Golf Cart Accident

The Crystal River City Council is considering letting golf carts drive on city roads. They will vote on whether or not to move forward with the plan during their meeting Aug. 14.

In almost every driveway in Crystal River Village, you’ll find a golf cart. It’s residents’ preferred method of transportation to get around the community.

By state law, carts aren’t allowed to travel on state roads, and currently residents can’t take them on neighborhood roads.

The motion the council is voting on would allow carts within four zones around State Road 44 and U.S. 19. Council members will also discuss what streets need more signage and speed reduction to allow carts during the meeting.

If approved, it would still be several months before carts could be on the roads while any the signs and speed modifications are put into place.

It seems with residential areas like The Villages and now possibly Citrus County, we are bound to be seeing golf carts outside of the local 18-hole course. Due to their accessibility and efficiency, golf carts are expanding beyond the greens and into many communities.

In areas that are focused on reducing heavy traffic, golf carts seem to be the perfect middle ground. Now, golf carts could be seen outside quiet communities and onto local streets. With the possibility of these lightweight and slower vehicles hitting the roads, you may wonder if golf cars are truly safe on streets. Our Citrus County Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton remind everyone that if you operate a golf cart, you must follow all of the same rules as people driving cars. You should have a valid driver’s license, obey the rules of the road, and never drink and drive.

A young Illinois man died from a broken neck Sunday after he fell from the back of a golf cart , reminding us that golf carts can be very dangerous.

The 20-year-old was found by police around midnight after falling out of golf cart. The driver of the cart and two other passengers were not injured, but police believe alcohol may have been played a role in the accident.

This brings up two issues – the fact that golf cart accidents, just like other vehicle accidents, can lead to injuries and death, and that they can also lead to lawsuits.

Just like with auto accidents involving cars, trucks and SUVs, you do not have to be driving a golf cart to be killed or sustain a serious injury. Once a thorough investigation is conducted, the negligent parties involved in this incident could be held legally liable for damages regarding this man’s death.

For those who have been injured or lost someone close to them in a golf cart accident in Citrus County, a personal injury or wrongful death claim can seek the same damages you can obtain for a motor vehicle collision, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

A variety of factors can determine if you may be able to file a golf cart personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, including the following:

Who was driving the golf cart when the accident occurred? Just like auto accidents, the driver in a golf cart collision is likely the liable party when it comes to injuries suffered by a passenger.

Who is the owner of the golf cart? If a golf course, country club or individual owns the cart and they failed to properly maintain the vehicle, it can be argued that they are legally liable for damages due to their negligence.

Who is the property owner of the accident site? If a golf cart accident takes place on private grounds, this opens the door to a potential premises liability claim. Most golf courses are on private land.

Were alcohol and/or drugs to blame for the crash? If it is found that an intoxicated golf cart driver is to blame for a crash, then whoever served him or her alcohol could potentially be at fault under Florida’s Dram Shop Liability Laws.

Articles Posted in Golf Cart Accident

Golf Carts Possibly Coming to Citrus County Roads

Injuries and Deaths from Golf Cart Accidents Can Lead to Lawsuits