Golf Cart Accident Lawyers in Nashville, TN
Golf is a game loved by young and old, with an estimated 25 million teeing off each year. Nashville is home to several of the country’s top-tier courses. This makes it a prime destination for seasoned golfers. The city’s fairways are reasonably priced, allowing individuals to play a relaxing round amid scenic views.
The sport lets thousands exercise and socialize. Still, we must prioritize golf cart safety. Each year, golf carts cause about 15,000 injuries. If you suffered a golf cart injury, our Nashville lawyers stand ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Causes of Golf Cart Injuries
Whether you have suffered a broken bone or spinal cord injury, a golf cart injury can most certainly impact your daily life. Common causes of golf cart injuries include:
Speeding
The ease of jumping into a golf cart to travel to the next hole may seem like a dream come true. Especially after 18 holes of golf, you may have no desire to carry your clubs back to the clubhouse. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of a golf cart’s limitations. A golf cart is only designed to travel between 15 and 20 miles per hour, but many people drive them much faster. Speeding increases your chances of losing control of the vehicle, leading to rollovers and devastating injuries.
Drunk Driving
Most private golf courses have liquor licenses and serve alcohol to golfers. Operating a golf cart under the influence increases the risk of accidents. Even a blood alcohol content of 0.05%, when most people feel “tipsy,” impairs reflexes, coordination, and vision. In short, driving a golf cart drunk can cause serious injuries and sideline you for the foreseeable future.
Mechanical Failure
Like any motorized vehicle, a golf cart can experience steering issues, braking problems, battery issues, and other mechanical failures. Most people do not know when to brake; they hit the brake, but the vehicle is not slowing down. Mechanical failure in golf carts has been known to result in ejections from the vehicle, rollovers, and collisions. When such a failure occurs, liability may be found with the golf course mechanics if the failure was due to neglect of routine maintenance.
Lack of Safety Equipment
Under Tennessee Code § 55-1-123, golf carts must be equipped with seat belts. The law prohibits golf carts from exceeding 20 miles per hour and limits their use to recreational and sporting purposes. In Tennessee, golf carts must meet legal safety requirements and display both a safety triangle and a flag visible to others. Golf carts cannot be used on public roads unless modified to meet low-speed vehicle (LSV) standards and federal regulations. (LSVs, unlike golf carts, may reach 25 miles per hour and require lights, reflectors, and basic safety features to comply.)
Improper Operation
A novice should not operate a golf cart due to the increased risk of injury. Proper training ensures the driver avoids sharp or high-speed turns. Golf cart drivers must have a valid license. Tennessee law requires drivers to be at least 16, while some municipalities require drivers to be 18.
Why Choose Raybin & Weissman to Represent You?
If you have recently experienced injuries in a golf cart accident, our legal team will handle the following on your behalf:
- Gathering evidence that establishes the wrongful party’s liability;
- Assessing recoverable damages (including lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering);
- Locating and interviewing eyewitnesses;
- Handle all communications between you and the insurance company;
- Preparing your claim package to submit to the insurance company;
- Negotiating with insurance for a fair settlement;
- Taking your case to court if necessary.
Speak with Our Nashville Golf Cart Accident Attorneys Today
At Raybin & Weissman, we have seen the harm a golf cart injury can cause an otherwise healthy person. Even minor injuries can mean thousands in medical bills. No amount of money can fully compensate you for your losses, but you deserve to be made whole again. A settlement can provide the financial help you need to begin recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident, contact our Nashville legal team today for a free, no-risk consultation. Contact us online or call (615) 256-6666 now to get help from an experienced golf cart accident lawyer.