In many Nevada communities like Pahrump, residents rely on golf carts in their neighborhoods as well as using them on the golf course. On the street, these vehicles offer many advantages for preventing road congestion and reducing pollution. Yet, most lack the protective features of a more conventional automobile, leading passengers and drivers to suffer serious injuries if there is an accident.
At H&P Law, our Pahrump personal injury lawyers understand you may be unsure of how to proceed with a golf cart accident claim when someone else is at fault. Fortunately, we offer over 60 years of combined experience in managing cases like yours, and we fight hard to secure maximum compensation for you and your loved ones. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with a Pahrump golf cart accident lawyer and learn more.
Golf Cart Use Is Increasing, Leading to More Accidents
The golf cart market is exploding as more states and communities allow these vehicles on local streets, and more golf courses get built. According to Global Market Insight, golf cart sales topped $2.5 billion in 2023, a number that is projected to rise between 2024 and 2032. According to the Journal of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO), more golf carts in use means more accidents, as many as 15,000 a year, and almost 36,000 orthopedic injuries between 2012 and 2021.
While some carts are road-ready and equipped with seatbelts, turn signals, and other safety features, many more lack these items. This means passengers, especially young children, carry a greater risk of harm if another vehicle causes a wreck. Passengers may be thrown onto the pavement or into oncoming traffic.
Untangling who is at fault and the details of the crash is critical to successfully securing an insurance settlement or jury award at trial. Even when the incident happens on a golf course, there may be negligence, and your Parhump golf cart accident attorney at H&P Law can investigate the case. We explore every avenue for compensation and build the most powerful case possible based on the available evidence.
Nevada Golf Cart Laws
Some golf cart owners believe they do not have to obey all the laws when driving their golf cart because they are not on “real roads” or the cart is so small. However, every golf cart driver must have a permit and follow traffic laws, including golf carts and low-speed vehicles in the state of Nevada. These laws state that:
- Golf cart drivers are responsible for knowing which streets they can and cannot travel. Most low-speed vehicles can only use roads with speed limits under 35 mph.
- Golf cart drivers must possess and carry a valid Class C or higher driver’s license to drive on public roads.
- In counties with populations over 700,000, drivers need a permit from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you rent a golf cart at a golf course, the resort owner is responsible for maintaining all permits and insurance. When the vehicle is yours, you must maintain these documents and keep your insurance up to date. In counties where the state requires a permit, owners must purchase liability coverage that pays $20,000 in bodily injury and $25,000 in property damage in the event of an accident.
H&P Law Holds All At-Fault Parties Accountable
Golf cart accident cases can be complicated because there could be many parties involved and more than one at fault. If another golf cart or a passenger car hits you, it may seem clear they carry the blame. Yet, a thorough investigation may reveal a range of people or companies that might have been negligent or careless.
Your golf cart accident lawyer in Pahrump will collect evidence and speak to witnesses to understand what happened and who is responsible for the crash. They will consider all possible avenues for compensation. Potential negligent parties could include:
- Hotel or golf course management
- Golf cart repair shops
- Other golf cart drivers
- Car, truck, or SUV drivers sharing the road or parking lot
- Parents of underage children driving the golf cart
- Property owners
- Road management agencies
- Road construction companies
If you have been hurt, you may not have the time or energy to focus on filing insurance claims and determining exactly what happened. That is why you should contact our personal injury law firm right away to put these worries in our hands. We can help you understand personal injury cases and whether your claim is strong enough to pursue when you schedule a free consultation with us.
Common Factors Associated with Golf Cart Accidents in Nevada
Your golf car accident attorney in Pahrump from H&P Law will connect with experts in various fields to identify all relevant factors associated with your crash. You may have the forethought to take photos at the scene and exchange your contact and insurance details with anyone else involved in the crash, as required by Nevada law. We collect additional evidence to show how the other drivers could have been negligent or careless.
Some factors that could lead to golf cart accidents include:
- Pedestrians, cyclists, or animals that force you to avoid hitting them
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol or other substances that affect their ability to drive safely
- Defective seatbelts or other components that lead to injury
- Improperly repaired golf carts that prevent slowing, stopping, or turning
- Drivers who go too fast and tip over the golf cart, injuring you as a passenger
- Debris left on golf course paths or flooding
Your lawyer will speak with witnesses, obtain accident and police reports, collect your medical records, and secure any other relevant information. Using this evidence, we can construct a timeline of the accident and determine who is to blame. This information allows us to forcefully negotiate with insurance companies to secure financial acknowledgment of your injuries and other damages.
Potential Injuries and Damages in a Pahrump Golf Cart Accident Claim
You can suffer serious harm in a golf cart accident, leading to excessive recovery times or lifelong pain. Without seatbelts and airbags, passengers can be thrown off the cart, hitting stationary objects or other vehicles. As a result, they may experience any of the following injuries:
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head, face, and jaw injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Puncture wounds
- Internal bleeding
- Cuts, lacerations, and bruising
These conditions are often worse when the victim is a small child or elderly person. Patients may face substantial costs to recover, especially if they are unable to work until they heal. There are multiple damages that can be recovered in a personal injury case, including lost wages, medical costs, emotional trauma, and payment for permanent disability.
Your economic losses (those with a specific value) usually make up the largest portion of your damage claim, but your non-economic damages (pain and suffering) are no less important. At H&P Law, we calculate every loss and negotiate aggressively for your claim’s full value. We do not back down when insurance adjusters try to offer you too little or claim you are to blame.
H&P Law Stands Ready to Secure Compensation for You
When you are hurt in a golf cart accident, turn to a Pahrump golf cart accident lawyer from H&P Law. We ensure your case is handled correctly and meets the Nevada statute of limitations. We are dedicated to obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us to arrange a free consultation today.
