Golf Cart Accidents and Injuries
Golf carts are used all over the world on golf courses as a way to transport people and clubs around during a round of golf; but in some retirement communities like The Villages, they are a popular mode of transportation for getting around town. With over 50,000 golf carts throughout the town, you’re sure to see them just about everywhere from the local grocery store to the movie theater. With such a prevalence of golf carts that are intermixed with regular automobile traffic, there are bound to be accidents from time to time.
Why So Popular?
In addition to the regular traffic flowing in and out of the community, many Villagers own their cars in addition to their golf carts which are able to travel in excess of 20 miles per hour and can have a range of up to 40 miles before needing a charge. The low operating costs and low maintenance required for golf carts is part of what makes them so popular. Some Villagers have even taken to modifying their golf carts to make them more closely resemble full-size cars, or to increase their performance.
Golf carts weren’t originally designed to be operated on public roads, which has called for the implementation of certain safety features to help compensate. Seat belts, headlights, and windshields are among the most common safety features added to these vehicles.
The Dangers of Golf Carts
Even with the added safety features and awareness towards golf cart presence in The Villages, accidents do happen. Even at their relatively tame top speeds, rolling over a golf cart can cause serious injury or death, and since they are not held to collision safety standards like a full-size automobile, a collision with one can have disastrous consequences. Statistics show that there are over 1000 golf cart accidents each year in Florida, with a handful of fatalities each year. These incidents are caused primarily by:
- Impaired Driving or driving under the influence
- Hazardous driving conditions or roll-overs due to aggressive maneuvering
- Negligence or distracted driving on the part of a full-sized car
We Can Help
If you or a loved one have been involved in a golf cart accident in The Villages, the BCN Law Firm is here to help. With a wealth of experience in litigating Personal Injury Cases, our team will do everything to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (352) 775-4739 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
