San Antonio Golf Cart Accident Lawyer

At Hilliard Law, we will fight tirelessly if you have suffered harm due to another's negligence.

Golf carts have become increasingly popular in warm-weather climates not only as a way to get around a beautiful golf course, but also as a mode of transportation through residential communities and other roadways. In fact, Texas Law now allows golf carts to be driven on most public roads as long as they conform to specific guidelines. Unfortunately, however, with increased usage, the number of San Antonio golf cart accidents is on the rise.

Despite their small size, golf carts can cause significant damage and injury. If you’ve been harmed in a golf cart accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit seeking financial compensation. Contact a knowledgeable golf cart accident attorney for help putting together a successful claim.

Can I File a Lawsuit Over My San Antonio Golf Cart Accident?

Many factors may lead to a golf cart accident. If you are unsure whether legal action is warranted, you may hesitate to file a claim. However, it is important to take action as soon as possible in order to provide your best chance at success. Below are several examples where negligence likely had a hand in your accident.

If any of the following apply to your golf cart accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit:

• You were either driving or riding in a golf cart when it was struck by a motor vehicle
• You were hurt as a result of the negligence of a golf cart driver
• A defect in the golf cart led to your accident
• The driver of a golf cart hit you

Whether you were the driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.

What Factors Affect Liability in a Golf Cart Accident Claim in San Antonio?

Establishing liability is a vital part of filing any personal injury claim. In a personal injury case, the plaintiff must prove that the person or entity they have filed a claim against should be held accountable for their injuries.

There are many factors to consider when determining who may be at fault for a golf cart accident, including the following:

• An impaired golf cart driver
• A golf cart with mechanical issues
• Poor golf cart maintenance
• Requirements for the golf cart driver
• The golf cart accident’s location
• The golf cart’s owner

Multiple parties may have caused or contributed to your accident. As a result, you may be entitled to compensation from various parties for your injuries and any other losses you have sustained.  This may include an individual driver, a seller, or a manufacturer.

What if My San Antonio Golf Cart Accident Was Partially My Fault?

Texas uses a form of comparative negligence known as proportionate liability. If the plaintiff is determined to be partly responsible for their injury, the court may reduce their damages award. However, you will still be able to recover as long as you are less than 50% at fault.

What Laws Regulate Golf Cart Operations in San Antonio?

Golf carts, like off-road and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), are categorized as unique vehicles by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). As unique vehicles, golf carts are subject to several specific regulations.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) defines a golf cart as a motor vehicle manufactured to be utilized on a golf course. Mirrors, a parking brake, reflectors, headlamps, and taillamps are necessities for golf carts.

Golf carts are eligible for their own license plate even though they are neither titled nor registered by the TxDMV. When a golf cart has a golf cart license plate, the following situations are permitted:

• Golf carts may be driven on public roadways in a master-planned community with a standardized set of restrictive covenants and a plat approved by the county or municipality.
• A beach that is accessible by car and is either public or private may be used for golf cart operations.
• For transportation to and from a golf course, golf carts may be driven on highways with posted speed limits of 35 mph during the day, no more than two miles from where they are typically stored.
• To cross intersections, including those with highways with posted speed limits of more than 35 mph, golf carts may be driven on public roadways.

A golf cart’s license plate must always be visible when utilized on a city or county-approved route. The speed limit throughout the road must also be 35 mph. A golf cart must display the slow-moving vehicle symbol whenever it is operated on the road at 25 mph or less.

What Damages Can I Recover From a San Antonio Golf Cart Accident?

Since every case is different, it’s important to remember that your total losses attributed to the accident will determine how much compensation you are entitled to receive for your golf cart accident claim. This amount could also account for the emotional impact experiencing the accident has left on you.

You may be entitled to damages in golf cart-related personal injury cases for a range of losses, including the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

Call us at (361) 882-1612 or fill out our contact form.