Of all the different outcomes of a golf cart accident in Kentucky, some of the most serious occur when you are ejected from the vehicle. Although some golf carts may include seat belts, many do not. This, as you might expect, can lead to serious injuries when you’re in an accident.
While smaller than traditional vehicles, golf carts are designed for getting around golf courses and paths. Even though they’re also designed with much lower speeds, they can be challenging to control and provide limited protection in accidents. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of what to do in the event of a golf cart accident in Kentucky and understand your legal options.
Experienced Guidance After a Kentucky Golf Cart Accident
No matter the circumstances, a golf cart accident where you’re ejected from the vehicle can result in significant medical and financial hardships for you and your family.
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, our experienced Kentucky golf cart accident lawyers have effectively represented numerous victims of golf cart-related injuries over our years of practice. Our support and guidance can be a valuable resource if you need to pursue a claim. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.
What Types of Kentucky Golf Cart Accidents Can Result in Ejections?
There’s a variety of different ways that golf cart accidents happen in Kentucky. Despite the differences between them and other motor vehicles, the fact remains that many of the same underlying causes result in these accidents. Another similarity, at least in terms of an accident, is the type of collision and resulting injuries. While not every golf cart accident results in you or a passenger being ejected from the vehicle, there are certain types of accident that more commonly result in just that:
- Sudden stops or collisions – When a golf cart comes to an abrupt stop or collides with another object, such as a tree, pole, or vehicle, the force of the impact can cause occupants to be ejected.
- Sharp turns or rollovers – Making sharp turns at high speeds or driving on uneven terrain can lead to the golf cart tipping over, which can result in ejections.
- Overcrowding – Sometimes, overcrowding the golf cart’s designated seating capacity can make it unstable. If it tips due to the added weight, you or other occupants may be ejected.
- No seatbelts – If the golf cart doesn’t have seatbelts or passengers are not using them correctly, they are at a higher risk of being ejected during an accident.
- Distracted driving – Distractions like using a mobile phone while driving a golf cart can lead to accidents, and if an accident occurs, the distraction can increase the likelihood of ejection.
- Impaired driving – Driving a golf cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and coordination, making ejections more likely in accidents.
- Mechanical failures – Sudden mechanical failures, such as brake or steering system malfunctions, can lead to loss of control and ejections.
No matter what causes the accident, when you or your passengers are ejected from a golf cart, you can expect to suffer serious injuries. This is true, even despite the lower speeds and reasonable possibility that the accident will be happening on or near a golf course.
Common Golf Cart Ejection Injuries in Kentucky
Like any accident where you or a passenger is ejected from a vehicle, a golf cart accident that results in an ejection is likely to lead to multiple injuries. The reason for this isn’t complicated: being ejected from a golf cart is extremely dangerous. Not only do you have to worry about the impact of the initial collision, but also what happens when you land on the hard ground or collide with a tree or other object.
Still, even an ejection accident is unique in terms of the potential injuries. Usually, though, they involve the following:
- Fractures and broken bones – Ejection from a golf cart can lead to fractures and broken bones, such as broken arms, legs, wrists, or collarbones.
- Head injuries – When ejected, the head is particularly vulnerable to injury. This can result in head trauma, concussions, or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Spinal injuries – Ejections can also cause spinal injuries, including sprains, strains, or more serious injuries like herniated discs or spinal cord damage.
- Road rash and bruises – Contact with the ground or other objects during an ejection can cause contusions (bruises) and abrasions (road rash), which may range from minor to severe.
- Soft tissue injuries – Ligament and tendon injuries, such as sprains and strains, can occur when individuals are ejected from golf carts.
- Internal injuries – Blunt force trauma from the ejection can lead to internal injuries, including damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
- Facial injuries – Ejections can result in facial injuries, including cuts, bruises, and fractures to the jaw, nose, or cheekbones.
- Dental injuries – Impact during an ejection can cause dental injuries, such as chipped or knocked-out teeth.
- Emotional trauma – In addition to physical injuries, individuals involved in golf cart ejections may also experience emotional trauma, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other psychological distress.
- Death – In severe cases, ejection injuries can be fatal, particularly if there’s no restraints or seatbelts.
Reducing the severity of injuries
While you can’t always keep a golf cart accident from happening, there are certain ways that you can at least reduce the chances that they’ll happen, or at the very least reduce the severity of any injuries:
- Follow the golf cart’s guidelines
- Keep a safe speed
- Don’t overload the cart
- Use seatbelts if available
- Take turns slowly
- Stay seated and inside the cart
- Stick to designated paths
- Use lights in low-light conditions
- Avoid distractions
- Be cautious in bad weather
- Maintain the cart regularly
- Ensure passengers stay seated
- Don’t drink or use drugs while driving
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Golf Cart Accident in Kentucky?
There’s no legal requirement in Kentucky that says you need a lawyer to represent you in an injury claim. With that said, if you’re dealing with a golf cart accident where you were ejected from the vehicle and have serious injuries, you’ll likely need all the help you can get. When you’re dealing with such challenges, it can be overwhelming. Our experienced team of Kentucky golf cart accident lawyers is here to ease the legal burden, allowing you to focus on your health and family. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigation – We determine the accident’s cause, such as speeding, distracted, drunk, or drowsy driving.
- Evidence – We gather crucial evidence, including accident photos, medical records, bills, and witness statements.
- Experts – Our team interviews witnesses and may involve experts to support your case.
- Communication – We handle talks with insurance companies and lawyers, protecting your interests.
- Legal representation – We fight for a fair settlement or award, whether through negotiation or a lawsuit.
Overall, our team can simply make the entire process easier on you and your family. By allowing you to focus on your health and recovery, you’ll ultimately be in a better position to move forward with your life. With that said, the end goal of the legal process is to make sure you’re fairly and fully compensated for any injuries.
What Damages Can I Get After a Kentucky Golf Cart Accident?
Once you make the decision to pursue an injury claim, our team is ready to take action on your behalf. In addition to our legal services, we carefully calculate and organize your expenses and damages to make sure you get what you’re owed.
In a Kentucky golf cart accident claim, you can seek the following damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- All accident-related medical expenses, including hospital bills, medications, surgeries, and assistive devices
- Lost wages or loss of earning potential
- Costs for caregiving and transportation services
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical therapy and mental health treatment
- Property damage
There’s no denying that an injury and subsequent claim can be a challenging process. That’s why our team takes such pride in our approach. We’ll be there for you every step of the way to make sure you have what you need to effectively deal with your injuries.
Help From Experienced Kentucky Golf Cart Accident Lawyers
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we recognize the challenges and hardships that come with being injured in a golf cart accident, particularly if you were ejected from the cart itself. If your injury is the result of someone else’s negligence, it can disrupt your life. During these difficult times, our dedicated and experienced team of Kentucky golf cart accident lawyers will stand by your side.
We can help you hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries, making sure you get the compensation you and your family need. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.
