Golfing is a popular pastime in Melbourne, Florida. It allows you to relax, exercise and compete at the same time. While playing on large courses, it’s customary to use golf carts to get around. Unfortunately, sometimes, accidents occur with these vehicles. If you were injured in a golf cart accident, you may be able to recover compensation.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities in Florida
After a golf cart accident in Florida, you have legal rights and responsibilities. It’s crucial to know how personal injury claims work, the statute of limitations and the importance of filing a police report and seeking immediate medical attention.
Personal Injury Claims in Melbourne, Florida
Personal injury claims in Melbourne, Florida are based on negligence. If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident due to another party’s negligent actions, you can file a claim for compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Golf Cart Accident Claims in Florida
According to Florida Statute 95.11, the statute of limitations to file golf cart accident claim is two years. Filing timely gives you a chance to recover damages.
Importance of Filing a Police Report After a Golf Cart Accident
After a golf cart accident, call the police immediately. This can help determine the cause and whether it happened due to negligence. The police will also create an accident report, which you can obtain a copy of to include with your evidence.
Seeking Medical Attention Immediately After a Golf Cart Accident
Even if you feel unharmed after a golf cart accident, it’s still wise to seek immediate medical attention. You might have delayed symptoms or internal injuries. Seeking medical attention also ensures you have evidence in the form of your medical records and medical bills.
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Florida Laws Specific to Golf Carts
Florida has laws specific to golf carts. They include regulations for golf cart use on public roads, age restrictions for golf cart operation and required safety equipment for golf carts.
Regulations for Golf Cart Use on Public Roads
According to Florida Statute 316.212, golf carts are permitted to cross highways to enter golf courses or trailer parks as long as it’s safe. They must travel only on roads with a maximum 30 miles per hour speed limit and can only be used during the hours spanning sunrise to sunset.
Age Restrictions for Golf Cart Operation
Florida law has age restrictions on who can operate a golf cart. Individuals 18 and older can operate them if they have a government-issued ID. Those at least 15 with a learner’s permit and individuals at least 16 who have a driver’s license are allowed to operate golf carts.
Required Safety Equipment for Golf Carts
Safety equipment is required for golf carts to travel on roads. This includes seatbelts, headlights and taillights, a horn, turn signals, side and rear-view mirrors, a windshield and a low-speed vehicle (LSV) sign.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents in Florida
Certain factors can cause golf cart accidents in Florida. The most common causes include reckless driving or speeding, alcohol or drug impairment, tipping or rollovers, falling from the cart and collisions with vehicles or objects.
Reckless Driving or Speeding
Reckless driving or speeding often leads to golf cart accidents. Severe consequences can occur whether a driver or a golf cart operator behaves recklessly or speeds.
Alcohol or Drug Impairment
Drivers and golf cart operators must stay sober to safely maneuver on roads. Many golf cart accidents occur because of alcohol or drug impairment. Even minor amounts of substances can reduce judgment, coordination and reaction time.
Tipping or Rollovers
If a golf cart is overloaded, it can tip or roll over. These accidents can be deadly when carts share the road with larger, more powerful motor vehicles.
Falling from the Cart
If someone on a golf cart falls while riding, they are at risk of severe injury or death. A driver may not have enough time to react and could slam into the golf cart or even the person falling from it.
Collisions with Vehicles or Objects
Collisions with bigger vehicles or stationary objects are common causes of golf cart accidents. Depending on the impact, the occupants of a cart can sustain serious injuries or death.
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Types of Injuries Sustained in Golf Cart Accidents in Melbourne, Florida
Golf cart injuries in Florida result in certain types of injuries. The most common are head injuries, fractures, soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries and lacerations and abrasions.
Head Injuries
Golf cart accidents commonly cause head injuries. Someone can hit their head on the windshield or steering wheel or fall onto the pavement and sustain an injury ranging from mild to severe.
Fractures
Depending on the impact of an accident, the victim can suffer fractures. Often, this involves the arms, wrists, legs or ankles. In severe golf cart accidents, compound fractures can occur.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries can happen during golf cart accidents. They can cause sprains, strains and overuse of muscles, ligaments or tendons.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Serious golf cart accidents can cause spinal cord injuries. Victims can be left with a slipped, dislodged or even broken disc in the neck or back. This can cause chronic, debilitating pain or even paralysis.
Lacerations and Abrasions
Lacerations and abrasions occur when a person falls off a golf cart during an accident. Some of these injuries are mild, but others require surgery.
Compensation in Golf Cart Accident Cases in Florida
You can get compensation for a golf cart accident in Florida. This can be from various types of damages, long-term costs of injury treatment and punitive damages.
Types of Damages You May Be Eligible to Claim
If you were injured in a golf cart accident, you’re entitled to claim certain types of damages. These may include economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages and noneconomic damages like pain and suffering.
Calculating Long-Term Costs of Injuries
Some injuries are long-term, which requires accurate calculation for your damages. This can be done by considering your continuing medical care, rehabilitation and additional treatment.
Punitive Damages in Cases of Gross Negligence
If a golf cart accident is caused by gross negligence, you may recover punitive damages. According to Florida Statute 768.72, the purpose of these damages is to punish the defendant for outrageous behavior.
Importance of Hiring a Golf Cart Accident Lawyer in Melbourne, Florida
If you’re filing a personal injury claim after a golf cart accident in Melbourne, Florida, you need an experienced attorney. This gives you a better chance of success in your case.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies. They understand how insurance policies related to golf carts work and how adjusters might try to minimize your claim.
Understanding Insurance Policies Related to Golf Carts
Golf carts are covered by specific insurance policies. A lawyer experienced in these types of accidents understands such paperwork, which may sometimes be complex.
How Insurance Adjusters May Try to Minimize Your Claim
Insurance adjusters often pull tactics to minimize injury claims. An attorney won’t allow them to get away with that and will ensure you get the best compensation for your damages.
Why You Need an Experienced Golf Cart Accident Lawyer in Florida
Hurt in a golf cart mishap in Florida? Don’t face the legal challenges alone. The committed team at Andrew Pickett Law specializes in golf cart accident cases and is dedicated to obtaining the highest possible compensation for victims like you.
Start your journey towards justice – reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Whether you call our office or use our online form, we’ll connect you with our attorneys who can evaluate your case and explain your options. Let us assist you in recovering from your golf cart accident.
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