Golf Cart Accident Lawyer in Indiana
Whether you’re a pro or a novice golfer, Northwest Indiana has plenty to offer in terms of lush green golf courses. From White Hawk Country Club to Scherwood Golf, there’s a putting green for everyone. And when you’re spending the day golfing, chances are you’ll find yourself in a golf cart, either as a driver or a passenger.
Most of the time, golf carts are a convenient way to get you and your golf clubs to the next hole. Topping out at speeds of just miles per hour, most people would assume there’s little to no risk for injury while in a golf cart.
Unfortunately, golf cart accidents are more common than most people believe—according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as many as 15,000 people are treated in emergency rooms across the country for golf cart-related injuries.
If your day on the course turns into a trip to the hospital, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Find out everything you need to know about injuries and compensation from a golf cart accident lawyer in Indiana.
Who Is Responsible for Golf Cart Accidents in Indiana?
When it comes to car accidents, Indiana is an at-fault state. That means whoever is responsible for causing an accident (or in many cases, their insurance provider) is responsible for any physical damage or injuries sustained in the accident.
Golf cart accidents, however, can be a little more complicated. After all, simply driving a golf cart doesn’t require a specialized license, additional insurance, or even a seat belt. So how do you determine who is at fault for golf cart accident injuries?
Because golf carts are not as heavily regulated as motor vehicles, serious injuries can result even from minor collisions. With no airbags, seat belts, or windshields for protection, accident victims may suffer from broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and whiplash, not to mention cuts and bruises. In severe cases, golf cart wrecks can even result in wrongful death.
Golf Cart Liability Can Be Complicated
There may be multiple parties whose negligence or recklessness caused or contributed to a golf cart accident. As an injured party, it will be up to you (along with an Indiana golf cart accident attorney) to prove that someone else was at fault. If the accident was caused by a lack of maintenance or safety hazards present on the property, the accident may even be covered under premises liability.
Possible parties who may be responsible for a golf cart accident include:
- Other golfers
- Golf club staff members
- Golf course owner or manager
- Golf cart manufacturers (if the golf cart was defective)
- The driver of the cart if they were driving recklessly
If you were injured in a golf cart accident that did not take place on a golf course, determining who was at fault for the accident may be a completely different process, especially if you own the golf cart and were driving it on public roads.
Note that because golf cart ordinances vary from city to city in Indiana, the best way to find out if someone else may be held legally responsible for your injuries is to consult a golf cart accident lawyer in Indiana.
What Compensation Is Available After a Golf Cart Accident?
Personal injury claims seek to obtain financial compensation for injured victims. This compensation may cover any of the following:
- Medical bills stemming from injuries sustained in the accident
- Physical therapy and in-home healthcare
- Lost wages
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- In cases of death, funeral expenses
How Can I Pursue a Golf Accident Personal Injury Claim?
After any accident, the first thing you should do is seek appropriate medical care for your injuries. Be sure to document everything you can after an accident, including taking pictures of the accident site, your injuries, and requesting copies of all your medical records whenever possible. You should also get the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident or who was working on the golf course the day the injury took place.
Once you’ve collected what information you can, contact a golf cart accident lawyer in Indiana for a consultation regarding your legal options. At Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, our Merrillville personal injury attorneys offer free, no obligation consults for all prospective clients. Call us at 219-227-4993 to schedule your no cost case review. Have more questions? Speak with a representative via LiveChat, or send us a message using this convenient form.