In recent years golf carts have become much more powerful and faster. Some golf carts manufactured today can reach top speeds of over 25 mph and have the power capacity to travel over 40 miles on one single battery charge. Over the past 5 years golf carts have becoming increasing more popular for use in transportation purposes at such as airports, sporting events, hospitals, airports, retirement communities, national parks, college campuses, airports and military bases. In a lot of apartment complexes, vacation properties and retirement communities, golf carts have become the primary means of transportation. Most golf carts are not subject to federal regulation, state and local regulations unlike most other motorized vehicles.
The number of golf cart related injuries have been significantly increasing each year. It is estimated that there were 5,772 cases in 1990 and then an estimated 13,411 cases in 2006, which is an increase of over 130%. The location of where the accident and injury was documented – the majority (70%) occurred at a sports or recreational facility. However, the most serious injuries occur on the street, often resulting in concussions, head injuries, broken arms, broken legs, broken collar bones and dislocations. These “off the golf course” accidents are more likely to require hospitalization.
Falling or jumping from a golf cart was the most common cause of injury for both adults and children (38.3%). However, children were at greater risk than adults for falls from a golf cart. Injuries caused by falls were more than twice as likely to result in injury to the head or neck, and more than six times more likely to result in concussion than injuries due to other causes.
According to investigator Lara B. McKenzie, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Center for Injury Research and Policy, Columbus, OH, “Because golf carts are not designed for the safe transportation of children, their use for transporting children should be strongly discouraged….In addition, private and public facilities that allow golf cart use can help prevent cart–related injuries by requiring driver’s licenses and safety/operations training, establishing safety policies and considering golf cart safety in the design of pathways and landscapes. Given the large increase in golf cart–related injuries over the study period, greater efforts are needed to prevent these injuries, especially among children.”
If you or a loved one was injured due to a golf car accident in Tennessee, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer through a products liability claim or through the home owners policy of the negligent driver. In any case, you should consult with one of our Nashville personal injury attorneys to better understand how to recover medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damages. Call 615-324-2000 to speak with one of our attorneys today.
