Golf cart accidents might sound minor at first, but these vehicles can actually cause severe injuries. Collisions, tip-overs, and falls from a moving cart often result in broken bones, head injuries, or even permanent disabilities. If you or a loved one was hurt in a golf cart crash, a St. Louis car accident attorney can help you understand your options and help you pursue compensation from the responsible parties.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Injuries in Golf Cart Accidents
Common injuries from golf cart accidents can be serious, even though these vehicles aren’t as fast as cars. Because riders have little protection and can easily be thrown from the cart or hit objects, a wide range of injuries can occur.
- Head injuries
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Road rash
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
These injuries should not be underestimated. Even at low speeds, golf cart crashes can leave victims with long-term pain, major medical bills, and lasting physical or cognitive impairments.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents?
While golf carts are designed to move at slow speeds, serious accidents can still happen for a variety of reasons. Understanding the most common causes can help explain who may be at fault and what went wrong.
Driver Negligence
Golf cart drivers can cause accidents by speeding, making sharp turns, driving while inexperienced, or getting distracted behind the wheel. Just like with any vehicle, poor decision-making increases the risk of collision or tip-over.
Passenger-Related Issues
Accidents frequently happen when too many people ride in a cart, passengers stand up or move around while the cart is moving, or someone falls out during a sudden stop or turn.
Unsafe Property or Roadway Conditions
The property owner or golf course may be responsible if potholes, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or a lack of needed warning signs contributed to the crash or made it impossible to see hazards.
Mechanical or Equipment Problems
Golf carts require regular maintenance, and crashes can be caused by equipment issues if the cart is not properly serviced or has a hidden defect.
Alcohol or Reckless Behavior
Drinking while driving a golf cart at golf courses, events, or private parties, as well as unsafe “horseplay” or misuse, are frequent factors in crashes and flip-overs.
Golf cart accidents are often the result of more than one of these problems happening at the same time. Proper investigation by a St. Louis personal injury attorney is needed to determine all of the causes and make sure the right people are held accountable.
What Should You Do After a Golf Cart Accident in St. Louis?
Taking the right steps after a golf cart accident is important for both your health and your legal claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical care
- Report the accident to property management, the course, or the police if necessary
- Take photos of the accident scene, the golf cart, and your visible injuries
- Get names and contact information for any witnesses
- Preserve all records, medical bills, and accident-related receipts
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies or signing anything too soon
- Speak with a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and get guidance
Doing these things can help you recover more quickly and may make a big difference in your ability to receive fair compensation. Consulting an attorney early can ensure that important evidence is preserved and that you don’t make mistakes that could hurt your case later.
Call us today at (314) 300-6260 to schedule a free consultation.