Golf Cart Accident Attorney in Abilene, TX
Fighting for Golf Cart Accident Victims Across Taylor & Jones Counties
Golf carts are increasingly popular in Abilene, TX, not just on the golf course but also in communities, resorts, and various events. Unfortunately, their widespread use has also led to a rise in golf cart accidents, causing severe injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident in Taylor or Jones Counties, our award-winning team at Hilliard Law can help. We’ve secured millions of dollars in compensation for golf cart accident victims – including a $33 million verdict over a brain injury caused by a defective golf cart that tipped over – and are available to discuss how we can help you.
Our Abilene golf cart accident attorneys offer FREE consultations and work on contingency, which means there’s no fee unless we win. Call or contact us online to speak with a lawyer.
Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
Golf cart accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons, many of which involve negligence. Identifying the underlying cause of your golf car accident can help you prove liability and position your personal injury claim for success.
- Driver Error: Inexperienced or distracted drivers can easily lose control of golf carts. Negligence can include actions like using a mobile phone while driving, failing to observe traffic rules, or making sharp turns without signaling.
- Speeding: Exceeding safe speeds can lead to rollovers and collisions. Golf carts are not designed for high speeds, and driving too fast can make them unstable and more prone to tipping over, especially during turns or on uneven surfaces.
- Intoxication: Operating a golf cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases the risk of accidents. Intoxicated drivers may have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced motor skills, contributing to negligent driving behavior.
- Road Conditions: Poorly maintained paths and roads can contribute to accidents. Property owners and municipalities have a duty to ensure that paths are safe for golf cart use. Failure to repair potholes, clear debris, or provide proper signage can be considered negligence.
- Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, steering issues, and other mechanical defects can cause accidents. Manufacturers, rental companies, or owners who neglect regular maintenance or ignore known issues can be held liable for resulting accidents.
- Tip Overs: Golf carts can easily tip over, especially when making sharp turns or navigating uneven terrain. Negligent actions such as taking turns too quickly or driving on steep inclines without caution also contribute to this hazard. In some cases, design flaws, overloading, or improper weight distribution can increase tip-over risks.
Who Is Liable for My Golf Cart Accident?
Determining liability in golf cart accidents can be complex. Several parties might be responsible, including:
- The Driver: If the driver was negligent or reckless, they could be held liable.
- The Owner: If the golf cart owner failed to maintain the vehicle properly, they might be responsible.
- Manufacturers: Defective parts or design flaws can place liability on the manufacturer.
- Property Owners: If the accident occurred due to hazardous conditions on a property, the property owner might be liable.
Defective Golf Cart Injuries
Our firm is actively reviewing claims from a growing number of victims across Texas who have been injured in accidents involving defective golf carts. Defects in golf carts can include:
- Design Flaws: Poor design can lead to instability and tipping over.
- Manufacturing Defects: Faulty components such as brakes, steering, or tires.
- Failure to Warn: Lack of adequate warnings about potential risks and proper usage.
Victims injured by defective golf carts may have grounds to pursue compensation based on products liability. This involves proving that the defect existed and caused the injury.
Our firm has a proven track record in handling such cases, including a notable $33 million verdict for a child who suffered a severe traumatic injury when a defectively designed golf cart tipped over.
Recoverable Compensation in Golf Cart Accident Cases
Victims of golf cart accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property Damage: Costs for repairing or replacing damaged property.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm.
How Our Firm Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a golf cart accident can be overwhelming. Our firm offers comprehensive support to victims, guiding them through every step of the claims process:
- Claim Evaluations: We assess the viability of your case by reviewing the details and determining if you have grounds for a claim.
- Investigations: Our team conducts thorough investigations to gather all relevant evidence, including witness statements, accident reports, and medical records.
- Expert Witness Collaboration: We collaborate with expert witnesses in various fields such for crucial insights and testimony to strengthen your case.
- Claim Construction: We build a robust claim by organizing all gathered evidence and presenting it compellingly. This preparation is essential for negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
- Discovery: During the discovery phase, we gather further evidence through legal processes such as depositions and interrogatories. This step helps us uncover additional information that can support your claim.
- Negotiations: We engage in negotiations with insurance companies and other parties to secure fair settlements. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you without the need for prolonged litigation.
- Litigation: If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, we represent you in court. Our experienced attorneys are prepared to advocate fiercely on your behalf at trial.
Do I Have a Case?
If you have been injured in a golf cart accident, it is crucial to act promptly. You may have a case if the accident resulted from someone else's negligence, a defect in the golf cart, or hazardous conditions. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible will help preserve evidence and ensure your rights are protected.
Call for a FREE Consultation: (361) 882-1612
Golf cart accident lawsuits are uncommon claims that many firms haven’t handled. At Hilliard Law, our Abilene golf cart accident attorneys have proven experience litigating these cases and are trusted by colleagues and clients alike to handle the unique issues they raise.
If you have questions about your rights and legal options after a golf cart accident anywhere in Jones County, Taylor County, or beyond, we’re here to help. Give us a call at (361) 882-1612 or contact us online to request a FREE consultation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS real questions. Real answers.
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Can I still file a lawsuit if I was partially at fault for the accident?
It depends on the jurisdiction and the concept of comparative negligence. In some places, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but the amount may be reduced.
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How long does a personal injury lawsuit take?
The duration varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, negotiations, and court schedules. Some cases may be resolved in a few months, while others can take several years.
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Will my case go to trial?
Many personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial.
Real Results ReaL Justice
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Record-Setting$575Wrongful Death
Million Settlement*Hilliard Law attorneys represented numerous injury victims and the families of those killed in accidents caused by GM’s defective ignition switch and their concealment of safety defects.
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$50Class Action
Million Settlement*Mr. Hilliard was the lead class counsel in Haese v. H&R Block, a class action lawsuit involving every Texan who received a rapid refund from H&R Block (approx. 300,000 plaintiffs). He assisted other class counsel in forcing H&R Block to disclose it received kickbacks for arranging loans between its tax preparation clients and predatory lenders.
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$50Wrongful Death
Million SettlementIn September 2021, Hilliard Law attorneys secured a $50 Million settlement for the family of a man who died in a commercial trucking accident.
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$33Traumatic Brain Injury
Million VerdictThe Hilliard Law trial team won a $33M product liability case against a golf-car company, involving a golf cart that tipped over on a child causing a severe traumatic brain injury.
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$30ATV Accident
Million VerdictA jury determined that the defective design and marketing of an All Terrain Vehicle were the proximate cause of the decedent's injuries in a fatal ATV accident.
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$25Negligent Security
Million VerdictIn May 2013, Mr. Hilliard was the lead trial attorney who obtained a $25 million jury verdict in a premises liability case in Nueces County, Texas. His client, a security guard for a downtown Corpus Christi building, was severely beaten while at work.
It’s our mission to hold the powerful accountable for their wrongdoing. Reach out to our team immediately regarding your case to schedule a free attorney consultation today.