If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a golf cart accident, the Franklin, Tennessee lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law are here to help. We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
Although golf carts are a convenient way to travel on and off the golf course, they can be dangerous. Almost 15,000 people are injured in golf cart accidents every year in the United States according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most of these accidents happen 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 at all times and be aware of any potential hazards. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road while operating a golf cart.
2. Speeding
Golf cart accidents often occur because the driver is speeding. Just as you would with any other vehicle, it’s crucial to follow the posted speed limit when driving a golf cart. If you drive too fast, it becomes more difficult to control the golf cart which raises the risk of tipping over or losing control completely.
3. Poorly Maintained Golf Carts
To avoid golf cart accidents, regularly check your golf cart for mechanical issues and make sure that tires are properly inflated and brakes are in good working order.
4. Inclement Weather
Golf cart accidents can also occur more frequently in harsh weather conditions. If you find yourself driving in the rain or on ice, take it slow and be as careful as possible. Additionally, avoid taking your golf cart up steep hills or where there may be a lot of loose gravel.
Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries
Golf cart accidents happen frequently, and they oftentimes lead to major injuries. According to recent research, the most typical types of injuries from golf cart accidents are head trauma, neck damage, and back problems.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are one of the most prevalent traumas associated with golf cart accidents. A head injury can differ in intensity, from a minor concussion to a more menacing traumatic brain injury. Regrettably, Head injuries are also some of the hardest wounds to mend. That’s why time is crucial if you think you might have received a blow to the head during a golf cart accident – you must see a doctor immediately
Neck Injuries
Golf cart injuries, especially to the neck, are not uncommon. The jarring movement of the golf cart can cause the neck to snap back and forth leading to strains, sprains, and even whiplash. Whiplash is a particularly severe type of neck injury that could take an extensive amount of time for a full recovery. If you believe you have suffered a neck injury from being in a golf cart accident, immediately seek medical attention.
Back Injuries
Another frequent injury from golf cart accidents is a back injury. The spine compresses on impact, which can cause members debilitating pain and in some cases paralysis. Therefore, if you believe you might have injured your back in a golf cart accident, it’s crucial to get medical attention immediately.
About Golf Cart Accident Claims
What Are the Laws Governing Golf Carts in Tennessee?
To operate a golf cart on public roads in Franklin, Tennessee, not only must you have a valid driver’s license, but the golf cart itself must be registered with the state and insured. State guidelines also require that any insurance for the golf cart meet or exceed minimum requirements.
In Franklin, Tennessee, you’re only able to operate a golf cart on Slow Speed roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. You cannot drive golf carts on interstate highways or any other road where the posted speed limit is greater than 35 miles per hour.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Golf Cart Accident?
The first thing you should do after a golf cart accident is to seek medical attention, and then begin gathering evidence. This includes pictures of the accident scene and contact information for witnesses who saw what happened.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a golf cart accident, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our firm has decades of experience handling all types of personal injury claims, and we will fight to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible under the law.
Who is Responsible for My Golf Cart Injuries?
After being injured or killed in a golf cart accident, many people are unsure of who to hold responsible. Multiple factors such as the driver, business usage, and integrity of the vehicle play a role in this determination.
Operator Liability
If you’re harmed in Tennessee by the operator of a golf cart due to the operator’s carelessness or recklessness, the law says the operator can be held responsible. For example, if you were hurt because the operator was speeding or driving erratically, there may be a legal liability.
If you are a passenger of a golf cart that is in an accident, and the driver was negligent, then you may also be able to sue the driver. However, if you were not actually in the golf cart during the collision, it will be more difficult to prove that negligence on behalf of
Owner Liability
Even if the owner of a golf cart was not driving it during an accident, they can still be held liable for any injuries or damages caused. This is because owners are responsible for making sure their golf carts are safe and only allowing qualified drivers to operate them.
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
You might be able to hold a business, such as a hotel or resort, responsible for your injuries if you were hurt while riding in a golf cart that was being operated by one of their employees. That’s because businesses are supposed to make sure that their employees have been properly trained in how to operate golf carts safely.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Golf Cart Accidents?
If you or a family member have been hurt or worse in a golf cart-related accident in Franklin, Tennessee or any part of the state, then you must be aware of your rights and what existing legislation says about such accidents.
Tennessee categorizes golf carts as “low-speed vehicles.” As a result, they are subject to the same road rules as other cars, which include stopping at stop signs and yield signs, obeying traffic signals, etc. Golf carts must also have working headlamps and tail lamps plus brake lamps. They should also have turn signal capabilities along with reflective materials on both sides and back of the cart; additionally, there needs to be a slow-moving vehicle emblem displayed on the rear of the golf cart.
Tennessee law requires that drivers have a valid driver’s license and insurance when driving a golf cart, just as if they were driving a car. So, if you are involved in an accident while driving a golf cart, follow the same protocol as you would for any other type of vehicle: exchange information with the other driver and file a police report.
How Long Do I Have to File a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one were injured in a golf cart accident, the length of time you have to file suit against the responsible party depends on which state the accident occurred. For example, here in Tennessee, you have one year to file a lawsuit. This is referred to as the statute of limitations.
There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. If, for example, the injured person is under 18 years old, they have until their 19th birthday to file a lawsuit. Likewise, if the injured party is mentally incapacitated or unable to comprehend their rights, the statute of limitations may be extended.
Lastly, it’s critical to remember that if a government organization is involved in a collision, there might be additional laws that come into play. For example, Tennessee requires anyone wanting to sue the state or one of its smaller divisions to give notice within six months of the accident taking place.
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
After being injured in a golf cart accident in Tennessee, you might be qualified for economic compensation if someone else’s carelessness caused your injuries. Here’s the catch: insurance agencies will try to settle as quickly as possible for less money than what you need. That’s why having an attorney is critical—they can help guide you through the legal system and make sure that appropriate recompense is awarded to you.
What Your Lawyer Can Do for You After a Golf Cart Accident in Tennessee
After your golf cart accident in Franklin, Tennessee, your lawyer will help you receive just compensation for any injuries. They will also make sure the insurance companies use tactics that won’t lowball you or deny your claim outright. And finally, if necessary, they can take your case to court and argue on behalf of you there.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
The Team’s Unique Experience and Qualifications
Personal injury claim exit Our team boasts 25 years of combined experience and has successfully recovered millions of dollars for past clients. We’re also proud to have been recognized by some of the most highly-esteemed legal organizations in America. Plus, we have a solid history of winning golf cart accident cases.
We’re Different Because We’re Focused on You
Many law firms will accept any case, regardless of whether they have experience in that area. Here at our firm, we only take cases where we are confident in both winning and getting the best possible outcome for our clients.
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 arrangement in which your lawyer only receives payment if your case is successful. If it’s not, the lawyer doesn’t get paid at all.
How Much Will I Have to Pay?
Our typical 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. However, every case is unique and we will agree on a fee that works for your particular situation.
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
Many people believe that they can save money by managing the insurance claims process on their own after an accident, but it’s important to understand that insurance companies are only motivated by profit. This means that they will do whatever is necessary to minimize how much money they have to pay out on claims.
An experienced attorney can help you level the playing field by dealing with the insurance company and fighting for full compensation. They will also 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 – if you or someone close to you has been injured or killed in a golf cart accident, call the lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law today. We’ll fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.