If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a golf cart accident in Spring Hill, turn to the experienced lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law. We will help you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
Although golf carts are commonly used on and off the links, they can be dangerous. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, almost 15,000 people were injured in golf cart accidents last year in America alone. The majority 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 leading causes of golf cart accidents is inattentive driving. When behind the wheel, it’s vital to stay aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for potential dangers. Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times and maintain focus on the road ahead.
2. Speeding
speeding is another frequent reason golf carts collide.Like every other vehicle, it’s crucial to stay within the speed limit when driving a golf cart. If you go too quickly, then it becomes more complicated to maneuver the golf cart which also raises the odds of flipping over or not being able to control the golf cart at all.
3. Poorly Maintained Golf Carts
Golf cart accidents often occur because the carts are not well-maintained. Perform regular checkups on your golf cart to ensure that it doesn’t have any mechanical issues that could present themselves while driving. Additionally, always make sure that your tires have sufficient air pressure and that your brakes work correctly before operating your golf cart.
4. Inclement Weather
Golf cart accidents can also occur in bad weather. If it’s wet or icy outside, take extra care while driving and go slowly. Also, avoid using your golf cart on hills or slippery slopes.
Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries
Golf cart accidents frequently result in severe injuries, such as head and neck trauma or back problems. A recent study showed that these are the three most common types of injuries people suffer in golf cart-related incidents.
Head Injuries
Golf cart accidents often result in head injuries, which can leave victims with long-term impairments. In the best-case scenario, golfers only experience a concussion. However, some traumatic brain injuries are much more debilitating and extremely difficult to recover from without extensive medical attention. If you think you hit your head during a golf cart accident, visit a doctor immediately.
Neck Injuries
Golf cart accidents often result in neck injuries from the jolting motion of the golf cart, which can cause strains, sprains, and whiplash. Whiplash is a severe type of neck injury that could take months or years to recover from. If you believe you have suffered a neck injury in a golf cart accident, seek medical attention right away.
Back Injuries
Golf cart accidents often result in back injuries from the force of the impact, which can compress the spine and cause extensive pain or even paralysis. If you believe you have suffered a back injury in such an accident, don’t hesitate to get medical help right away.
About Golf Cart Accident Claims
What Are the Laws Governing Golf Carts in Tennessee?
To drive a golf cart on public roads in the state of Tennessee, you must have a valid driver’s license as well as insurance that covers the minimum requirements set by the state. The golf cart must also be registered with the state.
In Spring Hill, Tennessee, there are specific areas where you’re allowed to operate a golf cart. For example, you can only drive on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. Additionally, you cannot take your golf cart onto an interstate highway or any other roadways with a speed limit above 35 mph.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Golf Cart Accident?
Your health should be your top priority after a golf cart accident. Once you’ve seen a doctor and been cleared, or are at least stable, begin collecting evidence to support your side of the story. This includes pictures of the scene and contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident.
Contacting a personal injury attorney is crucial after being in an accident, especially if it was not your fault. At our firm, we have attorneys with years of experience fighting cases and getting our clients the money they are entitled to by law. If you were in a golf cart accident, reach out to us–we will do everything possible to get you compensated as much as possible.
Who is Responsible for My Golf Cart Injuries?
Several factors contribute to determining responsibility if you’re injured or killed in a golf cart accident in Spring Hill, Tennessee. These include the identity of the driver, the intended purpose of driving the golf cart, and whether there were any flaws with how it was designed or made.
Operator Liability
In the state of Tennessee, if you’re injured while riding in a golf cart and it’s due to the operator’s negligence, that person can be held liable. For example, let’s say the operator was speeding or driving recklessly and as a result, you were injured. In this case, the operator would then be responsible for any damage caused by their actions.
If you were riding in a golf cart that got into an accident, the driver may be held liable if negligence can be proven. However, it might be harder to establish carelessness if you weren’t physically present in the golf cart during the collision.
Owner Liability
If someone is injured or their property damaged because of a golf cart, the owner can be held responsible even if they weren’t driving it at the time. That’s because owners are required to keep their carts in good working order and only allow people who know how to drive them to operate them.
For example, if an owner knew 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 the cart, the owner may be liable for your injuries.
Business Liability
If you were injured in a golf cart accident that was caused 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?
If you or somebody close to you has been hurt or killed in a golf cart accident in Tennessee, you must be aware of your rights and what the law has to say about accidents like these.
Golf carts in Tennessee are classified as “low-speed vehicles” and must follow the same rules of the road as other vehicles. This includes obeying stop signs, yield signs, and traffic signals. In addition, golf carts must be equipped with headlamps, tail lamps, brake lamps, turn signals, reflective materials on the sides and rear of the vehicle, and a slow-moving vehicle emblem on the rear of the vehicle.
Just as you would if you were driving a car, you must exchange insurance information with the other driver and contact the police to file a report after being involved in an accident while driving a golf cart. According to Tennessee law, all drivers must have both of these things.
How Long Do I Have to File a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in the state of Tennessee is one year from the date of the accident. For example, if you were injured in a golf cart accident on June 1, 2020, you would have until June 1, 2021, to file a lawsuit.
However, a few conditions may extend the statute of limitations. For example, if the injured person is under 19 years old, they have until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit. Also, if the injured person is mentally incapacitated or unable to understand their rights, the statute of limitations may be extended.
If an accident happens and a government entity is involved, different rules might apply. For example, according to Tennessee law, if you plan to sue the state or one of its municipalities, you must give notice of your intent within six months from 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 have been in a golf cart accident and live in Tennessee, you have likely experienced some major injuries. If these accidents occurred due to another person’s carelessness, then you might be entitled to particular compensation from them.
However, there is something important to keep in mind: insurance companies usually want These situations to be settled as quickly as possible for the least amount of money they can spend. settling So because of this, a lawyer would be beneficial so someone who could guide you through the legal process and ensure That way, get exactly what you are owed.
What Your Lawyer Can Do for You After a Golf Cart Accident in Tennessee
After you’ve been in a golf cart accident, your lawyer will be one of your strongest allies. They’ll help make sure that you’re appropriately compensated for any injuries sustained and protect you from the insurance companies who may try to trick you or deny your claim outright. If necessary, they can also take your case to court and fight for you there.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
The Team’s Unique Experience and Qualifications
We’re proud to have recovered millions of dollars for our clients over the last 25 years. Our team has been recognized by some of the most prestigious legal organizations in North America and we have a proven track record of success specifically with golf cart accident cases.
We’re Different Because We’re Focused on You
We are different from most law firms because we only take cases that we know we can win, and where we feel confident getting 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 people who may not be able to afford legal representation the ability to hire a lawyer. The attorney and client agree that the lawyer will only get paid if they win the case, and if they don’t, then the lawyer doesn’t receive any money.
How Much Will I Have to Pay?
Our team works on a contingency basis- if we can secure you a recovery, our fee will be 33 1/3% of the total amount recovered. For example, if your case is settled for $100,000, our fee would be $33,333.33 However, each case is unique so we tailor our fee arrangement to what is appropriate for your circumstance.
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 might be tempted to forgo an insurance agent after a golf cart accident, it’s crucial to understand that insurers are businesses driven by one thing—making money. This means they’ll do whatever possible to pay out as little as possible on claims.
An attorney with experience will ensure you’re fairly compensated by the insurance company and investigate to identify anyone else who may be held responsible for your injuries.
Call us today to get started on your case immediately!
Conclusion:
If you or your loved ones have been in injured or killed a golf cart accident, don’t hesitate to call the lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law. We will work tirelessly to make sure you are rightfully compensated for your injuries. You can set up a free consultation with us today. Contact us now!