Golf carts have long been a familiar sight on the links in South Carolina. But with the growing number of people driving carts on private and city streets, golf cart accidents are becoming more common.
While golf cart accident victims will want to hold the responsible party accountable for their injuries, determining liability can be more complicated than you might think. That is why you need the assistance of an experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney.
If you have been injured in a golf cart accident in South Carolina, an attorney can help prove the negligence of the party who caused your injuries and fight for full and fair compensation for all of your losses.
Contact the Jebaily Law Firm’s golf cart accident lawyers today for a free and confidential consultation.
Golf Cart Accidents in Myrtle Beach
As with many other types of crashes, the concept of liability is central to getting compensation for golf cart accidents.
It is not enough that your accident happened. It had to have been caused by someone else’s negligence in order for you to have a claim for compensation.
Golf cart accidents frequently happen because of the carelessness of drivers, golf courses, golf cart manufacturers, and other parties. If you can prove that their negligence caused your accident, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries and the repair or replacement of your personal property.
Who Could Be At Fault for a Golf Cart Accident in Myrtle Beach?
Drivers
Golf cart accidents are frequently caused by negligent motorists. These drivers might be distracted, speeding, drunk, or simply careless of their surroundings.
South Carolina law requires that all golf cart drivers do not exceed 35 mph and only drive during daylight. Any violation of these laws may count as negligence and entitle you to compensation.
Intoxication is another extremely common factor in golf cart accidents. In fact, one recent study found that up to 40% of drivers hospitalized for golf cart accidents had been drinking. Any driver found to be drunk could be held liable for an accident. Furthermore, South Carolina law may also hold the person who over-served the driver liable as well.
Golf Courses and Country Clubs in Myrtle Beach
Accidents sometimes happen because of problems with the golf cart itself. Owners of golf carts – like golf courses or country clubs – have a responsibility to keep their equipment well maintained. If your crash was the result of mechanical failure, these parties may be liable for your injuries.
Finally, some accidents are caused by badly maintained or unsafe golf courses. When you’re driving at places like golf courses or country clubs, you have a right to expect a safe environment. If your accident was caused by a hazard on its property, you may be able to hold the establishment responsible for the damage done.
Shared Fault and Other Situations
After an accident, it is not uncommon for the other party to claim that you were at least partly at fault for the crash. Shared fault is very common in motor vehicle accidents, and you could still be eligible to claim damages, even if your actions contributed to the crash.
In shared fault cases, South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence doctrine when determining liability. This means that you will be able to recover damages if your portion of fault was less than 50%. Your recovery would then be reduced by an amount equal to your percentage of fault. So, if your award is $100,000, and it was determined that you were 20% at fault for the crash, you would be eligible to collect $80,000.
Every accident is different and determining liability is not always easy. To make sure that all liable parties are identified and held accountable, be sure to hire an experienced South Carolina golf cart accident lawyer to handle your case.
Insurance Coverage for Myrtle Beach Golf Cart Accidents
Golf cart accidents may be covered by many kinds of insurance, including homeowners’ insurance, motor vehicle insurance, and the general liability insurance of places like golf courses.
A large part of insurance coverage depends on where your accident occurred. The majority of golf cart accidents occur on at golf courses or at country clubs. This means that your injuries may be covered by whatever insurance the business has, if you can prove negligence on the part of the establishment caused your accident.
Homeowners’ insurance is a common way to insure golf carts, but it typically covers only accidents that occur on golf courses or on the person’s own property. South Carolina law requires those who drive golf carts on secondary roads to be a licensed driver, and obtain a vehicle permit from the DMV and renew it every five years, as well as carry liability insurance.
Common Injuries from Golf Cart Accidents
Golf cart accidents can leave victims with expensive and long-lasting injuries, particularly when they involve head trauma. Some of the most common injuries from golf cart accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Internal organ damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (including paralysis)
- Bone breaks and fractures
- Concussions and skull fractures
- Joint damage
- Cuts and lacerations
Because golf carts often lack seat belts, front-wheel brakes, and doors, the occupants could suffer severe injuries in a crash or collision. Some of the most devastating accidents are rollover crashes, which could involve the occupants being crushed or thrown violently from the vehicle.
Aside from enduring physical pain and emotional trauma in the crash, victims may be left to deal with expensive and ongoing medical treatment. Securing appropriate compensation is especially important in these cases.
How Can Jebaily Law Firm Help Me After a Golf Cart Accident in Myrtle Beach?
If you have been hurt in a golf cart accident, you may be unsure about what steps to take next. Legal action may seem complicated and stressful, especially if you’re still recovering from your injuries. Having an experienced personal injury firm on your side is the best way to pursue fair compensation from at-fault parties and insurance agencies.
Because our attorneys have experience with golf cart accidents, we know where to look for evidence of negligence. We can use this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. We are prepared to seek compensation for you at the negotiating table or in court, if necessary.
For our lawyers, it isn’t just about making money or winning cases. It’s about getting justice for our clients so that they can get their lives back on track. If a golf cart accident has affected you, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
