Whether you are driving around your property, on the road, or hitting the links, golf carts are fun to drive around on. While driving and riding around on golf carts can be fun, they could potentially be incredibly dangerous and cause serious injuries if they are not maintained and controlled properly.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Toledo golf cart accident, whether on private or public property, having an experienced injury attorney by your side can make the difference in ensuring that you and your loved ones receive the compensation and justice that they deserve. Here at Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, our team of Toledo golf cart injury attorneys has a proven track record of helping those injured in golf cart accidents. We offer compassionate support to families dealing with the loss of loved ones in these terrible golf cart accidents.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our Ohio golf cart accident attorneys are incredibly skilled in handling golf cart accident cases. Liability surrounding golf carts can be incredibly complicated, and our team has a proven track record of holding those responsible for golf cart accidents accountable. Let us put our experience to work on your behalf!
How Do I Make My Golf Cart Street Safe?
Ohio Law classifies golf carts as “under-speed vehicles”. These are 3- or 4-wheeled motor vehicles with an attainable speed on a paved level surface of no more than 25 miles per hour and with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds. Golf carts can only be operated on streets with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. They cannot enter roads that travel more than 45 miles per hour.
Local authorities can adopt more stringent rules and procedures for golf cart usage on streets. To have a street-legal golf cart in Toledo, the golf cart must be registered and titled through the DMV/BMV. To drive a golf cart on the street, the operator must be 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Children’s safety rules still apply when taking a golf cart onto the road. If you are driving a golf cart on the street, you are still bound to follow all traffic laws. The city of Toledo also requires a $25 inspection fee due at the time of inspection.
In Toledo, the Toledo police department must conduct an inspection on the golf cart before you are able to drive it on the street. To pass inspection, a golf cart must have all the following:
- Functional Brakes
- (2) Brake Lights
- (2) Headlights
- (2) Taillights
- Turn Signals
- License Plate Lights
- Horn
- Rear License Plate Bracket
- Functional Steering Mechanism
- Windshield
- Windshield wipers
- Rearview Mirror
- Good Condition Tires (1/16-inch tread)
- Front seat Seatbelts
- Proof of Insurance
For more information about registering for a street-safe golf cart in Toledo, click here. If you do not live in the city of Toledo, you should search your own town’s local rules about golf cart usage on roads and registration requirements.
Have questions about golf cart laws after an accident in Toledo? Call Charles E. Boyk Law Offices for a free consultation today.
Myth: Golf Carts Are a Safer Form of Transportation
Golf carts are widely viewed as safer than other forms of transportation compared to other motor vehicles, such as ATVs or cars. Parents are more willing to let their kids drive golf carts around than get on a four-wheeler. They are also viewed as safer than a car because they do not require a license when they are being driven off-road. For many, they are an integral part of any round of golf. While golf carts may be seen as relatively safe, they are still incredibly dangerous and should be used with caution.
According to the National Institute of Health, there has been an increase in injuries associated with golf carts in trauma centers throughout the United States. Those injured by golf carts were generally younger than those who entered based on ATVs, showing that people are more trusting of golf carts for younger children despite carrying similar risks to those of ATVs. Those injured on Golf Carts are more likely to have higher rates of isolated head injuries when compared to those on ATVs.
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System collects data on golf cart injuries. The data shows that since 2021, there has been a steady increase in golf cart-related injuries as golf carts become more regularly used on the roads. In 2024, there were just under 30,000 golf cart-related injuries; over 10,000 more than were reported 10 years ago. Over a third of these injuries occurred during the summer months. The age group in which most of these injuries occurred was 12 to 17. This data shows that just because golf carts appear safer for children to operate does not mean that they necessarily are.
Injured due to a golf cart accident involving a child or teen? Contact Charles E. Boyk Law Offices today for a free case review.
I Was Hurt in a Golf Cart Accident. Who Is Liable?
Who is liable when you are injured in a golf cart accident depends on the circumstances of the accident
Other Motor Vehicle Drivers
As more and more golf carts enter our roadways, the likelihood of coming into contact with a bigger motor vehicle skyrockets. If you are operating a golf cart and get hit by a car or truck, the driver of that vehicle may be liable for any injuries that you have. If the driver is driving a company truck or is making deliveries, the employer may also be liable for any injuries you have.
Owners of the Property
Some golf cart accidents are caused by hazards on the property where the accident occurred. When a golf cart accident occurs on private property, the owner of the property may be liable if the owner of the property hires a property management company.
Owner/Manufacturer of the Golf Cart
If the accident was caused by a problem with the golf cart itself, you may have a claim against the owner for negligently maintaining their golf cart. You may also be able to sue the manufacturer of the golf cart if there was a defect caused by the production process or design of the golf cart.
Not sure who is liable for your golf cart accident in Toledo? Call Charles E. Boyk Law Offices today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents
Despite operating at lower speeds, golf carts are open vehicles that often lack basic safety features that lead to serious injury in rollover accidents or ejections. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists some of the common causes of severe golf cart injuries, including but not limited to:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or reckless turns: Taking sharp turns without slowing down increases the chances of the golf cart tipping over
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Just because you are not driving a car does not mean that it is safe to operate golf carts under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driving under the influence causes delayed reaction times and more reckless driving, which could lead to serious injuries
- Overloading passengers: Golf carts are meant for a limited number of passengers. Having more passengers than there are seats can throw off the weight distribution and make it more likely that the golf cart flips over. It also increases the risk of serious injuries in the event of a crash, as those not in a seat properly are at an increased risk of ejection
- Poor visibility or lighting: Even golf carts with headlights have limited visibility when operating in the dark. This limited range makes it harder to respond to objects that seem to appear out of nowhere
- Uneven terrain/unsafe road conditions: Driving on uneven terrain or unsafe roads increases the risk that the golf cart can fall or roll over
- Mechanical failure or poor maintenance
If your accident was caused by negligence or unsafe conditions, call Charles E. Boyk Law Offices today to explore your legal options.
What Should I do if I am in a Golf Cart Accident?
If you or a loved one were involved in a golf cart accident, you should take the following steps to ensure that you can receive the compensation and justice you deserve:
- Ensure Safety: Whether you are on the road or on a golf course, it is important that you move out of the way of potential hazards as quickly as possible to avoid other vehicles and potential golf balls.
- Call 911: Calling emergency services can be critical, especially in serious accidents. Police who arrive on the scene will be able to make a report about the accident that can be used later to establish liability against someone. Calling 911 can also help ensure that you receive treatment as quickly as possible for any injuries that may have occurred in the collision.
- Document the Scene: Take as many pictures and videos of the scene as possible and collect the contact information of any witnesses. This will serve as critical evidence for your case.
- Seek Medical Attention: Getting medical attention right after the accident is an important step in establishing a link between the accident and your injuries. Even if you do not feel any pain in the moment, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible. This makes it harder for an insurance company to downplay the extent of your injuries or try to claim that the injuries are not related to the accident.
- Contact an Experienced Golf Cart Lawyer in Toledo: If you sustained injuries or experienced significant damage, consider seeking advice from a local golf cart accident attorney. We can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage the aftermath of a golf cart accident. These steps will help ensure that both your health and rights are protected.
Hurt in a golf cart accident in Toledo? Call Charles E. Boyk Law Offices today for a free consultation—no fee unless we win.
Why Should I Get an Attorney After a Golf Cart Accident?
Golf Cart accident cases can be incredibly difficult to navigate. Navigating the legal system is almost impossible for someone without any legal background. Hiring a skilled golf cart accident attorney can help you navigate the complicated web that is the legal system and ensure that you get the compensation and justice you deserve. A golf cart accident attorney will do the following for you:
Investigate the Scene of the Accident
Thoroughly investigate the crash site and the surrounding area to see if there is anything that might have caused the accident.
Consult With Experts
Collaborate and interview golf cart experts, accident reconstructionists, golf cart mechanics, and any other type of expert who might be able to provide some insight into the causes of the accident.
Conduct Research
Golf cart accidents can be very fact-specific and technical. A proactive golf cart attorney will do extensive legal and technical research to find case law and reports that back up your claims.
Assess Your Injuries
A diligent golf cart accident attorney will review your medical documents, talk to your treating physicians and other medical professionals to determine the exact extent of your injuries. If you need help finding treatment, a knowledgeable golf cart injury lawyer can refer you to doctors they trust.
Obtain Key Information
A dedicated golf cart accident lawyer will interview witnesses, people familiar with the area of the crash (whether a private owner or golf course manager), to make sure that we have all the information we need to build up your case.
Build Your Case
A capable golf cart injury attorney will leverage their knowledge to determine the best strategy to proceed with your case. This is critical to helping you get the full compensation and justice that you deserve.
Negotiate With Insurers
Insurers can be one of the biggest obstacles you face in getting fully compensated for your injuries, as they are going to fight you receiving compensation every step of the way. An experienced Toledo golf cart accident attorney will stand by your side and work to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company to get compensation as quickly as possible without having to go to trial.
Leverage Legal Experience
Our Toledo golf cart injury lawyers will use their legal expertise to navigate the complicated web that is the legal system. We also know the wide range of claims you may be able to pursue because of your injuries.
Keep You Informed
A local golf cart accident attorney will keep you up to date with all the changes that happen in your case as they happen. They will also explain what happens at each stage of the litigation so you can fully understand what is happening in your case.
By hiring an experienced golf cart injury lawyer, you can ensure that you are getting the compensation and justice you deserve.
Don’t navigate your case alone—call Charles E. Boyk Law Offices today for a free consultation and let our experienced team fight for you.
Examples of Settlements from Golf Cart Accidents
Drunk Driver Drives into $225,000 Settlement
Our client was a passenger on a golf cart at a country club. The driver of the golf cart was drunk and started driving erratically. He sped up going down a steep hill and took a sharp left turn. This caused the golf cart to flip over. Our client suffered serious injuries as a result of the accident. Our firm pursued a personal injury claim against the driver to ensure that our client was fully compensated for his injuries.
Our team of experienced Toledo golf cart crash attorneys was able to negotiate a $225,000 settlement on behalf of a client. By hiring a golf cart injury lawyer from our firm, you have a better chance of getting the compensation and justice you deserve.
Sign Says: $360,000 Settlement
Our client was preparing to board a ferry to go to an island. An employee of the ferry company was driving a golf cart nearby when he crashed into a signpost. The collision caused the sign to fall and hit our client on the head. Our client had to be rushed to the hospital by EMS for treatment of her injuries. Our client had a wide range of head-related injuries, including concussion, brain bleed, and a variety of psychological issues.
With the help of our seasoned team of golf cart injury attorneys, our client was able to receive a $360,000 settlement offer. This further highlights the importance of having a well-practiced Toledo golf cart collision attorney by your side.
Reach Out to an Experienced Toledo Golf Cart Accident Attorney Today!
If you or a loved one was killed or injured in a golf cart accident, you need a skilled personal injury attorney to navigate your case and secure the compensation and justice you deserve. Here at Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, our dedicated Toledo golf cart injury attorneys are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones through these hard times. As one of the top-rated personal injury firms in Ohio, we understand the complexities of golf cart accident cases and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve!
Reach out today for a free consultation and discover how we can assist you in getting the justice and financial recovery you deserve. If we are unable to take your case, we will refer you to someone we trust who will handle your case with care. Let us put our experience, connections, and expertise to work for you and support you every step of the way!
