who saw 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 so that you can focus on your recovery.
Who is Responsible for My Golf Cart Injuries?
Who is responsible for a golf cart accident injury or death in Tennessee? Depending on various elements – such as who was driving the golf cart, if it was being used for business, and whether the golf cart was faulty – will determine responsibility.
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.
Though it may be more difficult, if you were not in the golf cart at the time of the accident, you may still be able to hold the operator liable if you can prove that the operator was negligent.
Owner Liability
Not only can golf cart owners be held responsible for injuries or damages caused by the operation of their golf carts, but they can also be held liable if the accident occurred while the owner was not operating the golf cart. This is because owners have a responsibility to ensure that their golf carts are in safe operating condition and that only qualified operators are permitted to operate them.
For example, if an owner knew that his or her Golf Cart had defective brakes but neglected to repair them and as a result you were injured in an accident involving the cart, then the owner may be liable for your injuries.
Business Liability
You may be able to hold a business responsible for your injuries if you were injured while riding in a golf cart that was being operated by one of their employees. This is because businesses are supposed to make sure that their employees know how to operate golf carts safely.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Golf Cart Accidents?
If you or a close family member were recently injured or killed in a golf cart accident in Tennessee, it’s imperative that you’re aware of your rights and understands the law surrounding these types of accidents.
In Tennessee, golf carts are legally considered “low-speed vehicles.” This means they must follow the same traffic laws as other cars on the road, including stopping at stop signs and yielding to pedestrians. Golf carts must also be equipped with standard car safety features like brake lamps, turn signals, and reflective materials.
Drivers in Tennessee must have a valid driver’s license and insurance to operate a golf cart, just as they would need for any other vehicle. If you’re involved in an accident while driving a golf cart, get the other driver’s insurance information and file a police report like you would after any car accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit?
The amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after being injured in a golf cart accident varies depending on the state in which the accident occurred. In Tennessee, for example, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is one year from the date of the accident. So if someone was injured in a golf cart accident on June 1, 2020, they would have until June 1, 2021, to file suit.
Although, there are a few exceptions to this rule. People injured under the age of 18 have until their 19th birthday to file a lawsuit, for example. Furthermore, if the person who was hurt is mentally incapacitated or unable to understand their rights, then the statute of limitations might be extended.
If a government entity is involved in an accident, different rules may apply. For example, if you want to sue the state or one of its municipalities in Tennessee, 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 were in a golf cart accident in Tennessee, you likely received some severe injuries. If another person was at fault and caused your injuries, then you might be worthy of monetary compensation. However, the truth is that insurance companies want to settle cases like this rapidly and for as little money as possible. And that’s why having an attorney on your side is essential—they can help guide you through the legal system ensuring that get the financial support you’re entitled to.
What Your Lawyer Can Do for You After a Golf Cart Accident in Tennessee
After you’ve been in a golf cart accident in Tennessee, your lawyer will assist you to get compensated for your injuries and also help to protect you from any ploys the insurance company may use to pay less than what you deserve or deny your claim altogether. Taking it one step further, if need be, they will go to court on your behalf and fight for what is fair.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
The Team’s Unique Experience and Qualifications
With our team’s nearly 25 years of combined experience handling personal injury claims and recovering millions of dollars for clients, we have been recognized by some of the most prestigious legal organizations in the country. We also have an excellent success rate specifically with golf cart accident cases.
We’re Different Because We’re Focused on You
We only take cases that we know for sure we’ll win—this way, our clients always have the best chance possible at winning too. We turn away business if it’s not an area of expertise for us or if we don’t think you’ll walk away victorious.
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 an agreement in which the lawyer only receives payment if they win your case; if unsuccessful, the lawyer does not get paid.
How Much Will I Have to Pay?
Our typical fee is 33 1/3% of the total amount recovered. When we settle your case for $100,000, our fee would be $33,333.33; however, depending on the circumstances of each case, we are willing to negotiate a different fee arrangement.
When Do I Have to Pay?
You don’t need to pay us anything at the start. We only receive our fee if your case is settled or we win during the 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 you might be inclined to try and manage the insurance claims process by yourself after a golf cart accident, keep in mind that insurance companies’ primary priority is making money. This means they will do whatever possible to reduce how much money they have to pay out on claims.
If you are in a car accident, dealing with the insurance company on your own is not advisable. An experienced attorney will know how to investigate the accident and identify all possible liable parties so that you can get the full compensation to which you are legally entitled.
Call us today to get started on your case immediately!
Conclusion:
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a golf cart accident, call the Tennessee Accident Law lawyers immediately.We will zealously advocate for your rights and see to it that you are fairly compensated. There is no charge for the initial consultation, so contact us today.