Most golfers appreciate the luxury and convenience of using a golf cart for transportation on their favorite golf course. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, leading to potentially serious injuries. Whether you are traveling the green or riding down the street in your golf cart or Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), the risk of a turnover, crash, or mechanical failure is always present. Golf cart injuries can be similar in severity to injuries sustained in a car accident.
Florida Statues identify a golf cart as “a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour.” Despite an LSV or golf cart not reaching the same speeds as vehicles or motorcycles, all drivers are still required to comply with safety laws.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, golf carts are not required to have a title or registration. Therefore, there is no insurance requirement for the owner of the vehicle. Should an owner convert their golf cart into an LSV, it is mandatory to insure, register, and plate the vehicle and follow additional regulations for street legality.
Understanding the elements needed to own an LSV or golf cart is only the first step needed to practice the safe operations of these vehicles. There are state laws and community guidelines for navigating LSVs. They include:
· No standing while riding the vehicle
· Using the proper signaling when making left turns
· Yielding to other vehicular traffic
· No operating the vehicle on the sidewalk
· Not operating the vehicle on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or higher
Occasionally, golf drivers and riders may forget or refuse to use seat belts, and engage in reckless driving. Irresponsible golf cart drivers can injure pedestrians, golf course staff, and even other golf cart riders on the field. At King Law Firm in Ocala, we will investigate the cause of an accident, pursue the negligent parties responsible, and uncover all relevant insurance policies involved in your case. Our experienced attorneys know the Florida golf cart laws and use these laws to help defend you.
If you, a friend, or family member were injured in a golf cart or LSV accident in the Villages or anywhere in Marion or Lake Counties, speak with one of our personal injury attorneys. Our team of lawyers is prepared to represent anyone who has been injured in a golf cart or LSV accident. Fill out the contact form on our website for a consultation or call (352) 269 – 3128 to speak with an attorney.
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