Golf Cart Accidents: Liability on Private Property and Public Roads

Golfing is meant to be a fun and exciting activity for many individuals and their loved ones. It is a great sport to bring friends and families together to experience joy and a sense of community. However, golf cart accidents may cause severe or sometimes life-threatening injuries when the necessary safety precautions are neglected or not put in place properly. In addition, determining who may be held responsible after a golf cart accident occurs is a difficult and challenging process to navigate by yourself. Understanding golf cart accidents and the importance of maintaining private or public properties is important the next time you or a loved one goes golfing.

Understanding Golf Cart Accidents

Golf carts usually travel at lower speeds than passenger vehicles, but lower speed does not always mean an accident will result in minor injuries. Many traditional golf carts lack doors, airbags, and other protective features usually found in cars. Passengers may be thrown from the cart during a sudden turn, collision, or rollover. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users can also be injured when struck by a golf cart. 

Injuries that may Follow a Golf Cart Accident 

The following are common injuries associated with golf cart accidents.  

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken or fractured bones
• Neck and back injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Shoulder and knee injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Internal injuries

Children and older adults may face additional risks depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Private Property 

Many golf cart accidents occur on privately owned property, including golf courses, resorts, hotels, apartment complexes, private communities, event venues, and recreational facilities.

When an accident occurs on private property, liability may depend on how the incident happened. Property owners have the legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions for customers and other individuals. If a property was not properly maintained or included dangerous conditions, that property owner may be part of the overall investigation and possibly held accountable. 

Public Property

Some California communities allow certain golf carts or low-speed vehicles to operate on designated public roads. When a golf cart is legally operated on a public street, drivers may be required to follow applicable traffic laws. Running a stop sign, failing to yield, making an unsafe turn, or driving negligently could possibly result in liability if that behavior causes an accident.

Public-road golf cart collisions can also involve passenger vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. For example, if a motorist fails to yield and strikes a golf cart, the motorist may be held responsible depending on the facts and evidence of the specific case. In addition, a golf cart operator who enters an intersection improperly could potentially share responsibility.

Who is Liable?

Determining liability after a golf cart accident may be extremely difficult and require extensive evidence and documentation. A golf cart owner who allows another person to operate the vehicle may potentially face liability under certain circumstances. One issue that may arise is negligent entrustment.

Negligent entrustment typically involves providing a vehicle to someone the owner knew, or reasonably should have known, was not qualified to operate it safely. Whether negligent entrustment or another theory applies depends on the evidence and circumstances of the specific incident.

Golf Carts that are Poorly Maintained

Not every golf cart accident results from driver behavior. A mechanical or product-related problem may contribute to an accident. Potential issues could include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Brake failures 
• Steering defects 
• Defective tires
• Battery issues 
• Electrical problems 
• Accelerators that malfunction

Depending on the circumstances, potential responsibility could involve a manufacturer, distributor, rental company, maintenance provider, or another entity. Preserving the golf cart after an accident may therefore be important. Repairing, modifying, or disposing of the vehicle before it can be examined could make it more difficult to determine whether a mechanical problem contributed to the incident.

Insurance Coverage

Depending on where and how the golf cart was being used, potential coverage could involve a homeowners policy, automobile policy, commercial liability policy, golf course or resort insurance, rental coverage, or another form of liability insurance. However, exclusions and limitations may apply. Reviewing the relevant insurance policies can help identify potential sources of coverage.

Seeking Legal Guidance and Support 

After a golf cart accident occurs, it may be important and beneficial to seek legal guidance in order to understand your personal injury claims moving forward. A qualified personal injury attorney may explain applicable laws, speak to insurance companies, and preserve the necessary evidence and documentation needed for your specific case. This may be crucial when you have suffered injuries from a golf cart accident.

The Legal Team at KAASS LAW

Our personal injury attorneys at KAASS LAW understand the challenges that may come after a golf cart accident. Oftentimes, determining who may be held liable can be a complicated and challenging process, and one that requires the help of a legal professional. That is where KAASS LAW comes in. If you or a loved one has suffered severe life-threatening injuries from a golf cart accident, don't wait. Call KAASS LAW today for a confidential consultation and to discuss your potential options for your case.