Ensure Your Safety Knowledge Is Up to Par
Americans love golf carts, and South Carolinians are no exception. Golf carts are relatively inexpensive, fun, and easy to maneuver. But their increased popularity comes at a price. The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports 15,000 golf cart-related emergency room visits in the U.S. each year. Another study published in The American Surgeon found that 75% of golf cart injuries are severe enough to require hospital admission.
While many believe golf cart accidents are unlikely to be serious due to the lower speeds involved, they couldn’t be more wrong. People in golf carts have minimal protection — often even less than someone riding a motorcycle — and are particularly vulnerable if hit by a regular motor vehicle. Victims can suffer from broken bones and lacerations. Many people also experience brain injury, ranging from a mild concussion to a life-altering condition.
So, anyone who uses a golf cart should protect their safety by knowing the rules of the road. South Carolina residents must register their golf carts with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles for a $5 fee and prove they are insured and have a license. Anyone driving an unregistered golf cart is more likely to be found negligent.
Further, it is only legal to drive a golf cart during daylight hours on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. (However, you can cross a street with a higher speed limit at an intersection.) One should also not drink before operating a golf cart. Doing so puts others in danger, and approximately 40% of people in golf cart accidents test positive for alcohol intoxication.
As with a typical motor vehicle accident, most collisions involving golf carts are preventable. Many cases involve negligence on the part of one driver, meaning an injured person may be eligible for compensation for their injuries. But the location of the accident and the person responsible might affect the amount a victim can collect.
If you have been injured in a golf cart accident, seeking representation from an attorney as soon as possible is crucial. The sooner a lawyer can investigate all the facts, the more likely you will have a positive outcome. Evans Moore, LLC has experience in golf cart accidents and would love to learn more about your case. Please call us at (843) 995-5000 for a free consultation.