Every year, golf cart accident cause thousands of serious injuries — most often when passengers or drivers fall out of a moving vehicle or are involved in a collision. In some cases, victims may be eligible for compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, disability, and more.
What You Can Do & How a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting golf cart accident induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Personal Injury Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Golf Cart Accident Brain Injury Lawsuit Ends in $5 Million Settlement
June 2012 — A man who was severely injured and disabled in a golf cart accident has been awarded a $5 million settlement, according to the Concord Monitor.
The lawsuit was filed in 2009 on behalf of Roderick Jenks, a 53 year-old man who was thrown from the back of a golf cart in 2006. He suffered a traumatic brain injury when his head hit the pavement, which required months of hospitalization and brain surgery. He still requires assistance for routine daily activities.
Defendants in the case included the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, accused of failing to adequately train the driver of Jenks’ golf cart and failing to post speed limit signs.
The manufacturer of the golf cart, Textron Inc., was also accused of negligence for failing to warn against sitting in the back of the golf cart. Textron, a defense contractor that had $11.3 billion in revenue in 2011, said that sitting in the back was an “open and obvious danger.”
Golf Cart Injuries
- Soft-tissue abrasions and lacerations
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Bone fractures
- Crush injuries
- Organ damage or internal injuries
- Spinal cord injury, nerve damage, or paralysis
- Brain injuries (concussion, bleeding in the brain, etc.)
- Skull fracture
- Death
What is the problem?
Golf carts are fun to drive and fuel-efficient, but many people underestimate the safety hazards. Golf carts are lightweight vehicles with small tires, making it easy to rollover and eject passengers after hitting the slightest bump or pothole — especially if the passenger is sitting on the back.
Unlike cars or trucks, golf carts typically lack safety features like doors, seat-belts, airbags, mirrors, or lights — and they are often driven by people with little or no safety training. Even so, very few drivers or passengers wear helmets or other protective clothing.
How Many People Are Injured in Golf Cart Accidents?
In 2008, researchers published this study with statistics on golf cart injuries in the United States:
- 150,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for golf cart injuries between 1990-2006.
- There was a 130% increase in injuries during the study period.
- 30% of injuries involved children under 16 years old.
- 50% of people had soft-tissue injuries.
- 8% of people had to be hospitalized after a golf cart accident.
- 40% of injuries were caused by falling out of a moving golf cart.
- 70% of injuries occurred at a sports facility (golf course, for example), 15% of injuries occurred on city streets or public land, and 15% occurred at home.
Who Is Liable for My Injury?
When determining liability, you must prove that someone was negligent — they failed to do something they were reasonably expected to do to protect your safety. After an accident, it is a good idea to take pictures of the scene and keep track of your medical bills and other expenses.
Factors that might affect liability include:
- Who was driving?
- Where did the accident occur?
- Who owns the golf cart?
- Was anyone intoxicated?
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Every state has a “statute of limitations” on personal injury claims. In some states, this may be as long as 4 years from the date of your injury, but other states are much shorter. Talk to an attorney as soon as you think you might have a claim.
Do I have a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting golf cart accident induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Personal Injury Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
