Chicago Golf Cart Accident Lawyer

Seeking Maximum Compensation for Golf Cart Accident Victims in Chicago

Whether you were the victim of reckless driving by golf cart drivers at the Shoreacres Golf Club or suffered serious injuries at a Chicago Park District property, a Chicago golf cart accident lawyer will help you fight for justice.

We are the premier accident law firm serving Chicago and Illinois, ensuring that victims at golf courses, warehouses, resorts, and event venues recover fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal options following a golf cart accident.

Golf Cart Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$3,000,000: 51-year-old Bryan suffered severe leg fractures after being hit by a golf cart operator at a charity event. We held the golf course and the driver responsible for failing to adhere to speed limits.

$1,900,000: Tammy was the passenger on a golf cart in Lemont when she was ejected from the cart. She suffered injuries that required extensive physical rehabilitation and time off work.

$1,500,000: Kendra was riding on the back of a golf cart at a Lake Forest summer camp when she fell from the back of the cart, resulting in a broken leg. We showed that the summer camp and the property owner were negligent in letting her ride on the back.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

Our top-rated personal injury lawyers have recovered over $450 million for clients nationwide, earning us a spot in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Not only are we known for our 98% success rate, but we have also earned the Super Lawyers® distinction, which is offered only to the highest-rated law firms in the country. With us by your side, you have the best chance of earning a fair settlement for your golf cart injuries.

Types of Golf Cart Accident Cases We Handle

Our Chicago golf cart accident lawyers can assist you with all types of personal injury claims related to these vehicles. Types of cases we handle include:

• Collisions with other golf carts
• Crashes with cars or other motor vehicles
• Rollovers
• Pedestrian strikes
• Ejection from the vehicle
• Mechanical failure
• Accidents caused by negligent property management
• Accidents caused by negligent golf cart operators

What Are the Most Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents in Chicago?

Golf cart incidents often result from negligence on the part of the operator or property owner. These can include the following.

Reckless Driving

Golf carts have a typical top speed of 15 to 25 miles per hour, depending on any modifications. While this may not seem like much, it can seriously injure someone, particularly children.

Intoxicated Driving

Many people erroneously believe that DUI laws do not apply to golf carts and other non-highway vehicles. However, it is illegal to operate any motor vehicle while under the influence, including golf carts (625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1). Research demonstrates that intoxicated motorists are more likely to engage in reckless behavior, including speeding and risk-taking, which increases the risk of accidents.

Overloading Carts

A standard two-passenger golf cart has a weight limit between 400 and 550 pounds, with larger carts having a higher weight limit. Operators should never exceed the weight limit provided in the owner’s manual. If they do so, it can result in serious injuries for passengers and pedestrians.

Mechanical Defects

Issues with brakes, accelerators, and steering systems can cause drivers to lose control, potentially resulting in major collisions.

Lack of Safety Features

Any passenger vehicle, including non-highway vehicles, should have functioning seat belts, mirrors, lights, and horns. However, some basic models may lack these crucial features, resulting in potential danger for operators and passengers.

Poor Maintenance

Most carts require maintenance every 100 to 200 hours of use or every 6 to 12 months, whichever comes first. However, some companies do not want to take their carts out of service, resulting in dangerous accidents.

Unsafe Road or Course Conditions

Unlike All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), golf carts are meant to be driven on smooth terrain. Driving across obstacles, over curbs, and other impediments can result in rollovers and serious injuries.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Golf Cart Accidents?

Golf cart accidents can result in significant injuries, causing expensive emergency room visits and long-term rehabilitation. Common injuries that our Chicago golf cart accident lawyers see include:

• Back and neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Crush injuries
• Internal bleeding and or organ damage
• Lacerations and contusions

What Damages Can Golf Cart Accident Victims Recover in Chicago?

Our experienced team of golf cart accident attorneys will fight for full and fair compensation, including both economic and non-economic damages. These can include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future medical expenses
• Personal property damage
• Future lost income
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Disability and disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages for fatal cases

What Is the Average Payout for a Golf Cart Accident?

The average payout for these cases is $5,654,584. Payouts range from $7,680 to $50,103,264. Your payout is determined by injury severity, liability, medical bills, and insurance coverage.

Example Golf Cart Accident Cases

A 12-year-old boy was ejected from a cart when it collided with a motor vehicle. He suffered a severe brain injury and spent several months in the hospital, where he underwent multiple skull and brain surgeries. A jury awarded his family $50,103,264.00 to pay for his ongoing medical care.

Libby, a toddler, was severely injured in a golf cart rollover that pinned her under the vehicle. She suffered a brain injury and was left disfigured. Attorneys determined that the golf cart manufacturer had designed a defective braking system that significantly increased the risk of rollovers. Additionally, the cart had been modified before sale, with a lifted bottom and larger tires that also made it more vulnerable to rollovers. A court awarded the family $7,000,000.00.

Why You Need a Golf Cart Accident Lawyer

It is crucial to work with an experienced Chicago golf cart accidents lawyer because these cases often involve multiple liable parties and different insurance policies than other motor vehicle accidents. Negligent parties will dispute their liability, and safety regulations around these vehicles are not as standardized as for cars.

Our personal injury lawyers have over 100 years of combined legal experience negotiating wrongful death claims and other third-party liability claims, ensuring you have the best chance at holding the at-fault party accountable for their role in your injuries.

What Are the Statistics of Golf Cart Accidents?

The American Journal of Preventative Medicine reports that in a period of 16 years, 147,696 golf cart-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms across the United States. 31.2% of cases involved children under 16 years old.

Young golf cart injury victims showed similar physical traumas to those involved in All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accidents, despite many believing that golf carts are less dangerous than ATVs. In fact, golf cart victims were typically younger and had more severe head injuries than those hurt in ATV crashes.

Where Do Golf Cart Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

While many golf cart accidents occur on golf courses, these small powered carts are used in many other settings. Common locations where golf cart accidents occur include:

• Golf courses like Harborside International Golf Center and Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course
• Private property in Ravenswood and Lincoln Square
• Large event venues in Andersonville or Lakeview Central
• Resorts along Lake Michigan, like the Inn at Harbor Shores
• Industrial complexes in Fulton Market and Kinzie
• Retirement communities like the Vistas of Lincoln Park

What Are the Illinois Golf Cart Laws?

Golf carts are prohibited from operating on any street, highway, or tollway. In instances where they are allowed, they can only be operated on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, and the golf cart operator must have a valid driver’s license (625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1).

Chicago specifically only allows golf carts to operate on public roadways if the vehicle is used for public safety or is used in conjunction with a city-sanctioned event (9-12-110).

In instances where golf carts are permitted on the roadways, they are subject to the Illinois law surrounding motor vehicle operation, including having a driver’s license and insurance (625 ILCS 5/). All road users must follow applicable traffic laws, including proper safety equipment like lights and rearview mirrors (625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1(e)).

However, most insurance companies do not insure golf carts for road use. Instead, they would be covered by lanother form of liability insurance, such as homeowner’s, farm, or business insurance (625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1(h)).

Municipalities are typically released from liability for golf cart accidents that occur on public roadways because these road users are permitted but not intended users of the road. This was proven in the Illinois Supreme Court case Boub v. Township of Wayne, where an injured bicyclist could not recover damages from the city for inadequate road maintenance.

How Long Do I Have to File a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?

Typically, you must file your golf cart claim within two years of the accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Wrongful death claims also have a two-year statute of limitations (740 ILCS 180/).

There are certain exceptions, such as if the victim is a child or was incapacitated but is expected to recover. In these instances, our lawyers can petition the court to have the statute tolled, or paused.

Who Is Liable for Golf Cart Accidents in Chicago?

A Chicago golf cart accident lawyer from our firm will review your case to seek compensation from any liable party. Under Illinois statutes, more than one individual or organization can be held liable for an accident (740 ILCS 100/2). Potential defendants can include:

• Negligent drivers
• Golf courses, resorts, event centers, and warehouses
• Property owners and managers
• Event organizers
• Golf cart rental companies
• Golf cart manufacturers in case of product defects

Common Defenses in Chicago Golf Cart Accident Cases

Insurance companies will use a variety of tactics to avoid accountability and prevent you from receiving a fair settlement. Our golf cart accident lawyers will use strong evidence to counter their defenses, which can include the following.

Assumption of Risk: The insurance company will argue that you should have been aware of the risks of operating a motor vehicle. Our attorneys will use witness statements to prove that this was not an acceptable level of risk based on the activity.

Comparative Negligence: Insurance companies will pin most of the blame on you using Illinois’s comparative negligence law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). Police reports, accident scene photos, and witness statements can counter this defense.

Lack of Duty: Event managers or rental companies may claim they were not responsible for your safety. We can use expert testimony, waivers, and case law to disprove this.

Third Party Conduct: If another person was responsible for the accident, insurance companies will insist the accident was unforeseeable. We can look at previous complaints to show this was a long-standing issue at the venue.

Blame Shifting: Companies may insist that mechanical defects were the primary contributing factor. Maintenance records, engineer testimony, and product inspections can disprove this claim.

How to Strengthen Your Golf Cart Accident Case in Chicago

Prompt action is crucial to seeking compensation. Follow these steps as soon as possible.

• Seek immediate medical attention from the closest emergency room.
• File a police report and request a copy of the report.
• Report the incident to the property manager immediately.
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
• Gather evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and lost wages.
• Do not speak to insurance companies without an attorney present.

How a Chicago Golf Cart Accident Attorney Can Help

We ensure that all liable parties are forced to pay their fair share for your injuries Our top-rated personal injury lawyers will gather evidence proving blame, such as medical reports, incident reports, and expert testimony. Using our strong negotiation skills, we will work with insurance companies to secure full compensation. While many golf cart cases settle out of court, we are also prepared to litigate with the Circuit Court of Cook County as necessary.

FAQs

Are golf cart accidents covered by motor vehicle accident insurance in Illinois?

Typically, no. Owners must secure liability coverage insead.

Can I file a claim if I was injured as a golf cart passenger?

Yes, you can file a claim if you were injured as a passenger in a golf cart incident.

What if a golf cart accident happened on private property?

These cases fall under the Premises Liability Act, which requires home and business owners to provide a safe environment for invited guests (740 ILCS 130/2).

What medical records do I need to provide to support my claim?

You should bring ER visit records, X-rays for fractures, MRIs, CT scans, and treatment plans provided to you by your doctor. We can also review your records to determine if other evidence may be necessary.

How much does it cost to hire a golf cart accident lawyer in Chicago?

Our golf cart accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis: no fees unless we win.

Book a Free Case Evaluation With a Chicago Golf Cart Accident Lawyer Near You!

Our accident lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you. We serve clients throughout Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois, ensuring that those who suffered injuries on a golf course or private property don’t have to fight insurers alone. Contact us today for a free case review about your golf cart claim.