The Dangers of Golf Carts
Golf carts may seem like a harmless mode of transportation, but they can be quite dangerous. Recently, our Personal Injury team assisted a client who was a victim of a golf cart accident in reaching a settlement of $500,000. The client was run over by the golf cart and suffered severe injuries, including the need for knee surgery.
Spring will be here before we know it, and so will golfing season. With this in mind, it’s crucial to be aware that if you are involved in a golf cart accident and sustain injuries, the person responsible for mishandling the cart can be held accountable. In the event of an accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention and consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your legal options.
We are grateful for the opportunity to help our client through this difficult time and are relieved that they can now focus on their recovery. Golf carts may be convenient, but it’s vital to remember that they can also be incredibly dangerous.
How Common are Golf Cart Accidents?
Golf cart accidents, while not as common as other types of motor vehicle accidents, do occur and can result in severe injuries or death. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are approximately 15,000 golf cart related injuries requiring emergency room treatment in the United States each year. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia investigated golf cart-related injuries in children and adolescents and found the number of injuries has increased to more than 6,500 each year in the past few years, with just over half of the injuries in those ages 12 and younger.
What to Do in the Event of an Accident
If you are involved in a golf cart accident and sustain injuries, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately and consult with a personal injury attorney. A Personal Injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and assist you in holding the person responsible for the accident accountable.
Safety Precautions to Keep in Mind
To reduce the risk of golf cart accidents, it’s important to take safety precautions seriously. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind when operating or being around golf carts:
- Awareness of surroundings – Always be aware of what is happening around you. Check for other golf carts, pedestrians, and obstacles that may be in your path.
- Obey safety rules and regulations – Golf carts have specific rules and regulations that must be followed, such as speed limits and seatbelt requirements. Make sure you are aware of these rules and regulations, and follow them to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Wear appropriate safety gear – It’s important to wear appropriate safety gear when operating or riding in a golf cart. This includes wearing a seatbelt, helmet, and closed-toe shoes.
By taking these safety precautions, you can reduce the risk of golf cart accidents and the potential harm that can come from them. Keep these tips in mind the next time you use a golf cart, and enjoy a safe and fun experience. By following these safety precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with golf carts. Don’t let the danger of golf cart accidents go unnoticed. Stay informed and stay safe.