Golf carts are a common mode of transport in the Valley of the Sun and not just on the golf course. Arizona’s climate and weather make it the perfect state for an increased number of golf carts, and the development of communities where golf carts are second vehicles to the people who live there as contributes to an increase in the number of golf carts on the road. Del Webb has created several fast growing retirement communities in and around the Valley and allows residents to own and drive golf carts on roadways and designated pathways. These carts are equipped with headlights and turn signals.
Arizona has enacted statutes to control driving of golf carts on roadways and requiring minimum liability insurance coverage. A.R.S. §§28-4009 & 28-4132. Arizona law precludes golf carts from driving on public roads with a speed limit over 35 mph. A.R.S. §28-966. Arizona motorists are required by law to treat golf carts as they would any other bicyclist or pedestrian sharing the road. Golf carts and their drivers share the same legal rights as any other motor vehicle.
Unfortunately, with the increased numbers of golf carts on the road, there is an increased frequency in accidents between golf carts, carts with pedestrians and carts with automobiles. Additionally, passengers in the golf carts are injured when they are ejected from making a turn, often left, or flipping cart. Analysis and Prevention of Child Ejections from Golf Cars and Personal Transport Vehicles, Selga, Kristopher and Timothy Long (2008). Many of these accidents and collisions result in serious injuries. If injured in Portland, one must make sure to get the necessary legal help needed.
A University of Alabama at Birmingham study reported there were 48,000 golf-cart injuries nationwide from 2002 to 2005, an increase of about 130 percent over the past seventeen years. “Incident of Golf Cart-Related Injury in the United States”, McGwin, Gerald Jr., The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. (June 2008). The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that there are currently approximately 15,000 golf cart related emergency room visits in the United States every year. Id. The four year study also said the highest rate of injury-causing accidents involved males from ages 10 to 19 and people older than 80. Id. Approximately 20% of all injuries related to golf carts come from passenger children falling out of a moving golf cart. “Safety Concerns Rise As Golf Carts Take to the Streets”, Koehn, Donna, The Insurance Journal (June 22, 2010).
If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart collision, you should meet with an attorney to discuss the case. We accept personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not receive a payment unless you receive a recovery. You may contact us at (623)551-9366 to set up a free consultation.
