Charleston Golf Cart Accident incidents are becoming increasingly common as more residents and tourists use these vehicles for local travel. In the event of a crash, seeking help from a Charleston golf cart accident attorney might be necessary. Whether commuting through residential communities, exploring beach communities, or navigating a gated community, the risks of golf cart crashes are real and often underestimated.
Understanding Golf Cart Use in Charleston
Golf carts are no longer just for golf courses. In Charleston, they are a popular means of transport in retirement communities, college campuses, and residential neighborhoods. Though seen as low-speed, these recreational vehicles still require attention to traffic laws, safety features, and valid driver requirements.
Per current golf cart regulations in South Carolina, a registration certificate and proof of liability insurance are required for any cart operated on public roads. Operation is limited to daylight hours, and drivers must have a valid driver license.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
Understanding the causes behind a golf cart accident is critical for prevention and legal claims:
1. Distracted Driving
Using a phone, eating, or interacting with passengers increases the chance of a golf cart accident injury.
2. Reckless Driving
Speeding or aggressive maneuvering can lead to a rollover accident or collision with another motor vehicle.
3. Influence of Alcohol
Operating a cart under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense. Like drunk driving accidents, it can result in catastrophic injury or legal consequences.
4. Overloading and Unsafe Passengers
Overloading or allowing unlicensed drivers contributes to common golf cart accident outcomes.
5. Mechanical Defects
A defective golf cart with worn brakes or poor tires can cause dangerous golf cart accidents.
Common Injuries in Golf Cart Accidents
The lack of enhanced safety features and safety belts makes injuries in golf cart accidents more severe:
- TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
- SOFT TISSUE INJURIES
- emotional distress
- property damage
- personal injuries
Other common injury types include:
- Golf cart-related injuries
- injuries from golf cart rollovers
- Golf cart injuries with long-term impact
Legal Liability in Golf Cart Accidents
Determining the liable party in a golf cart accident case involves identifying factors such as:
- Golf cart driver negligence
- Poorly maintained private property
- Defective parts from E-Z-GO GOLF CARTS or other manufacturers
- Actions of drivers of cars on a secondary highway
Under Premises Liability or personal injury laws, a property owner, event sponsor, or golf cart owner may be liable.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Golf Cart Crash
A personal injury claim can help recover:
- Medical treatment and future medical care
- Lost wages for the injured person
- Punitive damages in cases of reckless driving
- Costs for property damage
- Fair compensation and maximum compensation
Your personal injury attorney will gather:
- Police reports
- Witness accounts
- Proof of insurance and proof of ownership
Statute of Limitations and Comparative Negligence
In South Carolina, the comparative negligence rule applies. If you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still receive financial compensation. Be sure to file within the statute of limitations or risk losing your right to recover.
Preventing Future Golf Cart Accidents
Preventive steps include:
- Installing basic safety features like mirrors and reflectors
- Always using seat belts if available
- Following traffic laws strictly
- Avoiding alcoholic beverages before driving
- Respecting speed limits in miles per hour designated zones
Charleston-Specific Considerations
Popular areas like Folly Beach, North Charleston, and Charleston South Carolina attract thousands of golf cart operators each year. Increased cart use leads to:
- Higher likelihood of golf cart-car accidents
- Complex issues involving auto insurance companies
- More frequent personal injury lawsuit filings
When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve suffered severe injuries, consult an experienced attorney or golf cart accident lawyer. They can:
- Navigate complexity of insurance coverage
- Prove the negligent party was at fault
- File a civil lawsuit or negotiate a compensation claim
- Help with claims for compensation after golf cart incident
Use an online form to schedule a consultation session with a personal injury law firm today.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been injured in a Charleston Golf Cart Accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The personal injury lawyers at Ted Law Firm will help you understand your rights and fight for justice.
We know how to investigate golf cart accident cases and negotiate with the insurance company to secure what you’re owed. Our team will work with you to recover costs for medical treatment, lost wages, and emotional trauma. You deserve adequate compensation. We will fight for the maximum compensation under South Carolina law. Call Ted Law Firm today or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
About Ted Law Firm
Ted Law Firm proudly serves injury victims in Charleston, South Carolina. Whether your accident happened in a gated community, near beautiful golf courses, or along a secondary highway, our firm is ready to help. We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta, Orangeburg, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville and Summerville. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s reckless or criminal behavior, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Let Ted Law Firm help you file a successful claim for emotional damages. Contact Ted Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’re committed to supporting families in their time of need.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
