An 11-year-old boy was seriously injured in a recent golf cart crash in Cocoa, yet another reminder about the importance of taking basic safety precautions.
The cart tipped over as the boy was attempting to make a left turn, according to WPTV. He suffered head injuries and was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
The boy was driving in a residential area with his two adult parents in the vehicle, the Orlando Sentinel reports. They were not injured in the crash.
Much of the details of the accident remain unclear.
Golf Carts Come With Injury Risks
The Cocoa crash is another example of the serious safety hazards that getting in a golf cart can raise. Some 15,000 people are injured in golf cart mishaps each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Those crashes are not just limited to younger, inexperienced drivers. A 68-year-old Villages man was killed when in a golf car accident after suffering a seizure behind the wheel in March. Meanwhile, two Ft. Myers residents were killed a month later when their golf cart collided with a pickup truck.
Fortunately, there are some basic safety precautions that golf cart drivers can take to cut down on the risk of an accident. That includes operating the cart only where permitted, obeying traffic signs and maintaining safe speeds. Drivers should also refrain from dangerous behavior like getting behind the wheel while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.
Golf carters are also encouraged to buckle up. Seat belts are an essential component of safe carting, which can prevent people from being thrown from the vehicle in the event of a crash.
Legal Options for People Injured in Golf Cart Accidents
Anyone who has been injured in a golf cart accident in Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the collision. An experienced Villages golf cart accident attorney can help you explore your options and ensure that you get the full compensation available under the law.
Florida law generally requires golf cart drivers to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner. A golf cart driver that does not live up to this responsibility is likely to be considered negligent and deemed legally liable for any accidents that happen as a result.
The money damages typically available for people injured in golf cart accidents includes compensation for related medical bills, both those already incurred and those expected in the future. Additional compensation is often available for any property damage, missed wages due to time away from work and any impact that your injuries may have on your future earning capacity.
Speak With a Villages Golf Cart Accident Attorney Today
Villages golf cart accident attorney Tim Babiarz has been representing people involved in collisions for more than two decades. He has a long track record of helping clients maximize the compensation that they are entitled to under the law.
Our office is conveniently located in The Villages. Our firm is proud to fight for clients in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield and beyond. Call (352) 205-7599 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
