Golf carts, while commonly associated with leisure activities on grass and sand, are increasingly used in setting, including residential communities, resorts and large campuses. Despite their low speed, golf carts can cause serious injuries when they’re involved in accidents.
Determining who is responsible for injurious golf cart crashes can be complex, as liability may involve multiple parties, depending on the circumstances. If you have recently been harmed by a golf cart crash, assessing liability for your harm can help you evaluate whom to hold responsible for your losses.
A driver’s responsibility
In many cases, a driver of a golf cart may be held responsible for a crash. Golf cart drivers are expected to operate their vehicles safely and follow the “rules of the road.” If a driver operates a golf cart recklessly, they may be liable for any resulting injuries. Even on private property, where formal traffic laws may not apply, drivers are not permitted to simply drive unsafely because they are careless, busy or distracted.
Owner liability
If the driver of the golf cart is not its owner, the owner of the golf cart could also potentially be held liable under certain circumstances. For example, if the owner allowed an inexperienced or unlicensed individual to operate the cart and that person caused an accident, the owner could be held responsible for negligent entrustment. Additionally, if the golf cart was not properly maintained, and a mechanical failure led to the accident, the owner might be liable as well.
Venue or property owner liability
In some cases, the venue or property owner where a golf cart accident has occurred may bear some responsibility. If the crash was caused by unsafe conditions on the property, such as poorly maintained paths, lack of signage or obstacles that the venue failed to address, the property owner could be held liable for crash injuries.
Manufacturer liability
Finally, if a defect in a golf cart itself contributes to a crash — such as faulty brakes, steering mechanisms or other components — the manufacturer of the golf cart could be held liable under product liability law.
Liability for injurious golf cart crashes can involve one or multiple parties. Each case is unique, and uniquely complex. As such, seeking legal guidance as proactively as you can in the wake of your recent wreck is likely to be a wise move.
