Now that spring has officially arrived, everyone in Chicago is looking forward to warmer weather. When sunny spring days come, few things are as relaxing as a day out on a golf course enjoying the sun. Unfortunately, nothing can ruin a nice day out more than a golf cart accident.
Golf cart accidents can often cause minor injuries and damage, but the worst accidents are catastrophic, even causing death.
In fact, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, about 15,000 golf cart-related injuries serious enough to merit an emergency room visit occur in the United States every year. These accidents can change a life in an instant.
Although sometimes these accidents are truly unpreventable, many are the result of pure negligence on the part of some party involved. In these cases, the person injured in the golf cart accident may deserve compensation for the medical bills and pain and suffering caused by the accident. It is important to discuss this with an experienced Chicago accident lawyer right away in order to collect needed evidence after the accident.
There are many factors involved in golf cart accident liability. Because golf carts require no special training, and they are often used on private property and maintained by people who do not drive them, determining who is liable in a particular accident can be difficult. However, there are several questions you can ask that will help make the process easier.
Who Was Driving?
In many cases, inappropriate behavior by a driver may make that person liable for the accident. If you were a passenger, you are much less likely to be at fault. In some cases, if the driver was a child or teenager incapable of using the golf cart safely, a parent or guardian may be at fault. Similarly, if the driver is a golf course employee, the golf course itself may be at fault.
Who Owns and Maintains the Cart Involved?
If the accident was caused by a problem with the golf cart itself, the golf course, country club, or individual who owns the golf cart may be liable for failing to properly maintain it. Similarly, if a specific person often uses the golf cart and did not report potential damage or wear, they may be responsible.
Were You Properly Warned of Any Dangers Related to Operating a Golf Cart?
If you are using a golf course’s golf cart, you are required to be properly advised on how to use the equipment safely and warned of any dangers associated with operating the golf cart. If this is not done, the owner of the golf cart may be liable.
Where Did the Accident Occur and Who Owns That Property?
Sometimes golf cart accidents are caused by negligent hazards on the property where the accident occurred. When an accident occurs on private property, such as a golf course or country club, the owner of the property or the company hired to maintain it may be liable in a premises liability case.
Are Golf Carts Supposed to Be Where the Accident Occurred?
If the golf cart was in an area illegally, the driver may be liable for disregarding warning signs. Still, though, a certain level of care is required, especially if the prohibition of golf carts in an area was not well-marked.
Were Alcohol or Drugs Involved?
A driver who is intoxicated while operating a golf cart is most likely liable for any accident that occurs, but if they were over-served (especially if the driver is underage), the provider of the alcohol may be liable.
While these are some of the most pertinent questions that help determine liability, in most cases, many factors will be involved. That’s why it can help to consult an experienced Chicago accident lawyer about any golf cart accident liability questions. If you or a loved one has been in a golf cart accident, call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today at (312) 236-2900 for a no win no fee representation on your case. As experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys, we have the knowledge needed to quickly help you determine who is most at fault and help you pursue an effective claim.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
