Golf carts provide an efficient means of getting around golf courses, retirement communities, apartment complexes, special events, and other environments. Unfortunately, they are top-heavy and lack safety features found in other vehicles. This makes golf carts more prone to dangerous rollover accidents, which are likely to cause severe injuries.
If you suffered golf cart accident injuries in South Carolina, an experienced personal injury lawyer can fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
What Are the Golf Cart Laws in South Carolina?
Many golf cart accidents in South Carolina occur because the golf cart driver or another party didn’t follow state laws. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS):
- Golf cart owners and operators must make sure they have the required permits, liability insurance, and registration.
- Drivers can only operate golf carts within four miles of the address where the cart is registered.
- Drivers can only operate golf carts on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
- Drivers can only operate golf carts during daylight hours.
- Drivers must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
The South Carolina Legislature also has more information on the state’s golf cart laws.
What Are Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents in South Carolina?
South Carolina golf cart accidents can happen due to a variety of causes. Understanding these causes can help prevent future incidents and ensure safer rides. Some factors that frequently result in golf cart collisions include:
- Driver inexperience – Many golf cart operators lack proper training. Without knowing how to handle the cart, they might make mistakes that lead to accidents.
- Speeding – Golf carts are designed for low-speed travel. When drivers go too fast, they can lose control, increasing the risk of crashes.
- Sharp turns – Making sharp turns at high speeds can cause a golf cart to tip over. This can result in serious injuries to passengers.
- Poor maintenance – Failing to maintain golf carts can lead to mechanical failures. Brake problems, tire issues, and steering malfunctions can all contribute to crashes.
- Distracted driving – Just like in cars, distractions can be dangerous for golf cart drivers. Using a phone, eating, or chatting can take a driver’s focus off the path, leading to a collision.
- Overloading – Exceeding the golf cart’s passenger or weight limit can make it unstable. This can cause it to tip over or crash.
- Rough terrain – Golf carts are not designed for use on rough or uneven surfaces. Driving on such terrain can lead to loss of control and accidents.
- Alcohol use – Operating a golf cart while under the influence of alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times, making collisions more likely.
Who Can Be At Fault for a South Carolina Golf Cart Accident?
Determining fault in a golf cart accident is a key initial step in seeking compensation. Various parties might be responsible, depending on the circumstances of the crash:
- The driver – The person operating the golf cart can be liable if they were driving recklessly, speeding, or distracted. Their actions directly impact the safety of the ride.
- Golf course management – If the collision occurred on a golf course, the management might be liable. Poor course maintenance, failure to repair hazards, or lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents. If golf course staff are responsible for caring for and maintaining golf carts, they may be liable for injuries resulting from poor golf cart maintenance.
- Golf cart manufacturer – Sometimes, defects in the design or manufacturing of the golf cart can cause accidents. In such cases, the manufacturer could be responsible for producing a dangerously faulty product.
- Another driver – If another driver causes the collision through their negligent actions, they might be at fault. This includes behaviors like speeding, not paying attention, or violating safety rules.
- Event organizers – If the golf cart accident happened during an event, the organizers might share the blame. They are responsible for ensuring safety measures are in place and that participants understand the rules.
- Property owners – When crashes occur on private property, the property owner could be liable if unsafe conditions contributed to the incident. This includes poorly maintained paths or obstacles that pose risks to golf cart drivers.
Does Insurance Apply to Golf Cart Accidents?
Insurance applies to most golf cart accidents in South Carolina, but the type and amount of insurance coverage depends on the crash and the parties involved. For example, collisions on golf courses are typically covered by the course’s business insurance. However, you’d have to prove the course was negligent to recover compensation. Similarly, homeowners insurance may cover a golf cart accident that occurs on the owner’s property.
Many people have liability insurance for their golf carts, so this insurance may apply in some cases. A knowledgeable attorney can review your situation to determine what insurance may apply and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
What Compensation Can I Recover from a Golf Cart Accident Claim?
You may be able to seek compensation for a variety of losses following a golf cart accident, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced future earnings
- Lower quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
The exact amount of compensation you can recover depends on factors such as the extent and severity of your injuries, your likelihood of making a full physical recovery, and whether you missed work due to your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit?
South Carolina law says you typically have three years from the date you sustained your injuries to file a personal injury lawsuit. Talking to a lawyer immediately after an accident can help you avoid missing this crucial deadline.
Contact a South Carolina Golf Cart Accident Lawyer
At McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, our golf cart accident attorneys are ready to listen to your story and manage your personal injury claim. Call us today or complete our contact form to get started with a consultation.
