Golf carts seem harmless, but they can just as dangerous as auto accidents. We use it for recreation to go to and from one golf course to another, yet we do not see that it can be a hazard. Golf carts do not run as fast as regular cars do, but they can also be dangerous. They operate just like cars, but without the necessary safety parameters you would get operating regular vehicles and motor vehicles on a regular road.
According to the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, golf cart-related injuries rose at a hundred percent with victims ranging from 96 years old to two months. The problem is, while it isn’t as fast as cars, it is most certainly still not safe. Children are not forbidden to drive golf carts, which means the chances of negligence or distracted driving rises even higher.
Risks of Operating a Golf Cart
Regular golf carts do not operate like conventional vehicles. There are certain things you need to temper and control. Here are a few factors that may lead it to accidents:
- Overloading of passengers
Because it is not a vehicle that is heavily regulated, people often abuse the seating by including more and more people as passengers when it clearly cannot withstand more than the recommended number of people.
- Sharp turns
If you have tried operating a golf cart for yourself, you will notice that it is hard to turn each time without making passengers hold the handles. That’s because it doesn’t allow a smooth transition on turns unless you actually drive the golf cart slow enough to make it seamless. Given this, if you or anyone turns up to be a reckless driver, a simple turn can easily fling people off the cart.
- Sudden changes in terrain
If you are driving your golf cart too fast, Hills or uneven terrain can cause potential harm. You may speed up on your way to the top of small hills, but since you can’t control it properly, you could be speeding down, thus causing a potential injury to any person walking past the golf cart.
Safety Tips in Driving a Golf Cart
If you drive a golf cart often or will potentially drive a golf cart in the future, you may want to be aware of these safety tips:
- Inform passengers.
Before you start driving your golf cart, inform passengers of what they can and cannot do. Tell them of the number of passengers that may ride the vehicle and tell them to keep their hands in the vehicle at all times.
- Do not speed up if not necessary.
Remember that golf carts are not for speed. They were created to travel from point A to point B. So do not speed up as to cause injury to your passengers or potential passersby. You can take your passengers to the destination without having to speed up. That way, you take away all possible injury from sharp turns, speeding down a hill, crashing into other vehicles, etc.
- Bring your keys with you after parking.
Again, golf carts can be driven by just about anyone, so make sure you have your keys with you after parking. Never leave it in the cart because children may drive it and cause injury to other people.
Can You File a Claim for Injuries from Golf Cart Accidents?
Assuming that despite all of this, you got yourself into an accident, you may file for claim from your insurance company. Michigan follows a No Fault Law allowing persons to claim first party personal injury benefits without ever needing to prove which party is at fault. Provided, you have determined if your insurance policy covers such accident and that you follow the necessary steps and procedures in notifying your insurance provider.
However, despite having this law, claiming it is not necessarily easy. Insurance companies always want to make sure they don’t have to pay you, or at least have their expenses reduced. As such, there may be times where these companies unreasonably decline your insurance claim, and you must act quickly to protect your rights.
Legal Assistance for Golf Cart Related Injuries
If you need legal advice, or representation to assert your claim for golf cart-related injuries, contact The Clark Law Office today! The Clark Law Office is one of the best Michigan personal injury firms around and has been operating for more than 30 years. We have built our reputation on passion and hard work, which explains why we have years of experience and vast knowledge and expertise in personal injury claims and litigation.
Avoid the hassle of worrying about your insurance claims. Seek advice from the best and talk to your lawyer from The Clark Law Office now!
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