Las Vegas Golf Cart Injury Lawyer

Let’s quickly review why an attorney might be helpful when filing a lawsuit. Then, let’s go over some statistics about the dangers of golf carts.

Why Legal Guidance Matters After a Golf Cart Injury

An attorney can help when navigating the complexities of a golf cart accident injury lawsuit.

Here are some actions an attorney can assist with:

• Investigate liability
• Gather necessary evidence
• Ensure deadlines are hit
• Counter insurance strategies
• Seek fair compensation
• Identify the responsible parties (hotel, manufacturer, etc)
• Advocate for you in court

Golf Cart Accidents Are More Serious Than Most People Realize

Golf cart-related injuries are a more common occurrence than many people believe. A large body of research substantiates this.

Injuries are Both Numerous and Widespread

In recent decades, golf cart injuries have risen by over 130%. Between 1990 and 2006, over 150,000 people in the United States went to an emergency room for a golf cart injury.

13,000 ER visits annually

In 2009, it was reported that around 13,000 golf cart-related emergency room visits occurred each year in the United States.

A Rise in Youth Golf Cart Injuries

Between 2010 and 2019, over 63,500 golf cart-related injuries occurred among people under 21. In the last 3 years of the study, injuries rose every year.

An Overlooked Risk for Older Adults

According to a Consumer Product Safety Commission report, many adults over the age of 65 are hurt on golf carts yearly. Between 2017 and 2021, mobility-related products (including golf carts, bikes, scooters, etc.) caused over 277,000 injuries for older adults. While most of the injuries in the report were from bicycles, golf carts still contributed to the problem.

Prone to Ejections, Lack of Basic Safety Restraints

A 2024 Canadian Medical Association Journal study examined the basic safety measures missing in many golf cart designs. They found that restraints such as side doors, seat belts, lap bars, airbags, and front windshields are uncommon. The article also states that ejection from the vehicle is the most common mechanism of injury.

Prone to Rollovers and Many Lack Seatbelts

Golf carts have a high center of gravity, making them susceptible to rollovers, especially during turning. In addition, many are not equipped with seat belts.

Golf Carts Have a Similar Injury Burden to Children as ATVs

Many people perceive golf carts as safe, but a 2024 study found injuries to children to be the same as those of ATVs. This includes the number of ICU admissions, surgeries, and deaths.

Many golf cart accidents also occur off the golf course. This can make liability even more complex.

Many different injuries could be sustained in a golf cart accident. Here are some possible injuries one could sustain in a golf cart accident.

Head and Brain Injuries

Injuries to the head and brain are a possibility for golf cart accident victims. Rollovers and ejections can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). It’s possible to hit the dashboard, ground, or another object during a crash. Risk is also increased because golf cart operators and passengers rarely wear helmets.

Consider the following data points about head injuries:

• 84% of golf cart injury patients who require neurosurgical care are due to ejection from the cart.
• 80% of golf-cart-related neurosurgical cases involved a skull fracture. 76% involved intracranial hemorrhages.
• Concussions are another possible injury. These can be tricky, too, because many people don’t experience symptoms for hours or days after the incident.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Sudden jolts or flips can cause herniated discs, fractures, or even paralysis. Victims can fall out or be pinned under the cart.

Injuries like these often come with lifelong consequences and the need for extensive rehabilitation.

Broken Bones, Lacerations, and Soft Tissue Damage

Unrestrained passengers can suffer broken arms, wrists, or facial injuries. Victims can sustain injuries from hitting surfaces or being thrown from the cart.

Dangling limbs (arms/legs) are especially vulnerable in crashes.

Fatal Injuries and Wrongful Death Claims

In regrettable cases, golf cart accidents can result in death.

In Nevada, wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of the wrongful act or neglect of another. In a wrongful death lawsuit, the heirs or personal representatives of the deceased can file a lawsuit.

Often, these lawsuits seek to compensate the emotional and financial toll on surviving family members.

Consider following these steps if you get into a golf cart accident in Las Vegas.

Get Immediate Medical Attention

Go to the ER or urgent care, even if injuries seem minor. There are two main reasons for this:

• Internal injuries or concussions may not be apparent right away.
• Prompt treatment results in medical documentation that can strengthen a possible personal injury claim.

Document the Scene and Gather Witness Info

Document the scene of the accident.

• Take pictures or videos of vehicle damage, injuries, terrain, signage, lighting, etc.
• Try to collect the names and contact info of all witnesses to the accident.
• If possible, especially try to record a video showing what caused the incident.

Report the Incident to the Property Owner

The property owner must be made aware of the situation.

If you can, try to get a copy of the incident report. This is a good way to document the incident date and ensure the business or property owner knows about the situation. Reporting an incident can also trigger internal investigations.

Don’t forget, even if you feel wronged, keep communication civil but factual with the other parties.

Consider Speaking With a Personal Injury Attorney

Early legal support can help preserve evidence, identify liable parties, and meet deadlines. Attorneys can deal with insurers and try to prevent lowball settlements.

We offer a free consultation to golf cart injury victims to help them assess legal options.

Let’s review some information about possible Las Vegas golf cart lawsuit settlements. Compensation in legal claims varies and is subject to individual case factors.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique, and compensation depends on individual circumstances.

Medical Expenses

Victims of golf cart accidents might be able to sue for related current and future medical expenses. This may include:

• ER visits
• Follow-up doctor visits
• Imaging
• Surgeries
• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Rehab
• Equipment
• In-home care

Even injuries that appear or seem minor can become expensive over time.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

If someone is hurt in a golf cart accident, they might need to miss work. That means missing days in the short term and long-term losses, such as needing to change jobs or going on disability.

Sometimes, it’s possible to recover both past and future income loss.

If you have been injured and your work is being impacted, document missed work days, medical notes, and pay stubs.

Pain and Suffering

If awarded, the value of a possible settlement may factor in other aspects for valuation. Some of these aspects include:

• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• PTSD
• Lifestyle impact

Injuries can totally change one’s life. They may affect mobility, sleep, hobbies, family life, etc.

Property Damage or Rental Fees

Property can also be damaged in an accident involving a golf cart.

This can include:

• Damage to the golf cart (if rented or owned)
• Objects destroyed if a cart crashed into them
• Phones
• Personal items

Wrongful Death Damages

In a golf cart accident where death occurred, spouses, children, or parents of the deceased may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Some of the expenses that may be covered in this kind of lawsuit include:

• Funeral expenses
• Medical bills before death
• Loss of companionship
• Lost future income

If you’ve suffered a golf cart injury in Las Vegas, some Nevada Laws might play into a potential lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits

Nevada has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you must file your lawsuit within 2 years of having sustained the injury.

Remember that delays can result in dismissal of your case, even if it’s valid. This is why it’s important to act within the 2-year deadline, even if you are still recovering.

Comparative Negligence Rules in Nevada

Nevada has a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you were partly responsible for your accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. But you cannot recover damages if you’re 51% or more at fault. Liability may also be shared among multiple parties. A property owner, cart driver, or manufacturer could each be assigned a percentage of fault depending on the case facts.

Based on the evidence, a judge, jury, or insurance adjuster will determine how much fault to assign each party.

For example, if a jury finds someone 30% at fault for a golf cart accident, their compensation will be reduced by 30%. If awarded $100,000, they would receive $70,000 after the reduction.

Golf Cart Permit, Insurance, and Road Use Laws

In Nevada, golf carts must be permitted and insured in certain developments in Clark County if they are driven on public roads as general transportation. Golf cart permits must be renewed annually.

Golf carts may also qualify as “low-speed vehicles” or “neighborhood electric vehicles” if they meet the equipment and safety requirements. If so, they may be operated on public streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

A full driver’s license is not always required to operate a golf cart on private property. However, Nevada law requires a valid license to drive a golf cart on public roads in certain situations.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf-cart-related incident, you may have legal options.

Investigating Fault and Liability

Our law firm can help investigate which party is at fault and where the liability lies.

We can help gather evidence. This may include things like:

• Surveillance footage
• Maintenance records
• Witness statements

We can help hire accident reconstruction experts in highly complex or disputed cases.

Investigations can bring new facts to a case. For example, uncovering third-party negligence that the client wasn’t previously aware of.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Our firm can handle claim filing, follow-ups, and negotiating on your behalf.

Many insurers use tactics to try to devalue claims, such as blaming the victim. We work to protect clients’ rights during the claims process.

We aim to help clients evaluate settlement offers and explore legal options.

Negotiating Fair Settlements or Taking Your Case to Court

Many cases settle, but we are prepared to take your case to court if needed.

At the outset, your attorney sends a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. A demand letter outlines the facts, damages, and a proposed settlement amount.

This often leads to negotiation and settlement discussions.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may file a lawsuit and take the case to court to pursue compensation through litigation.

Many cases settle, but we are prepared to take your case to trial if needed.

No Fees Unless We Win

Our firm works on a contingency model. That means we don’t charge a fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. We also offer free consultations!

Contingency Fee Disclaimer: Clients may be responsible for court costs and, in some cases, opposing parties’ fees if a recovery is not obtained.

You may have legal options if you have been injured or suffered other damages due to a golf cart-related incident.

Contact us today to schedule your free legal consultation with a Las Vegas Golf Cart Injury lawyer!

Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Nevada golf cart injury claims and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney licensed in Nevada for advice specific to your situation.