The last thing you expect when enjoying a beautiful day of golf is to suffer critical or even life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, although golf carts may allow you to move through your course more easily, they also carry the inherent risk of injury or death. If you or someone you love has been critically injured in a golf cart wreck, you may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what to do now.
First, contact a trial-tested Macon golf cart accident lawyer with decades of legal experience to help you identify the liable party and recover compensation for your damages. John Foy & Associates have recovered over $1 billion through insurance negotiations and a trial verdict. When you need a Macon personal injury lawyer you can rely on, contact our legal team to request a 100% free consultation.
Georgia Golf Cart Laws
Golf carts are a popular mode of transportation both on and off the golf course. Since golf carts have been adapted for use on public roads, it is important to understand Georgia’s golf cart laws. This way, you can drive as safely as possible and recognize which laws could have the greatest impact on your lawsuit and insurance claims.
Most motorized vehicles are held to the same standards as other motor vehicles. You are required to stop at traffic lights, drive sober, and never drive distracted. Failure to adhere to these regulations could have a significant impact on your case, particularly if the at-fault party attempts to use Georgia’s modified comparative negligence statute under OCGA §51-12-33 against you, even if you have a reputable golf cart accident lawyer in Macon, GA, from John Foy & Associates handling your case.
Eligibility Requirements to Drive a Golf Cart
You do not need to have a formal driver’s license to operate a golf cart. As long as you do not drive over the speed limit, any driver age 15 or older is legally allowed to drive a golf cart, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Golf cart drivers under the age of 16 need to be supervised by a licensed adult, with the exception of drivers who are at least 15 years old and have a valid permit.
Golf Cart Safety and Speed Regulations
According to the above study, the speed limit for golf carts is 20 mph. If a golf cart is out on public roadways, the maximum speed limit is 35 mph. Failure to follow Georgia’s golf cart safety and speed regulations could result in traffic citations or even criminal charges.
Rules of the Road for Golf Carts
Golf carts may be permitted on public roadways with certain restrictions. As allowed under O.C.G.A. §40-6-316, the city of Macon has implemented golf cart rules and regulations that specify the conditions of use under the Code of Ordinances of Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, §§28-141 through 29-147. Some of these stipulations include:
- Adhering to standard traffic rules
- Registering the golf cart with the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles
- Staying off of sidewalks
- No racing or towing golf carts
Get the strong arm
The Top Causes of Golf Cart Accidents in Macon
It is crucial that your Macon car accident lawyer identifies the cause of your golf cart accident. This is the only way we can bring forward a legal claim against the at-fault party. Some of the top causes of Macon golf cart accidents include:
- Crashing into a pedestrian
- Passengers falling off golf carts
- Golf carts losing balance and falling over
- Passengers failing to keep their arms and legs inside the golf cart while moving
- Crashing into other stationary objects
- Defective or malfunctioning golf carts
- Hazardous road conditions
Macon Golf Cart Accident FAQ
Who Should I Sue for My Golf Cart Accident Injuries?
Your ability to sue depends on how the golf cart accident occurred. If the driver of the golf cart was operating the motor vehicle in an unsafe manner, you may have the right to file a lawsuit against them. However, if the collision occurred due to the golf cart manufacturer’s negligence, filing a civil claim against the parts designers, distributors, manufacturers, suppliers, and other relevant parties may be in your best interests.
Your Macon catastrophic injury lawyer with John Foy & Associates can carefully review the specific circumstances of your case to determine who should be held accountable for your golf cart accident injuries.
What Is the Golf Cart Accident Claim Filing Deadline in Macon?
Georgia golf cart accidents and personal injury claims have a strict two-year statute of limitations per Georgia Code §9-3-33. If the statute of limitations runs out before your lawsuit is filed, recovering the compensation you are entitled to may be far more challenging. However, the exact amount of time you have to file your lawsuit may not always be clear, especially if you initially thought you were fine, only to be diagnosed with serious injuries after the collision.
Should I Accept a Lump-Sum Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?
A Macon golf cart accident lawyer strongly discourages golf cart accident victims from accepting lump-sum settlement offers from the insurance company. If you accept a lump-sum settlement, the insurance company is no longer obligated to compensate you. This may not seem like a problem at first since you have a lump sum of cash you can use to cover your expenses.
But when your injuries worsen, and you require additional medical care, if your lump-sum settlement has already been spent, you will be stuck covering the costs. In a traditional insurance claim, if your injuries worsen, your golf cart accident attorney in Macon might be able to file a claim seeking additional damages. If you accept a lump-sum settlement, the insurance company is released from liability for your expenses.
Call in the Strong Arm. Meet with a Top-Rated Golf Cart Accident Attorney in Macon, GA, Today
Golf cart accidents should be taken just as seriously as other types of motor vehicle wrecks, especially when the victim’s injuries can have such a profound impact on their lives. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. If the golf cart operator, manufacturer, or other liable party made negligent or reckless decisions that led to your injuries, you can demand they be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
With the resources and support of a Macon golf cart accident attorney from John Foy & Associates, you can get the most out of your claim. With over 3,000 glowing reviews, our firm’s dedication, trial experience, and passion for client advocacy are unmatched. Complete our quick contact form or call us to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation as soon as today.
478-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
