Golf carts in Florida serve multiple purposes beyond the traditional golf course as they navigate between gated communities and sunny landscapes. These vehicles serve as the primary transportation option throughout numerous communities and local areas. But here’s what most people don’t realize: Florida law categorizes golf carts as legitimate vehicles, not toys. Legal regulations treat golf carts similarly to motor vehicles when accidents take place.

Knowing Florida law’s perspective on golf carts becomes essential for safeguarding your rights and obtaining compensation if you or a family member sustains injuries in a golf cart accident.

Florida’s Legal Definition of a Golf Cart

Florida Statute 320.01(22) defines a golf cart to be a motor vehicle that manufacturers design for operation on golf courses for sporting and recreational activities. The legal system distinguishes clearly between “golf carts” and “low-speed vehicles” (LSVs). Carts that reach speeds between 20 and 25 mph and include safety features such as seat belts and turn signals can be reclassified as LSVs, which then resemble cars in terms of legal treatment.

The classification of vehicles determines their legal obligations, which include requirements for registration, insurance, and driver licensing. Florida regulations outline permitted areas for golf cart operation, which include golf communities and roads with a maximum speed limit of 25 mph. While municipalities can designate certain roads for golf cart use, operating golf carts outside these areas or breaching traffic regulations leads to fines.

Many individuals mistakenly believe that crossing busy intersections and riding on sidewalks with a golf cart is both safe and legal. In most cases, it’s not. Using a golf cart unlawfully during an accident can impact both liability determination and insurance claim outcomes.

Golf Cart Accidents: Who’s Liable?

The determination of liability becomes complex when a golf cart accident happens. The at-fault party for a golf cart accident can change based on different circumstances. Potential parties include:

• The golf cart driver
• Another vehicle’s driver
• A pedestrian or cyclist
• A business or property owner may be liable if their poor design or maintenance played a role in the crash.
• In cases where a manufacturing flaw exists, the golf cart producer could be held accountable.

Florida applies comparative negligence rules that allow multiple parties to be held responsible for accidents. Your eligible compensation amount may be affected by this factor.

In such a scenario where reckless driving of a golf cart by a friend caused your injury and a speeding car contributed to the accident, both the golf cart driver and the car owner will likely bear joint legal responsibility. A golf cart accident lawyer who understands legal complexities is capable of examining situations and deciding how fault needs to be distributed.

Insurance: Don’t Assume You’re Covered

Florida law does not require golf carts to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, unlike traditional vehicles. That said, injuries from a golf cart crash can prevent you from utilizing automatic medical benefits through PIP.

However, it is important to note that golf carts become subject to insurance requirements, including PIP, liability, and property damage coverage, when classified as low-speed vehicles (LSVs). The lack of awareness among golf cart owners about this classification results in expensive insurance coverage voids.

Limited insurance coverage through homeowners insurance for golf cart accidents applies only when the incident happens on insured property. The insurance protection disappears when you drive the golf cart onto public roads or private property.

Golf cart owners and accident victims need to talk to lawyers and insurance agents to understand their coverage, which will help them stay protected before any accidents occur.

Criminal and Civil Liability

Florida law considers driving a golf cart under the influence of drugs or alcohol to be illegal and subjects drivers to identical DUI penalties as those who operate cars. The penalties for DUI golf cart operation include monetary fines along with license revocation and potential imprisonment. Individuals involved in golf cart accidents resulting from DUI actions may face civil lawsuits alleging negligence or wrongful death.

Parents should also be aware: Parents who allow underage or unlicensed children to drive golf carts face legal repercussions and financial liabilities. The adult who allowed a child to operate may face legal responsibility if the child causes an accident.

Steps to Follow After Experiencing a Golf Cart Accident

In the case of a golf cart accident in Florida, you need to follow these steps:

• It is essential to get medical help after any crash because seemingly minor collisions can lead to significant injuries.
• Contact police to obtain an official accident report, particularly when injuries or property damage occur.
• Make sure to collect evidence by taking pictures all around the scene of the accident.
• Insurance complications exist for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians regardless of their role in an accident.
• Find a personal injury lawyer who specializes in golf cart and LSV accident cases.

A Joyride with Legal Consequences

Make no mistake: the casual appearance of golf carts often hides their serious legal consequences under Florida law if an accident occurs. Understanding your rights and responsibilities becomes essential when you cruise through communities or cross public roads to reach the clubhouse.

Treat injuries sustained in golf cart accidents with the same seriousness as any other traffic incident. You should seek legal counsel from an attorney who specializes in Florida’s specific golf cart regulations. You might qualify for reimbursement covering medical expenses and lost income plus pain and suffering as long as you take immediate and wise action.

A golf cart attorney provides legal assistance to Florida accident victims to pursue justice against those who acted carelessly. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

The post Not Just a Joyride: How Florida Law Treats Golf Carts Like Motor Vehicles appeared first on Searcy Law.