Causes of Golf Cart Accidents

cartwrightlaw - April 25, 2022 -

Two man fooling around on a golf cart through a golf course and may cause a golf cart accident

Golf carts are a common sight at golf courses and in certain communities. Not only do golfers use them to get around faster, but golf carts are also popular and used in many other facilities, such as large university campuses, retirement communities, large airports, cargo facilities, and recreational parks.

You may be surprised to know there are many more accidents involving golf carts than one would think.

At The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc., we routinely help victims of golf cart accidents in the San Francisco Bay area to recover compensation for their accident-related injuries.

Golf Cart Accidents and Causes

The popularity and increased use of golf carts come with the higher risk of being injured in an accident.

Golf carts do not have the same safety features as other vehicles, so the potential for injuries is generally much higher when they crash.

There are several reasons why golf cart accidents happen, including those below.

Driving Under the Influence

A golf cart is a motorized vehicle so, like any motorized vehicle, if someone operating the golf cart is impaired from alcohol use or drugs in their system, the risk of accidents increases.

Someone driving a golf cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause an accident that can seriously injure or kill the driver, passengers, or pedestrians.

It is important to know driving a golf cart while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is unlawful in California, and those responsible could face serious consequences.

Distracted Golf Cart Driving

Almost as dangerous as driving under the influence, distracted driving accounts for hundreds of devastating motor vehicle accidents every year.

Driving golf carts is no exception, as the distracted driving of a golf cart can result in an accident that can cause serious injuries or even death.

Some of the common distractions for golf cart drivers are the same as those in all other motor vehicles.

These include things like texting while driving, using a smartphone to check social media, eating, drinking, and other behavior that distracts the driver from driving.

Golf Cart Overloading

Golf carts are designed to carry weights ranging from 450 to 800 pounds. Having two or three adults plus their gear in the golf cart can come close to the capacity the cart is designed to carry.

However, groups often pile onto these vehicles to avoid paying to rent another one.

If the golf cart is overloaded with too much weight, there is a distinct possibility the golf cart will tip over when being driven and cause a serious accident.

Overloading becomes even more dangerous if the golf cart driver also drives the golf cart above the normal speed limit.

Contact a San Francisco Golf Cart Accident Attorney Today

If you have been injured in a golf cart accident in the San Francisco Bay area, contact our office today for a free case review.

The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc., knows that golf cart crashes can be more serious than most people think, and we can help following injuries. Call: (415) 851-6486.