When you think of golf carts, you probably remember toting your friends around the golf course for a friendly game. Most people don’t think they pose a great risk of injury. They only go about 20 mph and are typically used to move people short distances. However, if a golf cart collides with something, the lack of safety restraints and doors can result in severe injuries.
Golf cart accidents are also more serious in residential settings, where street-legal golf carts drive on city roads. Golf carts operating on public roads can be hard to see and are more likely to result in serious injuries or death if involved in an accident.
It is hard to know exactly how often golf cart accidents happen, as most accident details are not typically reported. However, reports indicate that golf cart accidents cause nearly 15,000 injuries every year in the U.S. If you’ve been injured in an accident, call the Arizona golf cart accident lawyers at Torgenson Law for a free evaluation of your case.
The laws in Arizona governing golf carts vary from county to county, but, similar to other vehicles, most laws that apply to cars would apply to golf carts as well. The exception is if a golf cart is used on private land, no license is required.
That said, all golf carts used on public roads must be registered and have a valid license plate. Golf carts must be driven exclusively on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less. Drivers must be at least 18 and have a valid driver’s license to operate the golf cart. They must also obey all traffic regulations, including speed limits, signaling devices, and traffic laws. Passengers must wear seat belts, if available, and the golf cart must be equipped with headlights, taillights, and a slow-moving vehicle emblem displayed on the back of the vehicle.
Golf carts are prohibited from operating on highways, freeways, and interstates. It is also unlawful to modify or alter the golf cart in any way that would make it ineligible for registration and licensing. No person shall operate a golf cart recklessly or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Arizona law also prohibits anyone under 18 from operating a golf cart on any public highway or street.
Golf cart accidents are a common occurrence in Arizona. The most common cause is driver inattention or inexperience. A driver might swerve to avoid an animal or object in the road, or they may underestimate the turning radius of a golf cart. Golf-cart accidents can also be caused by reckless or distracted drivers, poor visibility, and defective or ineffective brakes.
In Arizona, golf cart accidents can occur in a variety of ways. Collisions with other golf carts, as are collisions with obstacles such as trees, curbs, and street signs, are common. In some cases, a golf cart may veer off the road and into a ditch or body of water.
It is also possible for a golf cart to roll over due to excessive speed or a sharp turn. Most golf carts have a low center of gravity, but they can be top-heavy and tend to roll over if turned sharply. There have also been golf cart accidents involving other vehicles, such as cars or trucks. These accidents can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Golf cart accidents in Arizona can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Golf carts in the state operate on private or public land and do not require a special license or registration. Without proper precautions, people can suffer from serious injuries due to golf cart accidents in Arizona.
While scrapes and bruising can result from minor accidents, it’s still important to document all injuries you sustained if you need to file a compensation claim later.
After a golf cart accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. This is especially important if you or anyone involved in the accident appears injured. Even if you don’t have any injuries, you should still visit your doctor for a routine checkup.
The next step after a golf cart accident is to contact your insurance company. Notify them of the incident, and make sure that you provide them with all the necessary information, including a detailed description of what happened. The insurance company will then guide you on what to do next.
You should also contact law enforcement to file a police report. This will create an official record of the accident, which may be needed if legal action is taken against either party. Document everything that has happened, including photos of the area, any witnesses, and a full report of the incident.
Finally, contact the Arizona golf cart accident lawyers to determine if you have a legal case for damages or injuries. A Torgenson Law attorney can help you assess the situation and guide you through the legal process.
Golf cart accidents can vary in severity and in the value they are worth. Generally speaking, the accident’s severity will depend on the damage’s extent and the number of people involved. Depending on the seriousness of the accident, it can be worth anything from a few hundred dollars to millions.
When it comes to the compensation value of a golf cart accident, the nature of the accident must be considered. This includes the damage to the golf cart, any injuries that may have occurred, the negligence that led to the accident, and any potential loss of wages.
If the accident results in personal injury or death, it could be worth much more depending on the specifics of the situation. Insurance companies also play an important role in the valuation of a golf cart accident, as they often cover the costs of the vehicle repairs, medical bills, or funeral costs.
In most cases, accident settlement amounts are calculated by looking at the medical expenses, the loss of wages, and the pain and suffering that may have been caused by the accident. Depending on the circumstance, a plaintiff may be rewarded with the full cost of their damages, punitive damages, or a reduced amount due to shared negligence.
It is important to note that it is not always easy to determine how much a golf accident is worth, as each situation is unique and the calculations are complex. When facing a golf cart accident, it is best to consult with one of our expert golf cart accident lawyers at Torgenson Law to help you recover.
The attorneys at Torgenson Law have years of experience handling these types of cases in Arizona. We will work diligently to uncover all the facts of the case and build a solid case for compensation. Call us today at 602-726-0747 to get started, or connect with us online.