Hawaii Golf Cart Accident Attorneys

Helping Victims of Golf Cart Accidents in Honolulu & Beyond

Golf carts are a mainstay in many communities, from small, sleepy towns to bustling city centers. They are used to transport golfers around courses, as well as to get around college campuses, neighborhoods, and other locales. They are also used for various work-related purposes. While golf carts have many practical applications, they are not as safe as they may seem. In fact, thousands of people are seriously injured or killed each year in golf cart accidents in the United States.

If you or your child was injured in a golf cart accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call (808) 740-0633 to schedule a free consultation with our Hawaii golf cart accident lawyers at Davis Levin Livingston.

Mobility & Safety

One of the reasons many people do not associate golf carts with serious injuries is because in most cases, they do not move at more than 20 miles per hour. However, these light-weight portable vehicles also do not offer basic safety features like seatbelts. Oftentimes, a minor problem could result in drivers and passengers being ejected from the vehicle because of the lack of restraints. In addition, oftentimes passengers travel on the rear of the vehicle, which means they are even more at risk of injury.

Who Is Liable for Golf Cart Accidents?

Golf carts are often used in commercial settings, such as at resorts, golf courses, and other businesses. They are also used by private individuals and families in residential areas.

When a golf cart accident occurs, it is not always clear who is liable for the injuries and damages that result. In fact, many people are unsure of how to proceed with a personal injury claim after a golf cart accident. That’s where we come in.

At Davis Levin Livingston, our Hawaii golf cart accident attorneys know the ins and outs of personal injury law. We are well-versed in the various laws and regulations that pertain to golf cart use and operation, and we know how to conduct thorough investigations to determine how and why a golf cart accident occurred. We can help you understand your legal rights and options, and we can fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

You may be able to file a claim against the following parties after a golf cart accident:

• A negligent driver: If a driver of another vehicle or a golf cart driver was negligent in some way and caused the accident, you may be able to hold them liable. This includes proving that the driver owed you a duty of care, that they breached this duty of care, that this breach of duty caused the accident, and that you suffered damages as a result of the accident.
• A property owner or manager: If a golf cart accident occurred on someone else’s property, you may be able to hold the property owner or manager liable for your injuries. This is often the case when a golf cart accident occurs at a commercial property, such as a resort or golf course. Property owners and managers have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for guests, and they can be held liable when their negligence leads to accidents and injuries.
• A product manufacturer: In some cases, defective or dangerous golf carts cause accidents. If a defective product caused the golf cart accident, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or another party in the supply chain. This is a complex area of law, but our attorneys have the necessary experience to handle even the most challenging cases.

If you are unsure who is at fault for your injuries, we can help. Our team can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify the liable party. We can then help you file a claim to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents

There are many different causes of golf cart accidents. In some cases, the golf cart itself is to blame. In others, the accident may be caused by a negligent driver. Our team can investigate the accident and determine how and why it occurred. We can then help you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

Some of the most common causes of golf cart accidents include:

• Golf cart defects: Sometimes, golf carts are defective when they leave the manufacturer’s facility. In other cases, they are not properly maintained or repaired. Defective or dangerous golf carts can cause serious accidents and injuries.
• Reckless driving: Drivers who operate golf carts recklessly or negligently can cause accidents. This includes drivers who speed, fail to yield, make improper turns, and more. In some cases, drivers may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which can impair their ability to safely operate a golf cart.
• Lack of etiquette: According to the United States Golf Association (USGA,), basic etiquette includes paying attention to possible dangers before you hit a ball. Most golf courses have specific rules including golfers calling “fore” when they are about to hit a ball, especially if there are bystanders or other golfers who may be struck by a ball. While this may not be a “hard and fast” rule, golf courses do have an obligation to ensure that whenever possible, they minimize the risks to both those who are watching a golf match and other golfers.
• Lack of safety equipment: Many golf carts do not have seat belts or other safety features, which can increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident. Additionally, some golf carts are not equipped with proper safety equipment, such as headlights and taillights, which can make them difficult to see.
• Golf course imperfections: Golf courses require a great deal of maintenance. Not only do owners want their course looking beautiful to attract golfers, but stand traps, holes and other areas also need maintenance. Trees must be carefully trimmed and cared for, especially after storms to ensure that limbs that might be loosened are removed. Other imperfections including holes caused by golfers teeing off, animals burrowing and naturally occurring erosion must also be part of a thorough maintenance program.
• Defective roads, pathways, and walkways: When golf carts are driven on sidewalks, walkways, and other areas, defects in the path can cause accidents. For example, if a sidewalk is cracked or uneven, a golf cart could flip over and cause injury to the driver and passengers.
• Overloading: Golf carts are only designed to carry a certain amount of weight. When they are overloaded with passengers and/or cargo, they can become unstable and cause accidents.
• Sun glare: Some accidents are caused because the golf cart operator is blinded by bright sunlight. In these cases, the driver may lose control of the cart injuring themselves and their passengers

Surprisingly enough, many golf cart accidents involve children. With more than 10,000 golf cart accidents occurring annually, and the range of injuries varying between bumps and bruises and death, golf cart safety is a major concern. Remember, golf cart accidents do not occur only on golf courses, Those who are injured in a golf cart accident may be entitled to compensation from the cart owner and should contact a personal injury attorney for guidance.

Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries

The types of injuries seen in golf cart accidents can vary greatly from bumps and bruises to death. Rollovers can result in passengers or drivers being trapped under the vehicle or when the riders are ejected, they can suffer serious head trauma. Between 1984 and 20012, OSHA tracked more than 100 accidents involving golf carts. Some of the types of injury are shocking including drowning, strangulation and broken bones. Some specific types of injuries include:

Some of the most common injuries caused by golf cart accidents include:

• Head injuries: Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are common in golf cart accidents. These injuries can have lasting effects on the victim’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. In some cases, head injuries can be fatal.
• Broken bones: The impact of a golf cart accident can cause the victim to suffer broken bones. The arms, legs, and ribs are the most commonly broken bones in these types of accidents. Broken bones can be extremely painful and often require extensive medical treatment.
• Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, are also common in golf cart accidents. These injuries are often painful and can limit the victim’s mobility and overall quality of life. In some cases, soft tissue injuries can cause long-term or permanent damage.
• Spinal cord injuries: When a golf cart accident occurs at a high speed, the victim can be thrown from the vehicle. This can cause them to suffer a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can have a lasting impact on the victim’s life.
• Amputations: In some cases, golf cart accidents can cause victims to suffer traumatic amputations. This means that a limb is severed or torn off in the accident. Traumatic amputations are extremely serious and can be fatal. Even when the victim survives, they may require lifelong medical care and accommodations.
• Crushing accidents: When a golf cart tips over, the passenger or driver may be trapped under the cart. While lighter than a typical vehicle, being trapped underneath can still cause crushing including lungs, legs, and backs. Depending on the severity and the amount of time it takes to release someone from under a golf cart, the outcome could be death.

How Our Hawaii Golf Cart Accident Lawyers Can Help You

After a golf cart accident, you may be unsure of what to do next. The insurance company may have already reached out to you with a settlement offer, but you are not sure if accepting it is in your best interests. You may have already incurred significant medical bills and other expenses, and you may be unable to work.

This is where our team comes in. At Davis Levin Livingston, our Hawaii golf cart accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish. We know how to take on the insurance company and fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed. We are skilled negotiators who are not afraid to take your case to trial, if necessary.

Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation you are owed, including compensation for your past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We have helped countless individuals and families after serious accidents, and we are ready to fight for you.

To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us online or call (808) 740-0633 today.