Seeking Justice: Legal Steps after a Golf Cart Accident

It’s easy to spot a golf cart anywhere nowadays. Be it in a school, hospital, shopping center, or even airports, people use golf carts everywhere. These little vehicles are highly versatile since they don’t get stuck in traffic. They are also affordable, hence their popularity.

However, golf carts are prone to accidents, just like normal cars. The accidents mostly occur due to bad brakes, over speeding, drunk driving, overloading, and distracted driving. When an accident happens, the people in it or pedestrians could get hurt. They could sustain mild or severe injuries on the neck, head, or arms, requiring urgent medical attention.

When involved in a golf cart accident, you may wonder what you will do next, mainly if you are seriously hurt. The good news is that you can always follow the legal process to get justice. Keep reading to learn how to fight for legal justice if you believe someone is liable for the accident.

Step 1: Consult an Attorney

It’s advisable to consult a law firm after a golf cart injury. Through the consultation, you can learn your legal options regarding the case. The lawyer listens to you carefully to help determine the party at fault and then lets you start the legal process. In many cases, the liable party can be the golf cart manufacturer if the golf cart has a design fault that leads to the accident. The country club can also be liable if it is poorly managed. When you get a lawyer, the attorney will help you understand who is to blame so you can start the legal process.

A good lawyer can also offer emotional support during that trying time. If you don’t have a lawyer, find one immediately and ensure they are experienced. Ensure they specialize in golf cart accidents as well to increase the chances of success of your case.

Step 2: Seek Medical Care

A golf cart can leave you with mild or severe injuries. Whatever your situation is, you should seek medical attention for checkups. At the hospital, your doctor may examine your body well to know if you could have internal injuries besides the visible wounds. The examinations help unveil conditions that could cause problems in the future. So, do not assume you are well, even if you don’t feel seriously hurt. Visit a good hospital for checkups.

Also, record all the receipts for the services you pay for. In addition, ask the doctor to document everything. You may need that information as evidence when issuing your claim. Confirm that the documents have everything well. You can even record your discussions with your doctor if important information can help you with the legal case.

Step 3: Report to the Police

It’s a good idea to inform the police because a golf cart is like a vehicle. The police can record the accident and help determine the party liable for the accident. They can also help you gather evidence because the police report is an important aspect of your evidence.

You can call the police or send someone to contact them if you are injured and not in a position to reach the station.

Step 4: Gather Evidence

You need evidence when seeking justice after a golf cart injury. Whether you are issuing a claim to the insurance or court, the right evidence supports your case. It shows you aren’t lying about the injury or the party you consider liable. Usually, your lawyer should help in collecting the proper evidence. The information could be in documents, videos, or sound recordings. Here are important types of evidence that you can collect to strengthen your case.

• Photos/videos of your current condition
• Pictures/videos of the golf car which was involved in the accident
• A police report
• Medical reports, including X-rays and payment receipts
• Photos or videos of the court case
• Witnesses statements

Ensure your evidence is accurate. Do not forge documents or edit videos, as you may risk losing the legal battle.

Step 5: File a Claim

Filing a claim is an important step once you get the right evidence. Usually, you can file the claim with the court or an insurance company. The insurance company only applies in cases where the golf cart was yours, and it’s insured. In that case, you can let them know the cart got into an accident, and you seek compensation for the damages or injuries incurred.

If the golf cart is yours and insured, you can file a claim to the court directly. You ask the court to help you get compensation from the party you consider liable. For instance, if a driver was driving negligently and hit your golf cart, then the court can help you get compensated. When filing the claim, be sure to provide accurate information. You should also attach all the evidence you’ve collected, as it determines the success of your case.

Step 6: Negotiate and Wait For the Outcome

The court or insurance firm will reply once you file the claim. After that, your lawyer will take over the process by attending court dates if it is a lawsuit. The lawyer also helps with negotiations with the insurance firm or the party held liable to help you get compensation. If the case is successful, you may get compensated for the loss of income you incurred, emotional damage, and pain and suffering.

Conclusion

Golf cart accidents are common, and you may not always avoid them. However, you can seek justice when you or your dear one gets injured in an accident. The above is the general legal process you should follow to increase your chances of winning the case. However, your lawyer can advise you otherwise, depending on the complexity of your case.