Golf Cart Accident Attorney in Georgia

Helping Injured Clients Recover Fair Compensation

Golf carts have become more popular in Georgia and all across the country as a practical and convenient way to get around. In addition to their compact size, golf carts are also being produced with the capability of reaching faster speeds – the average golf course golf cart reaches up to 15 mph, but some custom-made golf cart models can go up to 50 mph or more. Inevitably, the number of golf cart crashes is also on the rise.

The attorneys at The Scott Pryor Law Group explain how golf cart accident claims work in Georgia. If you have been hurt in a golf cart accident, call The Scott Pryor Law Group at 404-474-7122.

Are Golf Carts Considered Street-Legal Vehicles in Georgia?

On July 21st, 2023, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene of an accident in the Riverwood Plantation area where two 13-year-old boys were driving a golf cart when an SUV hit their vehicle, causing them to be thrown out of the golf cart. While all parties involved in the accident are expected to recover, scenes like this one are becoming more and more common in Georgia as a growing number of kids and young teenagers are allowed to operate golf carts on the streets.

In Georgia, a golf cart is considered a motorized cart, and in order for it to be street-legal, it must comply with certain requirements. Some of the requirements include a braking system that is adequate for the weight of all passengers, a horn, seat belts for passengers, a backup alarm system, tail lights and headlights, a windshield, and turn signals. In addition, each county or municipality may have additional requirements and local ordinances that should be observed. It is also worth noting that minors can operate a golf cart but only if accompanied by a licensed driver.

Who Is Financially Responsible for a Golf Cart Accident in Georgia?

In our example above, the driver of the SUV that hit the golf cart with the 13-year-old boys was determined to be at fault for the accident. At the same time, the two boys should have been accompanied by an individual with a valid driver’s license, according to Georgia rules. That being said, liability for a golf cart accident is determined in a similar manner as any other motor vehicle accident. Evidence from the scene of the crash, such as police reports, physical evidence (skid marks, debris, and the damage to each vehicle), and eyewitness accounts, can all help determine who may be mostly at fault for an accident involving a golf cart.

If you were driving a golf cart and was hit by a passenger vehicle or another motor vehicle and the driver is determined to be at fault, you may recover compensation by filing a claim with the driver’s auto insurance company, as most insurance policies cover accidents involving the insured driver’s vehicle and another vehicle. However, not many car insurance companies cover golf cart accidents, so if you end up causing damages or bodily injury to another person while driving a golf cart, your car insurance may not cover your losses.

Can You Get a DUI for Driving a Golf Cart While Intoxicated?

Georgia has one of the country’s toughest DUI legislations, with severe and even lifetime consequences for repeat offenders. While state laws consider anyone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher to be intoxicated, law enforcement can still make an arrest and charge someone with a DUI if their BAC is below the legal limit of 0.08, but they are acting in a way that shows they are impaired.

The DUI laws in Georgia apply to drivers operating any type of motor vehicle, especially on public roadways. That means anyone who is operating a golf cart on the streets should comply with all traffic laws like other vehicles, and that includes DUI laws. So, it is possible to get charged with a DUI if you are driving a golf cart while intoxicated. In the event of an accident, you could likely be held partially or mostly responsible for any damages and may be facing additional consequences for a DUI conviction. It is important to speak to a golf cart accident attorney if your golf cart accident case involves a DUI.

What Can a Golf Cart Accident Lawyer Do to Help Me?

If you suffered injuries in a golf car accident, seeking legal help right away is extremely important to increase your chances of recovering fair compensation. The personal injury lawyers at The Scott Pryor Law Group have helped countless injured clients stand up for their rights and can assist you with all aspects of your personal injury claim – from gathering evidence and investigating the accident to handling insurance claims and even taking your case to trial if necessary. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you can get the legal help you need without any upfront costs, and you only pay if you win your case.

However, it is vital to act quickly. Golf cart accident claims are subject to Georgia’s statute of limitations, which is a legal deadline to take action and seek damages compensation after a crash. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for golf cart accidents is two years, counting from the date when the crash occurred. It is best to reach out to The Scott Pryor Law Group as soon as possible – the longer you wait, the less likely you will be to recover the evidence you need to support your claim. Contact The Scott Pryor Law Group at 404-474-7122 and request an initial consultation to discuss your case and see how we can help you.