If you or a loved one was harmed in a golf cart accident in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the attorneys at Tennessee Accident Law are here to help get you the money you deserve.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
Violent golf cart accidents are more common than you might think. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that every year in the United States, almost 15,000 people are injured as a direct result of golf cart-related accidents. The vast majority of these incidents 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
Golf cart accidents are often caused by drivers not paying attention. It’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and potential dangers when operating a golf cart. Always keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road ahead.
2. Speeding
speeding is another leading reason golf cart accidents happen. As with any car, it’s critical to obey the posted speed limit while driving a golf cart. The faster you go, the harder it becomes to manage the golf cart which heightens the chance of flipping or losing control of it completely.
3. Poorly Maintained Golf Carts
One of the leading causes of golf cart accidents is when they are not well-maintained. Make sure to inspect your golf cart regularly for any maintenance issues that might pose a problem while driving. Also, ensure that both your tires have adequate pressure and that your brakes work properly before taking it for a spin.
4. Inclement Weather
Be extra cautious when driving your golf cart in harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice. Also, avoid using your golf cart on steep hills or dangerous terrain.
Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries
Golf cart accidents are, unfortunately, all too common. Head injuries, neck injuries, and back injuries are the most frequently occurring type of injury resulting from these crashes.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are unfortunately one of the most common golf cart accident-related injuries, and they can be anything from a mild concussion to something much more serious like a traumatic brain injury. The latter is especially difficult to recover from, so if you think you might have suffered any kind of head injury in a golf cart accident, you must see a doctor as soon as possible.
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
When you are in a golf cart accident, one of the common injuries that people often suffer from is a back injury. The forcefulness of the impact can damage your spine and compress it, which then leads to immense pain or even paralysis. If you believe that you might have gotten a back injury from the golf cart accident, get medical assistance as soon as possible.
About Golf Cart Accident Claims
What Are the Laws Governing Golf Carts in Tennessee?
You can only operate a golf cart on public roads in Murfreesboro, Tennessee if you have a valid driver’s license, and the golf cart is registered with the state. In addition, the minimum insurance coverage required by the state must be met or exceeded.
In Murfreesboro, there are certain places where golf carts cannot be driven. For example, a road with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less is the only place you can drive a golf cart. Also, an interstate highway or any other road where the speed limit is greater than 35 miles per hour is restricted to golf cart driving.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Golf Cart Accident?
The first step after a golf cart accident should be addressing any medical needs. After that, it’s time to start collecting evidence for your case by taking pictures and getting witness information.
If you’ve been injured in a golf cart accident, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. The attorneys at our firm have decades of experience handling all types of personal injury claims and will fight to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible under the law.
Who is Responsible for My Golf Cart Injuries?
If you’re injured or killed in a golf cart accident in Tennessee, you might be wondering who’s at fault. The answer depends on various factors, such as who was driving the golf cart, whether the golf cart was being used for business purposes, and whether the manufactured defect caused the accident.
Operator Liability
Anytime you’re in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it can be frustrating. In Tennessee, the law says that if the person driving a golf cart is careless or reckless and it results in your injury, they can be held responsible for what happened. This means that if, for example, they were speeding or driving erratically and you got hurt because of it, the driver may have to pay for your damages.
You might be able to sue the golf cart driver for negligence if you were a passenger in the cart during the accident. But, it would be harder to prove they were negligent if you weren’t in the cart at the time of the crash.
Owner Liability
If someone is injured or their property is damaged as the result of a golf cart accident, the owner of the golf cart can be held liable – even if they weren’t driving it at the time. This is because owners are responsible for making sure their carts are in good condition and only allowing people who know how to operate them safely to do so.
Say, for instance, the owner of a Golf Cart knew or should have realized their brakes were faulty but neglected to repair them. If you got hurt in an accident because of those defective brakes, then the at-fault driver may be liable for your injuries and damages.
Business Liability
You might be able to hold a business, such as a hotel or resort, responsible for your injuries if you were injured while riding in a golf cart 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 has suffered due to a golf cart accident in Tennessee, gaining knowledge about your rights according to the law is crucial.
All golf carts in Tennessee are classified as “low-speed vehicles” and must follow the same rules of the road as other standard automobiles. This includes making complete stops at stop signs, yield signs, and traffic signals. In addition, all golf carts must be equipped with headlamps, tail lamps, brake lamps, turn signals on both sides of the vehicle, reflective materials placed on both sides and rear portion of the cart, as well a slow-moving vehicle emblem positioned on the back end of the cart.
If you’re involved in an accident while driving a golf cart, Tennessee law requires that you have a valid driver’s license and insurance. You should also exchange information with the other driver and contact the police to file a report, just as if you were in a car accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit?
You may have one year from the date of a golf cart accident in Tennessee to file a personal injury lawsuit. For example, if you were injured on June 1, 2020, you would have until June 1, 2021, to sue. This is referred to as the statute of limitations.
Yet, there are a few conditions in which this law does not apply. If the person who was injured is below 18 years old, they have until their 19th birthday to file a lawsuit. Also, if the person who was harmed is mentally incapacitated or cannot comprehend their rights, then the statute of limitations may be lengthened.
Please keep in mind that if a government entity is involved in an accident, various rules may apply. As an example, Tennessee requires individuals to notify the state or municipality of their intent to sue within six months of the date on which 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’ve been involved in a golf cart accident, 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 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 can assist you in multiple ways after your golf cart accident occurs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They will help make sure that you receive just compensation for your injuries. But they’ll also protect you from the methods insurance companies will use to try and give you a lowball offer or deny your claim entirely. If necessary, your lawyer will be able to fight on your behalf in court as well.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
The Team’s Unique Experience and Qualifications
With over two decades of experience and successful settlements totaling millions of dollars for our clients, you can be confident that our team will fight tooth and nail to get you the best possible outcome. We’re also proud to have been recognized by some of America’s most well-known legal organizations. Plus, we have an established history of winning golf cart accident cases.
We’re Different Because We’re Focused on You
We are different than most law firms in that we only choose to work on cases that fit our expertise and where we know success is likely. 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 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 reach a successful recovery for you, 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 then be $33,333.33. That being said, every case is unique and so we will agree on an arrangement that works best 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
Although you may feel inclined to save money by trying to handle your golf cart accident insurance claim on your own, keep in mind that insurance companies primary goal is profit. This means they will try their best to pay out as little money as possible on claims.
An attorney will fight for the full compensation you are entitled to by negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. A lawyer can also help investigate the accident and identify any parties who may be liable for your injuries.
Call us today to get started on your case immediately!
Conclusion:
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a golf cart accident, call the lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law today. We’ll protect your rights and make sure you’re fairly compensated for your injuries. Contact us now for a free consultation.