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Golf carts are standard on golf courses and in planned communities around Washington DC. However, many people fail to recognize that these seemingly harmless vehicles can be involved in severe accidents that result in serious injuries. If you have been injured in a golf cart accident in DC, consulting with an experienced Washington DC golf cart accident lawyer and learning about your legal rights and options will be crucial. Contact us today at Marks & Harrison to learn more.
Why You Need Help from Our DC Golf Cart Accident Lawyers
Handling the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. At Marks & Harrison, we have been fighting for the rights of injury victims since 1911. With a team of more than 30 highly skilled golf cart accident attorneys and more than 100 support staff members, including in-house investigators and former insurance defense lawyers, we have the experience and resources to handle even the most complex golf cart accident cases.
Our track record speaks for itself. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients and have a history of success in some of Virginia’s most prominent personal injury cases. But don’t just take our word for it. Here is what one of our clients had to say about their experience with Marks & Harrison:
“From the day I contacted the firm, I felt that they had my best interests in mind and were moving forward. There were injuries involved and medical claims to be handled. Throughout the whole process, I knew they were working for me and my family members that were involved. I highly recommend this firm!”
— Karen Neylan
We understand your challenges and are committed to providing compassionate and dedicated legal representation. When you choose Marks & Harrison, you can trust that your case is in capable hands. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Where Can Golf Carts Legally Be Used in Washington DC?
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulates golf carts in Washington DC. Under DDOT guidelines, golf carts are classified as “Non-Traditional Motor Vehicles.” Generally, they are not permitted on public roads. However, some exceptions exist.
One exception involves private property. In DC, you can use golf carts on private property, including golf courses, planned communities, and private roads. The driver must have permission from the property owner. Additionally, the DDOT may designate specific areas where people can legally drive golf carts. However, these areas are typically low-speed zones and may have particular restrictions.
To operate a golf cart in permitted areas, you must comply with DC regulations, including:
- You must have a valid government-issued ID card (however, a driver’s license is not required).
- The golf cart must be covered by liability insurance.
- The golf cart must have headlights, taillights, brakes, and other safety features.
- The operator must be at least 16 years old.
If you operate a golf cart, you should know the regulations outlined in the “Non-Traditional Motor Vehicle Chart” published by DDOT and the relevant sections of the District of Columbia Code. If you’ve been injured, contact our Washington DC golf cart accident lawyer today.
What Are the Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents in DC?
Golf cart accidents can occur for various reasons, including:
- Operator negligence — Distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and reckless operation of golf carts frequently lead to accidents that harm others.
- Defective equipment — Similar to other motor vehicle crashes, golf cart accidents can be caused by faulty brakes, steering mechanisms, or tires.
- Hazardous conditions — Uneven terrain, obstacles, and poor visibility can increase the risk of golf cart accidents, especially when people drive them on bumpy golf courses.
- Overcrowding — Exceeding a golf cart’s passenger capacity can affect its stability and handling, causing the vehicle to tip over or hit an obstacle like a tree or a bystander.
- Lack of safety features — Golf cart accidents can result in more severe injuries if seatbelts, roll bars, or other safety features are absent.
If you suffered injuries in a DC golf cart accident, an insurance company may try to shift the blame to you. For this reason, you should seek legal help before you speak with an insurance company.
What Are Common Injuries in Golf Cart Accidents?
Golf cart accidents can result in serious injuries. They range from cuts and bruises to life-altering conditions, or catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries. Catastrophic injuries in golf cart accidents may require extensive medical care and lead to a loss of income due to the inability to work.
Common golf cart injuries include:
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and contusions
- Fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, and collarbone
- Head injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, such as those leading to nerve damage or paralysis
- Internal injuries to organs.
Who Could Be Held Liable for a DC Golf Cart Accident?
Determining liability in a golf cart accident can be difficult.
Potentially liable parties in a golf cart accident lawsuit may include:
- Golf cart operator — A driver faces liability if their negligent operation of the golf cart causes someone to suffer injuries. Operating a golf cart involves driving on uneven terrain, which can be extremely dangerous. Golf cart drivers must be alert and cautious and avoid fast, reckless driving. It is also crucial for operators to use a parking brake before they exit the cart.
- Golf cart owner — Liability depends on whether the owner knew or should have known about a golf cart defect. They may be liable if they knew of the risk and chose to ignore it or allowed reckless or underage golf cart drivers to operate their equipment.
- Property owner — A property owner may be legally responsible if dangerous property conditions cause a golf cart accident.
- Golf cart manufacturers — Golf cart manufacturers and distributors can be liable when a defect in their design or manufacturing contributes to the accident.
A Washington DC personal injury lawyer from Marks & Harrison can collect evidence to determine whether another party’s negligence or reckless driving caused a golf cart accident. We can also examine your medical records to determine the full extent of your golf cart injuries.
What Types of Damages Could Be Recovered for Golf Cart Accident Injuries?
If you were injured in a golf cart accident in Washington DC and suffered serious injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation in a personal injury claim, including:
- Past and future medical costs related to the golf cart accident
- Lost income due to an inability to work following the accident
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Repair or cost of replacement for damaged personal property.
In Washington DC, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases places a deadline on filing a golf cart accident claim. In most cases, you have three years from the golf cart injury date to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If the accident resulted in the loss of a loved one, you must file a wrongful death claim within two years from the date of the death. Contact our Washington DC golf cart accident lawyer today.
How Our Washington DC Golf Cart Accident Lawyers Can Help You
If a golf cart accident caused you or a loved one injury in Washington DC, an experienced personal injury lawyer at Marks & Harrison can help you. We will thoroughly investigate the accident and help to identify the causes and factors. We can also gather the necessary evidence to support your personal injury claim, handle communication and negotiations with insurance companies, and aggressively litigate to protect your rights and help you seek all the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Don’t face the challenges alone if you have been injured in a golf cart accident. Contact Marks & Harrison today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We can use our experience with personal injury cases and our extensive resources to help you get back on the road to recovery.
