Golf carts have been rising in popularity as an affordable, convenient, and low-maintenance form of transportation. They are a multi-billion dollar industry! But with that popularity often comes a false sense of safety, leading to serious injuries and even death.
If you live in a neighborhood, just look outside in the evening and count the number of golf carts cruising by. How many have kids riding on them? How many have drink holders?
Golf carts are convenient, affordable, come in many shapes and sizes, and are even viewed as status symbols, with companies offering lift kits, customized carts, upgraded wheels, and other accessories.
While standard golf carts are generally capable of speeds around 12 to 15 mph, many modified carts can go even faster. But even at those speeds, a golf cart accident can lead to life-changing consequences.
Golf cart accidents can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, crushing injuries, and even death.
One problem is that people often drive golf carts as if they were regular passenger vehicles, but they are not built with the same safety protections. Most golf carts do not have:
Passengers are also much more likely to be thrown from the vehicle during an accident, especially during sharp turns or rollover accidents. Once someone is ejected, serious head and brain injuries can occur very quickly.
Golf cart rollover accidents are especially dangerous because passengers are often pinned underneath the vehicle after the crash.
Another growing concern is the number of children operating golf carts without supervision or people driving golf carts around neighborhoods after drinking alcohol. Unfortunately, those situations can become dangerous very quickly.
As golf carts have become more common, Louisiana has become stricter regarding where and how they may be operated.
Under Louisiana law, golf carts may only be driven on certain public roads if authorized by the local parish or municipality. In many situations, the golf cart must also be properly titled and insured, and the driver must possess a valid driver’s license.
People are sometimes surprised to learn that Louisiana DWI laws can still apply to golf cart drivers.
Insurance coverage involving golf carts can become complicated.
Many automobile insurance policies exclude golf carts entirely. Likewise, homeowner’s insurance policies often exclude golf cart accidents that happen away from the insured property.
One simple solution is to speak with your insurance agent about adding a golf cart endorsement or separate golf cart coverage. In many cases, the additional coverage is relatively inexpensive and may provide important protection if an accident occurs.
At Flattmann Law, we help people throughout the Northshore understand their rights after serious accidents, including golf cart injury claims.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident in Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Hammond, or anywhere across the Northshore or New Orleans metro area, contact Flattmann Law today for a free and confidential consultation.
Call (985) 590-6182 today.
When you ask for Grady, you get Grady. At Flattmann Law, we make sure that your consultations and cases are not assigned to a junior associate. Grady will personally be on the phone with you or meet you in person to discuss your individual situation. We will represent you not only as your attorney, but also as your neighbor.
Our legal library is full of articles on a variety of topics related to personal injury claims in Louisiana. Learn about how accidents happen, what to do when you are a victim, and how an attorney can help you fight for the compensation you may deserve.
