Summerville Golf Cart Accident Lawyers

While golf carts were designed to drive golfers around courses, they’ve become popular in Summerville and other South Carolina cities. However, golf carts lack many safety features found in cars, including seat belts and airbags. Furthermore, their small size makes them difficult to see on the road and more vulnerable when a crash happens. It’s no wonder, then, that many people seek out a Summerville golf cart accident lawyer after a collision.

The Summerville, SC, personal injury attorneys at Murphy Crantford Meehan are here to help after an accident. Our team understands the complex legal issues in these cases and the severe injuries golf car accidents can cause. With nearly 30 years of experience and a well-documented record of success, you can trust us to uphold your rights. We’ll handle all the legal work while you focus on your medical treatments. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with our Summerville golf cart injury lawyers.

Why You Need a Summerville, SC, Golf Cart Accident Lawyer

Golf cart accidents in Summerville often involve complex issues, like determining fault, dealing with insurance companies, and understanding laws specific to golf carts. Without legal help, you might struggle to secure fair compensation, as addressing these challenges requires specific knowledge and strategies.

A skilled golf cart accident lawyer also can simplify the legal process after a collision. We can handle communication with insurance companies and investigate the accident to gather evidence supporting your claim. Furthermore, our team can calculate the full value of your injuries, property damage, and other losses from the accident.

While you focus on your recovery, we take care of the legal work. From negotiating settlements to representing you in court if needed, we’ll work to get you the best outcome. Working with an attorney helps ensure you’re not pressured into accepting less than your claim’s true value. With our help, you can rest easier knowing you have someone fighting for maximum compensation on your behalf.

South Carolina Golf Cart Laws

One complicating factor in Summerville golf cart accident cases is the unique laws that apply to these situations. Here are some key South Carolina golf cart laws to know from the state Department of Public Safety:

• Golf carts must be insured, permitted, and registered with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

• They may operate only within four miles of the address on the SCDMV permit.

• Golf cart drivers can only operate them only on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

• Golf cart drivers can only operate them during daylight hours.

• Golf cart drivers must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license.

You can find more information on the state’s golf cart laws from the South Carolina legislature.

Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents in Summerville

Few golf cart crashes in Summerville are genuine “accidents,” meaning there’s no one to blame for your injuries. Most golf cart accidents involve someone’s careless or reckless actions, such as:

• Careless Driving by People in Other Vehicles – Drivers of larger vehicles may not notice golf carts or give them enough space, leading to collisions or run-off accidents.

• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way – Other motorists or cyclists may ignore the golf cart’s right-of-way, causing dangerous intersection accidents or side-impact crashes.

• Distracted Pedestrians – Pedestrians engaged with their phones or talking to other people may step into a golf cart’s path, creating sudden stops or collisions.

• Poorly Maintained Roads – Potholes, uneven pavement, and other road hazards can cause golf carts to tip, especially when other vehicles force sudden maneuvers.

• Negligent Property Owners – Golf cart paths on private property or community areas may have to negotiate hazards like debris or improper signage, leading to preventable accidents.

• Aggressive Cyclists or Joggers – Cyclists or joggers on shared paths may move unpredictably, making it hard for golf cart drivers to avoid them.

• Alcohol Use by Other Parties – Drunk drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians often behave erratically, creating unsafe conditions for everyone, including golf cart drivers.

• Lack of Proper Signage – Missing or unclear signs can confuse other road users, leading to dangerous interactions with golf carts at crossings or paths.

Who’s Liable for a Summerville Golf Cart Accident?

Our Summerville, SC, golf cart accident lawyers can help you identify who’s liable for your injuries and hold them accountable. Depending on how the crash occurred, the liable parties could include:

• Other Vehicle Drivers – Careless driving behaviors like speeding, failing to yield, distracted driving, or ignoring traffic laws can make other drivers liable for collisions.

• Pedestrians – Pedestrians may be liable for a golf cart accident if they suddenly enter the golf cart’s path without looking.

• Cyclists – Cyclists who weave through traffic, fail to signal, or violate road rules may contribute to golf cart accidents, making them liable for collisions.

• Property Owners – Owners of private roads or golf courses can be liable if hazards like potholes or poor signage cause a crash.

• Golf Cart Manufacturers – Defective brakes, steering systems, or other mechanical failures can make manufacturers liable for accidents resulting from faulty equipment.

• Maintenance Providers – If a repair shop fails to fix a known issue or improperly maintains the golf cart, they may be responsible for resulting accidents.

Compensation for Golf Cart Accidents in Summerville

Golf cart crashes frequently cause severe injuries, reinforcing the importance of hiring an attorney to help you recover maximum compensation. With our help, you could recover compensation for:

• Lost income

• Reduced future earnings

• Current medical expenses

• Future medical treatments

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Diminished quality of life

• The cost to repair or replace your golf cart or other damaged property

Frequently Asked Questions About Summerville Golf Car Accidents

Golf cart accidents are somewhat unusual in Summerville, so people often come to us with questions about these incidents. Here are some frequently asked questions we receive about golf cart accidents and their answers:

Are golf cart accidents treated differently than car accidents in South Carolina?

Yes and no. While the general rules of negligence that apply to car accidents also apply to golf cart accidents, additional factors specific to golf carts can complicate the legal process.

For example, golf carts are subject to their own rules under South Carolina law. Any violations of these rules by a golf car driver could impact liability issues and the golf cart driver’s compensation.

Similarly, complex insurance questions play a significant role in golf cart accident cases. Unlike car accidents, where liability and insurance coverage are more standardized, not all golf cart drivers carry liability insurance. Whether a golf cart accident is covered depends on several factors, such as:

• Where the accident happened: If the crash occurred on private property, homeowners’ insurance might apply. On public roads, auto insurance could potentially cover the claim.

• Who caused the accident: The insurance policies of both the golf cart driver and any other involved parties come into play, but coverage can vary based on the policy terms.

• The type of insurance policy: Some golf carts are covered under specialized policies, while others might be included under umbrella or homeowners’ policies.

Because of these nuances, golf cart accident cases often require a deeper investigation into liability and insurance coverage. Consulting a knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate these challenges, protect your rights, and pursue fair compensation.

Can I file a claim if the golf cart accident happened on private property?

Yes, you can file a claim for a golf cart accident on private property. However, liability might depend on who owns the property and whether their negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if a property owner failed to maintain safe conditions or provide proper signage, they could be liable.

How long does it typically take to settle a golf cart accident case in Summerville?

The timeline for a golf cart accident claim varies based on the case’s complexity. Straightforward claims with clear liability might settle in a few months. More complicated cases involving liability disputes, severe injuries, or multiple liable parties can take longer, especially if the case goes to trial. Consulting an attorney can help you understand what to expect in your specific situation.

One key factor to remember in a golf cart accident case is the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you don’t file a lawsuit within three years, you could lose your right to pursue compensation. Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid jeopardizing your personal injury claim.

What evidence should I gather after a golf cart accident to support my claim?

To build a strong case, gather as much evidence as possible, including:

• Photos of the accident scene, damage, and injuries.

• Contact information for witnesses.

• A copy of the police or incident report.

• Medical records and bills for injuries.

• Proof of lost wages or other financial impacts.

This documentation can help establish liability and demonstrate the extent of your losses.

Contact Our Summerville, SC, Golf Cart Accident Lawyers Now

Our Summerville golf cart accident attorneys are here to protect your rights and help you rebuild your life. Call Murphy Crantford Meehan now or reach out online for a free case review.