When people conjure up the image of a vehicle accident that could potentially lead to serious or fatal injuries, golf carts are unlikely to spring to mind. Unfortunately, these small, motorized, four-wheeled vehicles can be quite dangerous.
If you or a member of your family were recently injured in a golf cart accident, the Virginia golf cart accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help recover financial compensation. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.
Where Are Golf Carts Allowed?
In Virginia, golf carts can be legally operated on public roadways in counties or cities that have a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less. Municipalities may also establish state-maintained roadways for use by utility vehicles and golf carts. Virginia does not require golf carts to be registered, but anyone operating a golf cart must have a valid driver’s license.
Golf carts are frequently used as a mode of transportation by employees and customers alike at a lot of private and public businesses, such as:
- resorts
- golf courses
- rental properties
- apartment complexes
- campgrounds
- amusement parks
- country clubs
- marinas
Employees use golf carts to get around large properties in less time, and they are commonly rented out to customers.
Virginia Golf Cart Laws
Virginia’s golf cart laws state that:
- Drivers must be at least 16 years of age to operate a golf cart.
- Golf carts may only be operated between dawn and dusk, never at night.
- Golf carts may not be operated by anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Golf carts may only be driven on roadways with a speed limit that does not exceed 25 miles per hour.
Does My Golf Cart Need to Be Insured?
Yes, golf carts in Virginia must be covered by the same minimum insurance requirements that apply to a car. Golf cart insurance pays for injuries when someone crashes into an object or vehicle, gets hit by a golf cart, or falls off a cart.
Golf cart insurance provides multiple forms of coverage, including comprehensive and collision, property damage liability, bodily injury, and more. Golf cart insurance coverage can be added to your homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, or as its own insurance policy.
You can also purchase golf cart insurance that covers accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists, aftermarket equipment, medical payments, and emergency roadside assistance.
What Should I Do if I Am Injured in a Golf Cart Accident?
Golf cart accidents are a considerable source of injuries to people throughout the United States. According to recent studies, from 1990 to 2006, roughly 150,000 people sustained some degree of injury in accidents involving golf carts. This number is doubly surprising when you take into account how safe most people consider golf carts to be. Some of the most serious injuries experienced by golf cart accident victims are traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.
If you are involved in a serious golf cart accident, the steps you should take are very similar to the steps you take following a car accident. You need to file a police report, seek immediate medical care, carefully document your injuries and medical bills, and reach out to a Virginia golf cart accident attorney to help you file a claim with the insurance company or a personal injury lawsuit pursuing full and fair financial compensation.
Were You Injured in a Virginia Golf Cart Accident?
If you were harmed in a golf cart accident through no fault of your own, it is only fair that the person who caused your accident should cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If you would like to speak with an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer, call the Virginia Beach offices of Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at (833) 997-1774 and schedule a free, confidential consultation.