Anyone who gets behind the wheel of a golf cart in Florida takes on a certain amount of responsibility, both for the other people in the vehicle and those in nearby roadways. Golf cart accidents can cause serious injuries and even death. And, as a recent story out of the Villages shows, they can also come with criminal charges for those responsible for the crash.
Timothy Foxworth is facing DUI manslaughter charges stemming from an alleged drinking and driving incident in which a woman died after being thrown from the golf cart that Foxworth was driving. Prosecutors say Shelly Osterhout was injured after being flung from the cart when Foxworth made an abrupt U-turn. Foxworth then allegedly dragged Osterhout’s body into a nearby flower bed, refused help from bystanders and drove off. Osterhout later died at Ocala Regional Medical Center.
Foxworth was later stopped by local police alerted to the accident by witnesses. He had blood on his shirt and asked officers “Is she OK?” after being pulled over, according to Villages-News.com. He also allegedly told the officers that he drove off because he “panicked” after Osterhout was thrown from the golf cart.
Lawyers for Foxworth are trying to keep the evidence from the police traffic stop out of court in the criminal case against him. They argue that the officers didn’t have an appropriate legal basis for stopping the vehicle at the time. Although he initially entered a written “not guilty” plea, Villages-News.com reports that Foxworth may be considering changing his tune.
Legal Protections for People Injured in Golf Cart Accidents
The Foxworth case is a unique one because of the allegations and criminal charges involved. Still, golf cart accidents in the Villages and throughout Florida are all too common. That’s particularly true when a driver makes the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.
The good news for people injured in golf car accidents is that you have the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash. The bad news is that dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be a trying and stressful experience. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced Villages golf cart accident attorney by your side.
Speak With a Villages Golf Cart Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Villages golf cart accident attorney Tim Babiarz has been representing people involved in collisions for more than two decades. 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.
