Golf cart culture is big in Florida, and these smaller vehicles often replace larger cars when running errands. However, the laws apply to them just as to any accident. You can file a golf cart accident lawsuit when someone harms you while driving their cart or you are driving yours. These cases can be challenging to understand without guidance from an experienced Florida car accident lawyer.
Our team offers this guide to golf cart accidents and securing compensation from at-fault parties when you or a loved one has been hurt. Contact us online or call (561) 655-1990 to get started today.
Are golf carts considered legal vehicles?
Yes, they are considered low-speed vehicles and are legal to drive as long as they have certain equipment and features. They can only operate on designated roads under Florida Statute § 316.212, which also requires that drivers be over 18 or have a valid license if they are younger and that the cart can only be driven between sunrise and sunset.
Who is at fault in a Florida golf cart accident?
Determining who is at fault for a golf cart accident can be challenging. In many cases, both the cart driver and the other motorist carry some blame for what happened. The police and insurance companies will closely examine all details of a golf cart accident to determine if the golf cart driver:
- Wasn’t wearing a seatbelt
- Was underage or didn’t have a license
- Was driving after dark
- Was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failed to obey all traffic laws and signs
In any of these instances, you could be assigned fault for contributing to the accident. This could reduce or eliminate your ability to secure compensation, even if the other driver clearly broke the law and hit you. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, you cannot file for damages if you are over 50% at fault for a crash.
Do golf carts have to be insured in Florida?
In Florida, all automobile drivers are required to have insurance coverage that provides personal injury protection (PIP) to pay their own medical bills and property damage liability (PDL) insurance to cover damage to other vehicles. However, the rules are different for golf carts and other low-speed vehicles.
Golf carts that can travel faster than 20 mph but not over 25 mph must be insured with a minimum of $10,000 each of PIP and PDL coverage. Insurance isn’t required if the golf cart is only driven on golf courses or private property, leaving the owner at full financial risk if someone is hurt driving the cart.
How do I file an insurance claim after a golf cart crash?
The first step is to identify who is liable for your golf cart accident. Your Florida car accident attorney will conduct a full investigation to determine who is to blame and then prepare your insurance claims. They will gather evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Photos and videos
- Witness statements
- Cell phone records
- Expert testimony
Your attorney can also handle the settlement negotiations for you so you can focus on healing from any injuires you suffered.
How long do I have to file a golf cart accident lawsuit?
According to Florida Statute § 95.11, you have only two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit based on negligence. If the insurance company doesn’t make a fair offer, your lawyer can prepare your lawsuit for damages involving your golf cart accident.
How do I learn more about golf cart accidents in Florida?
To arrange a free consultation with a qualified Florida car accident lawyer at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, use our online form or call us at (561) 655-1990. If we don’t win for you, you don’t pay, so contact us today.
