Were you injured in a golf cart accident in Atlanta? You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and more. A skilled lawyer can make a big difference in managing your claims and demanding the financial recovery you deserve.
The trial attorneys at Bayuk Pratt have over 50 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases. We are here to help you with your golf cart accident case. We have recovered over $300 million for our clients and are committed to handling your case with the attention it deserves. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
Where Do Golf Cart Accidents Happen in Atlanta?
Most Atlanta golf cart accidents happen on golf courses. They also frequently occur on residential streets, especially in communities that permit golf cart use on public roads. These accidents can happen at intersections or crosswalks where drivers might not expect to encounter slow-moving golf carts. Additionally, golf cart accidents occur in parking lots and along paths designated for golf carts when road users fail to pay adequate attention to their surroundings.
Does Georgia Have Laws Regarding Golf Carts?
Georgia has laws regulating personal transportation vehicles (PTVs), including golf carts. The law defines PTVs as motorized vehicles with specific size, weight, and speed limitations, excluding mobility aids or all-terrain vehicles. Golf carts must be designed for golf activities, have a maximum speed of less than 15 miles per hour, and be used primarily on golf courses.
Golf carts and other PTVs can use public roads under strict conditions. For instance, they are allowed on public roads with speed limits of up to 25 miles per hour. Also, they must have essential safety equipment, including brakes, lights, and horns. Also, the operators must possess a valid driver’s license.
What Are the Typical Causes of Atlanta Golf Cart Accidents?
Golf cart accidents can result from several factors, many of which are preventable. One common cause is reckless driving, including speeding, turning suddenly, and failing to yield.
Inexperienced drivers also contribute to many golf cart accidents. Operating a golf cart is much simpler than driving a standard car. However, it requires knowledge of the unique way these vehicles handle. If a driver zooms off without understanding the golf cart’s limits, they can cause serious crashes.
Distractions also significantly contribute to golf cart wrecks. Operating a golf cart requires full and undivided attention, like driving a car. Accidents can occur if drivers get distracted by their phones, other passengers, or activities around them.
Overloading the golf cart with too many passengers or cargo can cause accidents. The extra weight can affect the golf cart’s stability and braking, making it harder to control.
Poor vehicle maintenance can also cause golf cart accidents. Regular checks and maintenance are necessary to prevent brake failures or worn tires and keep the golf cart safe.
What Are Some Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries?
Golf cart accidents might seem less severe than car accidents, but they can still lead to the following painful injuries:
- Traumatic head injuries
- Bone fractures
- Dislocations
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Puncture wounds
- Crush injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Road rash and other burns.
How Do You Determine Who is Liable for an Atlanta Golf Cart Accident?
Determining who is liable for a golf cart accident in Atlanta involves examining the roles of different parties. For instance, a golf cart driver could be responsible if they were driving recklessly or violating traffic laws. Other drivers might also bear responsibility if they were not following the rules of the road. A golf cart manufacturer or rental company could be liable if it sold or rented out a faulty or unsafe cart. Government agencies responsible for roads or pathways could be liable if poor conditions like potholes or missing signage contributed to the crash.
A personal injury attorney can use several types of evidence to prove liability in a golf cart accident, including witness statements that clarify details about the accident scenario and video footage from surveillance cameras or dashcams. A lawyer may also use photos of the accident scene and visible injuries to show the impact of the collision. Your attorney could also call on an accident reconstruction professional to determine what happened.
What Should You Do After Being Involved in an Atlanta Golf Cart Accident?
If you get hurt in a golf cart accident, you can take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Check yourself and others for injuries and assist them, if possible.
- Call 911 if there are any serious injuries or if the cars block the road.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all other drivers.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and your injuries.
- Gather contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident.
- See a doctor as soon as possible.
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Keep a record of all related medical treatments and expenses.
- Do not discuss the accident on social media or with anyone but your lawyer.
- Consult a personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.
How Long Do You Have to Seek Compensation After a Golf Cart Accident?
Georgia law gives you two years from the date of your golf cart accident injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you have a product liability lawsuit because the golf cart was defective or had a faulty part, you also have two years to file. If you wait too long and miss the filing deadline, you will lose your chance to bring a lawsuit. So, you could be unable to seek compensation for your injuries and related losses. Given these strict deadlines, it’s best to immediately contact an experienced lawyer for support.
Contact an Atlanta Golf Cart Accident Lawyer
Are you dealing with the aftermath of a golf cart accident in Atlanta? Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact the trial attorneys at Bayuk Pratt today for a free consultation.