Richmond Golf Cart Accident Lawyer

Golf carts serve many roles in Virginia, from recreational use at golf courses and resorts to alternative transportation at planned communities, warehouses, and airports. The frequency of golf cart use, in turn, leads to frequent golf cart accidents.

When golf cart accidents occur in Richmond, Virginia, they can lead to serious injuries. However, determining who was at fault and seeking just compensation can be challenging. For this reason, if you have suffered serious injuries in a golf cart accident, you should seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options.

At Marks & Harrison, our attorneys have stood up for injured Virginians since 1911. We have a legacy of service that spans more than three generations. Our team of more than 30 attorneys and over 100 support staff members has extensive experience handling golf cart accident cases and a record of results for our clients.

To learn more and discuss your personal injury case, contact us today for a free consultation with a Richmond golf cart accident lawyer.

What Are Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents in Richmond?

Golf cart accidents often result from preventable circumstances.

Many golf cart injuries occur due to:

Driver error — A golf cart driver may cause injuries to others by operating the vehicle recklessly, taking sharp turns at high speeds, failing to obey traffic signals, driving distracted, or operating the cart while under the influence of alcohol.
Mechanical failures — Inadequate maintenance, such as failure to replace worn brakes, can cause accidents.
Passenger misconduct — Standing while the cart is moving or loading the vehicle beyond its capacity may contribute to a golf cart crash or rollover.
Hazardous conditions — The golf course owner may be legally liable for an accident involving poorly maintained areas, paths, or unmarked hazards.

When golf cart accidents happen involving cars, either the golf cart driver or the automobile driver may be the negligent party, depending on the facts of the accident. A thorough investigation will be needed to determine who is responsible.

Where Do Most Golf Cart Accidents Happen?

While many people associate golf cart accidents with golf courses, they are not the only location for these crashes.

Golf cart accidents occur in various locations throughout Richmond:

Golf courses and country clubs — Crashes can occur on fairways, cart paths, and parking lots.
Residential communities — Accidents often occur in planned developments where people often use golf carts as an alternative transportation.
Business properties — Alcohol often plays a role when crashes occur at places like resorts, apartment complexes, and recreational facilities
Public roads — In Richmond, golf carts may operate on designated roads with speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less.
Parking lots — Accidents can occur where golf carts interact with larger vehicles, especially at golf courses.
Sports venues — During many events, staff must try to steer golf carts through crowded areas or narrow tunnels, which can lead to accidents.

What Are the Most Frequent Injuries from a Richmond Golf Cart Accident?

Golf cart collisions can result in accident victims suffering severe injuries because these vehicles often lack safety features such as seat belts, airbags, and enclosed passenger compartments.

Our Richmond personal injury lawyers frequently help golf cart accident injury victims who have suffered:

Bone fractures — People can suffer fractures of bones in their arms, legs, and ribs from falls or from being thrown from a
Head trauma — Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can occur from the impact or when a person hits the ground or gets hit by objects.
Spinal cord injuries — These injuries can occur during golf cart rollovers or collisions with other vehicles.
Soft tissue injuries — Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can occur in golf cart accidents as in car accidents.
Cuts and bruises — These injuries occur from contact with the cart’s frame or ground surface.
Joint injuries — Knees, shoulders, and hips can be injured during entry, exit, or cart movement.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Golf Cart Crash?

Multiple parties, including the following, might bear responsibility for a golf cart accident in Richmond:

Golf cart operators — When golf cart owners or operators drive recklessly, speed, or fail to follow safety guidelines, they may be at fault.
Property owners — Many golf cart accidents occur when property owners fail to maintain safe paths or provide adequate warnings about hazards.
Golf cart manufacturers — When defective golf cart parts or design flaws contribute to an accident, the manufacturer may be responsible.
Other vehicle drivers — In cases where cars or trucks collide with golf carts in permitted areas, other drivers may be at fault, depending on the circumstances.

The team at Marks & Harrison will investigate your golf cart accident to identify the at-fault parties and negotiate with the insurance company for full and fair compensation. Contact our Richmond golf cart injury lawyer today.

What Steps Should You Take If You Are Involved in a Golf Cart Wreck?

Taking the proper steps after a golf cart accident can protect your health and legal rights, including the following steps:

Seek medical attention — Some injuries might not show symptoms immediately, even if you feel fine. A medical examination can identify the injuries suffered and establish a link with the timing of the golf cart accident.
Document the scene — Take photos of the accident location, the golf cart, and any visible injuries.
Report the incident — Notify the property owner, golf course management, or appropriate authorities.
Gather witness information — Collect the names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
Keep medical records — Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and other accident-related documents. These records can prove the financial cost of the accident.
Avoid discussing fault — Do not make statements about who caused the accident.
Contact an attorney — Before contacting an insurance company or submitting an insurance claim,speak with a qualified Richmond golf cart accident attorney.

Can You Receive Compensation for a Richmond Golf Cart Accident?

If you suffered injuries in a golf cart crash due to someone else’s careless actions, you may file a personal injury claim and demand compensation for the following:

Medical expenses — These damages can include emergency care costs, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
Lost wages — You can be compensated for time missed from work during your recovery and for the decrease in your future earning ability.
Pain and suffering — Physical discomfort and emotional distress from your injuries are also compensable.
Property damage — In a claim against the at-fault party, you can seek compensation for repairing or replacing personal items damaged in the golf cart crash.
Rehabilitation costs — Physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments may be compensable, too, as they may be necessary to move forward in your life.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Golf Cart Injury Lawsuit in Virginia?

Virginia law allows you to file a personal injury lawsuit two years from the date of your injury. Missing this deadline could prevent you from seeking compensation for your injuries after a golf cart accident. Our attorneys can help you meet all required filing deadlines to protect your right to seek compensation.

Contact a Richmond Golf Cart Accident Lawyer

If you have endured the pain and upheaval after suffering serious injuries in a golf cart accident in Richmond, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Marks & Harrison are ready to help. Our legal team has the resources and experience to handle complex golf cart accident cases. We have helped thousands of clients pursue compensation and are ready to put our experience to work on your behalf. Contact Marks & Harrison today for a free consultation about your golf cart accident claim.

Golf Cart Accident Attorney in Richmond