Golf Cart Crash Lawyer & Golf Cart Rollover & Flip Attorney

Golf cart accidents in Arizona, ranging from minor wrecks to severe rollovers and flips result in countless injuries every year. As golf cart crash lawyers, we offer experienced guidance and assertive representation for victims injured in golf cart accidents.

If you or a loved one was injured in a golf cart accident, we invite you to call our office to schedule a free consultation. Our dedicated golf cart accident lawyers offer comprehensive legal assistance to ensure our clients receive the justice and compensation deserved:

• Personalized Case Evaluation. We can attentively listen to the facts of your case, understanding every detail to form a strong legal strategy.

• Identifying Liable Parties. Our team works diligently to identify all potentially liable entities, including golf courses and property owners, golf cart owners, drivers, and other responsible parties.

• Pursuing Maximum Compensation. We tenaciously advocate to secure the maximum compensation to which you and your family are rightfully entitled, covering all facets of a claim.

How Many Golf Cart Crashes Occur Each Year?

Researchers analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System spanning 2007 to 2017. The study revealed that approximately 156,040 individuals received emergency room care for golf cart accident injuries. During the study period, both the yearly total and the rate of these injuries consistently remained stable.[1] Based on this research, it can be inferred that approximately 15,600 individuals are involved in serious golf cart-related wrecks annually.

What Are Common Types of Golf Cart Accidents?

Golf cart accidents, while often perceived as less severe than traditional car accidents, can still lead to significant injuries. Understanding the common types of golf cart accidents is crucial for both prevention and legal response. Here are some of the typical scenarios we encounter at Bache & Lynch:

• Tipping and Rollovers. One of the most frequent types of accidents involving golf carts is tipping or rollovers. Due to their relatively high center of gravity and narrow wheelbase, golf carts can easily tip over, especially when making sharp turns, navigating uneven terrain, or carrying excessive weight.

• Collisions with Other Vehicles. Golf carts can collide with other golf carts, automobiles, or stationary objects. These accidents often occur due to driver inattention, speeding, or failure to yield the right of way. Collisions are particularly dangerous on roads where golf carts share space with faster and larger vehicles.

• Passenger Ejections. Due to the open nature of golf carts, passengers can be easily ejected from the vehicle during sudden stops, turns, or collisions. Such incidents often result in severe injuries, particularly if the passenger hits a hard surface or is struck by another vehicle.

• Pedestrian Accidents. Pedestrians can be hit by golf carts, especially in areas where golf carts and foot traffic intermingle. Driver distraction, speeding, or driving under the influence increase the risk of such accidents.

• Driving Under the Influence. Operating a golf cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also increases the risk of accidents. Impaired judgment and slowed reaction times can lead to serious accidents, affecting not only the driver but also passengers and bystanders.

• Mechanical Failures. Faulty brakes, steering problems, or tire issues can lead to accidents. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent such incidents, but sometimes product defects can also contribute to accidents.

• Overloading and Improper Use. Overloading a golf cart with too many passengers or too much cargo can cause loss of control, leading to accidents. Similarly, using a golf cart for purposes other than its intended use increases the risk of accidents.

• Incidents on Private Property. Accidents occurring on private property, such as resorts or private communities, can involve different legal considerations, especially regarding liability and insurance coverage.

Understanding these common types of golf cart accidents is the first step in preventing them. However, if you or a loved one has been involved in such an incident, a dedicated golf cart crash attorney can provide the legal support you need. We understand the specifics of golf cart accident cases in Arizona and are committed to helping navigate these challenging situations.

What Types of Injuries Often Result from Arizona Golf Cart Accidents? 

Golf cart crashes in Arizona can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Due to the unique design and usage of golf carts, the types of injuries sustained can be different from those in standard automobile accidents. Here are some common injuries often resulting from golf cart accidents:

• Soft Tissue Injuries. These include bruises, sprains, and strains that may occur when a person is jolted or thrown around inside the golf cart during an accident. Though often considered minor, these injuries can still cause significant pain and require medical treatment.

• Cuts and Lacerations. Sharp edges, broken glass, or even contact with the road or other surfaces can cause cuts and lacerations. These injuries can range from minor cuts to severe wounds requiring stitches or surgical intervention.

• Head Injuries. Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are common in golf cart accidents, especially if passengers are ejected from the cart or it rolls over. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and can have long-lasting effects.

• Broken Bones. The force of a collision or a fall from a golf cart can lead to fractures. The most common broken bones in these accidents include fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, and sometimes more severe fractures like hip or skull fractures.

• Spinal Cord Injuries. Spinal injuries can occur, especially in rollovers or ejections from a golf cart. These injuries can range from herniated discs to more severe spinal cord damage, potentially leading to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries. Sudden stops or changes in direction can cause whiplash, a neck injury that results from rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. This can lead to chronic pain and other long-term complications.

• Internal Injuries. Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding or organ damage, are possible, especially in high-impact collisions or rollovers. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

• Psychological Trauma. The impact of a golf cart accident isn’t just physical. Victims can also suffer from psychological trauma, including stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially after particularly severe accidents.

• Joint and Ligament Injuries. Injuries to knees, ankles, shoulders, and wrists can occur, especially if a person tries to brace themselves during an accident or is thrown from the golf cart.

• Burns or Road Rash. In cases where a golf cart catches fire or a person is dragged along the road surface, burns and road rash injuries can occur. These can be painful and require extensive treatment.

Even seemingly minor injuries can have significant implications and may require extensive medical treatment. If you’ve been involved in a golf cart accident in Arizona, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, followed by consulting with an experienced golf cart accident attorney who can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries.

Does Arizona Have Specific Golf Cart Laws?

Yes, Arizona has specific laws and regulations governing the use of golf carts, which are important for ensuring safety and determining liability in the event of accidents. These laws address various aspects of golf cart operation, including where they can be driven, required safety features, and driver eligibility.

Designation and Arizona Golf Cart Laws Operation

• Motor Vehicle Classification. In Arizona, golf carts are classified as motor vehicles and are subject to many of the same rules and regulations that apply to other motor vehicles.

• Speed Limitations. Golf carts are generally not allowed to exceed speeds of 25 miles per hour.

• Road Usage. Golf carts can be driven on public roads that have speed limits of 35 mph or lower. However, they are typically not permitted on highways.

Driver Requirements

• Driver’s License. Operators of golf carts must have a valid driver’s license.

• Age Restrictions. Similar to other motor vehicles, drivers typically need to be of legal driving age.

Registration and Insurance

• Vehicle Registration. Golf carts must be registered with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).

• Insurance. Operators are required to have minimum liability insurance for their golf carts. This includes coverage for property damage and bodily injury.

Safety Equipment and Features

• Lights and Mirrors. Golf carts must be equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a rearview mirror if they are to be driven on public roads.

• Brakes and Horn. Adequate braking systems and a working horn are mandatory.

• Reflective Material. The golf cart must have reflective material or devices if it’s used during times when there is less visibility.

Operation on Private Property

• Golf carts can be used on private property, but the operator must have the property owner’s permission.

Sidewalks and Bike Lanes

• Generally, golf carts are not allowed to be driven on sidewalks and in bike lanes.

DUI Laws

• Driving a golf cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs is subject to the same DUI laws as operating a car.

Compliance with these laws is crucial for the safe and legal operation of golf carts in Arizona. In the event of an accident or legal dispute involving a golf cart, understanding these laws is also essential in determining liability and pursuing claims. If you’ve been in a golf cart crash, consulting with an experienced golf cart accident lawyer is advisable to ensure your rights are protected and you receive any due compensation. 

What Types of Compensation Can I Seek for a Golf Cart Accident in Arizona?

If you’ve been injured in a golf cart accident in Arizona, there are various types of compensation you might be eligible to seek. These compensations are designed to cover both the tangible and intangible losses resulting from the accident. Here are the common types of compensation you can pursue: 

Medical Expenses

• Immediate Medical Care. Costs for emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgeries, and other immediate medical treatments.

• Ongoing Medical Treatment. Expenses for follow-up visits, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any long-term medical care required due to the injury.

• Future Medical Costs. Anticipated expenses for medical care that will be needed in the future as a result of the accident.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

• Lost Wages. Compensation for the income lost due to time off work following the injury.

• Loss of Earning Capacity. If the injury impacts your ability to work in the future, you may be compensated for the reduction in your earning potential. 

Pain and Suffering

• Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This includes ongoing discomfort, mental anguish, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

Property Damage

• Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your golf cart and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement 

• Compensation for any lasting physical impairment or disfigurement caused by the accident, such as scarring, limb loss, or paralysis.

Wrongful Death

• In the tragic event that a golf cart accident leads to a fatality, the family of the deceased can pursue compensation. This can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of the deceased’s expected income, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

Punitive Damages

• In cases where the conduct of the responsible party was particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Legal Fees and Court Costs

• In some cases, you may be able to recover the costs associated with pursuing the legal claim, including attorney’s fees and court expenses.

It’s important to note that the specific compensation available can vary based on the details of the accident, the extent of the injuries, and the applicable insurance policies. Consulting with a dedicated Oro Valley golf cart crash attorney is crucial to accurately assess your case and to ensure that you pursue all the compensation to which you are rightfully entitled under Arizona law. 

Who May Be Liable for A Golf Cart Wreck in Arizona?

Determining liability in a golf cart wreck in Arizona involves identifying who was at fault for the accident. Liability can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. Several parties may be potentially responsible:

Golf Cart Driver

• Negligence or Reckless Driving. If the golf cart driver was operating the vehicle negligently, recklessly, or under the influence, they could be held liable for any resulting accidents. This includes speeding, distracted driving, or failing to adhere to golf course or roadway rules.

Other Vehicle Drivers

• Collisions with Automobiles. If the golf cart was hit by another vehicle, the driver of that vehicle could be liable, especially if they were violating traffic laws, driving recklessly, or under the influence.

Golf Cart Manufacturer or Distributor

• Product Liability. If the accident was caused by a defect in the golf cart (such as faulty brakes or steering), the manufacturer or distributor of the golf cart might be liable under product liability laws.

Golf Course or Property Owners

• Premises Liability. If the accident occurred on a golf course or private property due to poor maintenance, inadequate signage, or other hazardous conditions, the property owner or manager might be held responsible.

Golf Cart Rental Companies

• Negligent Entrustment. Rental companies may be liable if they provided a golf cart that was in poor condition or failed to give proper instructions on its use. They may also be liable if they rented the cart to someone obviously unfit to drive it, such as an intoxicated individual. 

Maintenance or Service Providers

• Improper Maintenance. If the golf cart malfunctioned due to improper maintenance or repair, the service provider could be liable for negligence.

Government Entities

• Public Roads and Pathways. If the accident occurred on a public road or path due to poor design, lack of maintenance, or hazardous conditions for which a government entity is responsible, that entity could potentially be held liable. 

Employers

• Vicarious Liability. If the person driving the golf cart was doing so as part of their job, the employer might be liable for the employee’s actions under certain conditions.

Determining liability in golf cart accidents can be complex and often requires an in-depth investigation into the circumstances of the accident. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. As experienced Arizona golf cart accident lawyers, we can help identify all potentially liable parties, assess the evidence, and pursue appropriate claims for damages.

How Long Do I Have to File A Lawsuit in Arizona After a Golf Cart Accident or Golf Cart Rollover?

In Arizona, the time limit for filing a lawsuit after a golf cart accident or golf cart rollover is governed by the state’s statute of limitations. This legal timeframe determines how long you have to initiate legal proceedings from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to be aware of these deadlines as failing to file within this period typically results in losing the right to sue for damages. Here’s what you need to know:

• Personal Injury Claims. For personal injury claims in Arizona, including those arising from golf cart accidents or rollovers, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes section 12-542.

• Property Damage Claims. If the golf cart accident only resulted in property damage (like damage to the golf cart itself), you also have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. 

• Wrongful Death Claims. In cases where the golf cart accident led to a fatality, and a family member is filing a wrongful death claim, the statute of limitations is also two years.[2] However, this period starts from the date of the individual’s death, which may be different from the date of the accident.

Exceptions to the Rule

• There are certain exceptions that can extend or shorten this period. For instance, if the injured party is a minor or if the defendant is a public entity, different rules may apply.

Consultation with an Arizona Golf Cart Crash Attorney

Given the complexities and potential exceptions to these rules, consulting with an attorney experienced in golf cart injury law is highly advisable. They can provide specific guidance based on the details of your case and ensure that all legal actions are taken within the appropriate time frames.

Remember, the statute of limitations is strictly adhered to, and exceptions are rare. It’s in your best interest to seek legal advice promptly to protect your rights and ensure your ability to seek the compensation you may be entitled to. 

Immediate Steps for Protection – Call Our Office to Schedule A Free Consultation.

The steps taken immediately following a golf cart accident are critical. We guide our clients through these crucial early stages, from medical care to legal consultations. 

Our comprehensive approach includes investigating the incident, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigating in court. Our aim is always to secure the best possible outcome for our clients. 

FAQs About Golf Cart Wreck, Rollover, and Flip Cases

What Makes Golf Cart Cases Different?

Golf cart cases differ from other vehicle accidents due to the unique nature of these vehicles and the laws that govern them. Our team’s familiarity with these differences is crucial in providing effective representation. 

Can I Claim If the Golf Cart Driver Was a Family Member or Friend?

Yes, you can. We handle such sensitive cases with the utmost discretion and professionalism, ensuring that your rights are protected while maintaining personal relationships. 

What if My Child Was Involved in a Golf Cart Accident?

Accidents involving children require a delicate approach. We have experience in handling cases involving minors and understand the intricacies involved in pursuing compensation for them. 

How Does Insurance Work in Golf Cart Accidents?

Golf cart insurance claims can be complex. We navigate these complexities on behalf of our clients, dealing with insurance companies to secure fair compensation. 

Can I Still Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing a Seatbelt in the Golf Cart?

Yes, you can. While safety precautions are important, the absence of a seatbelt does not preclude you from seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a golf cart accident. 

Contact Bache & Lynch: Your Arizona Golf Cart Accident Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been involved in a golf cart wreck, crash, accident, rollover, or flip in Arizona, Bache & Lynch is here to help. Our dedicated golf cart wreck, rollover, and flip attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to fighting for your rights.

Contact us at 520-293-5300 for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the legal process to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

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[1] Study finds golf cart-related injuries are common, Family Safety & Health, Study finds golf cart-related injuries are common | 2021-02-18 | Safety+Health (safetyandhealthmagazine.com).

[2] Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542 (2021).