Golf carts aren’t just for the course anymore. Many newer carts have features that qualify them to drive on public roads, and many communities allow or even encourage their use. Unfortunately, this also means that golf car accidents can involve complex issues that make it difficult for victims to get the compensation they deserve. Indiana golf cart laws, insurance coverage, and liability rules can affect your options to seek compensation for injuries and property damage you sustained in a golf car accident. Here’s what you need to know.
Table of Contents
- 1 Does Indiana Have Golf Cart Laws?
- 2 Does Insurance Cover a Golf Cart Crash?
- 3 Top Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
- 4 Common Injuries After a Golf Cart Crash
- 5 Can I Sue for Damages in a Golf Cart Accident?
- 6 Who Can Be Held Liable for My Injuries?
- 7 What is the Deadline to File a Golf Cart Accident Claim in Indiana?
- 8 Contact an Indiana Golf Cart Accident Lawyer
Does Indiana Have Golf Cart Laws?
Indiana law defines a golf cart as a four-wheeled motor vehicle originally and specifically designed or intended to transport individuals and golf clubs to play golf on a golf course. However, some golf carts have features that qualify them as low-speed vehicles. Golf carts that qualify as low-speed vehicles (LSVs) can reach speeds as fast as 35 miles per hour. LSVs will also have vehicle identification numbers, allowing owners to register and title them with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Street-legal golf carts must have the same safety equipment as traditional motor vehicles, including:
- Headlamps
- Taillights
- Brake lights
- A rearview mirror (and optionally side mirrors)
- Seatbelts
Various Indiana municipalities allow individuals to operate LSV golf carts on residential streets, provided operators have a valid driver’s license, insurance, an inspection sticker, a red/amber flashing light, and a slow-moving vehicle sign affixed to the vehicle. Operators driving an LSV on public roads must have their driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Furthermore, operators found driving LSVs under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be arrested for DUI.
Does Insurance Cover a Golf Cart Crash?
Auto insurance policies typically will not cover golf cart crashes since golf carts do not qualify as automobiles. However, golf carts that qualify as LSVs can be covered by insurance policies as registered and titled vehicles. Furthermore, if you are in a golf cart accident at a golf course, the course’s business liability insurance may cover your injuries and losses, provided the accident resulted from dangerous course conditions or inadequate cart maintenance.
Top Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
People who own and drive golf carts likely do so less frequently than they drive passenger vehicles, which means they may be less familiar with how these smaller vehicles handle. This lack of familiarity can lead to mistakes like:
- Speeding
- Driving over steep inclines or unstable ground
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Carrying excessive cargo or passengers
- Horseplay
- Failing to signal before turning
- Not looking before backing up
- Inadequate maintenance
- Design or manufacturing defects
Common Injuries After a Golf Cart Crash
Although some golf carts come with seatbelts, many lack safety features that can protect occupants in an accident. As a result, drivers and passengers are at risk of serious injuries like:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Abrasions
- Dislocated joints
- Ligament sprains or tears
- Tendon injuries
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Nerve damage
- Herniated discs
- Crush injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Vital organ trauma
- Facial injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Can I Sue for Damages in a Golf Cart Accident?
If you sustained injuries in a golf cart accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. A successful golf cart accident claim could provide money for:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Costs of long-term disability care, including home health services or home renovations to install disability accommodations
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Injuries?
Depending on the circumstances of the golf cart accident, several different parties could be liable for your injuries, including:
- A golf cart operator – If the golf cart driver caused the crash due to negligent or reckless driving, you may have a claim against that person.
- Another golfer – If a fellow golfer drove recklessly and hit you, they could be financially responsible for your injuries.
- Another motorist – If a motor vehicle hit you while you were driving or riding in a golf cart on a public or private road, you may have a personal injury case against the motorist.
- A golf course owner or manager – The owner of a golf course or country club may be to blame for an accident caused by hazardous conditions on the course or cart paths. They could also be liable for insufficient maintenance of their golf carts.
- The golf cart manufacturer – A golf cart manufacturer may be liable for an accident that results from design or manufacturing defects of the cart or its components.
What is the Deadline to File a Golf Cart Accident Claim in Indiana?
Under Indiana’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims, you likely have two years from the date of a golf cart accident to file suit against the at-fault party. Some exceptions apply, such as if the accident victim is a minor or lacks the legal capacity to file suit. Consult an Indiana golf cart accident attorney to learn the deadline for your case. If you fail to file by the time limit, you could lose your right to compensation forever.
Contact an Indiana Golf Cart Accident Lawyer
Unsure of your legal rights after a golf car accident in Indiana? You may have the right to financial compensation for what you’ve suffered. Contact Truitt Law Offices today for a free consultation with our experienced golf car accident attorneys. We can review what happened, determine your options, and discuss how we can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
