Can You Sue After a Golf Cart Accident in Florida?

October 6, 2025

Dennis Hernandez

Golf carts are not just for the green anymore. Golf carts are a common mode of transportation in many Florida communities, particularly ones intended for older adults. But this nonchalance can become lethal in a split second if something goes wrong. Knowing your legal rights — and whether you can file a golf cart accident lawsuit in Florida specifically — is crucial to safeguarding your health and financial interests.

At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we have made millions and millions for injury victims injured through vehicle crashes. We fight to get you paid!

Here’s a look at how golf cart liability works and what an injury lawyer can do to help you recover payment for damages after a crash.

What Laws Govern Golf Cart Use in Florida?

Golf carts operate under specific Florida statutes that differ from standard motor vehicles. Under Florida Statutes §316.212, golf carts are allowed on roads only under certain conditions—typically where speed limits do not exceed 30 mph, and only during daylight hours unless properly equipped with headlights, brake lights, and reflectors.

Additionally, the law requires that:

Golf cart operators must be at least 14 years old
Local governments may impose further restrictions through ordinances
Modifications to increase speed could legally reclassify the vehicle

Despite not being traditional motor vehicles, golf carts are still subject to traffic and personal injury law. This means operators and owners can be held liable for negligence, and victims may pursue damages in a golf cart accident lawsuit in Florida.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Golf Cart Accident?

Determining golf cart liability involves identifying all potentially responsible parties. This can include:

The driver, if they were reckless, distracted, impaired, or unlicensed
The vehicle owner, if they allowed an unfit person to operate it
A homeowners’ or retirement association, if poor maintenance of paths or lack of signage contributed to the crash
A manufacturer or maintenance company, if a mechanical defect was involved

Like any personal injury case, negligence is key. To prove negligence, you must establish:

The defendant had a duty to act safely.
They breached that duty.
The breach directly caused your injury.
You suffered damages as a result.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Golf Cart Crashes?

While golf carts may seem slow and harmless, they can cause serious injuries. Common contributing factors include:

Reckless driving, such as taking turns too quickly or speeding
Overcrowding, which can affect balance and control
Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Defective brakes or tires
Obstacles or poor visibility on community roads

These scenarios create a high risk of rollovers, ejections, and collisions with vehicles or pedestrians.

What Injuries Are Common in Golf Cart Accidents?

The lack of seat belts and minimal structural protection makes riders vulnerable. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 13,000 golf cart-related injuries require emergency treatment each year.

Common injuries include:

Head trauma and concussions
Broken bones (especially wrists, arms, and collarbones)
Lacerations and abrasions
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage

These injuries often require ongoing medical care, lost time at work, and emotional recovery—making compensation crucial.

How Does Florida Law Impact Golf Cart Accident Claims?

Florida is a comparative fault state, governed by Florida Statutes §768.81. This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

In addition, Florida’s no-fault law (PIP insurance) does not automatically apply to golf cart injuries unless the accident involved a standard motor vehicle. However, Florida Statutes §627.737 allows injured victims to step outside the no-fault system and file lawsuits if the injuries are permanent or involve significant scarring or loss of function.

A skilled Florida injury attorney will help determine whether your injuries meet this threshold and whether you qualify to pursue full damages through a golf cart accident lawsuit Florida residents have successfully used in court.

When Should You Seek Medical Treatment?

Immediate medical attention is essential—even if symptoms are not obvious. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries (like internal bleeding or concussion) may take hours or days to appear.

Additionally, timely treatment creates a medical record that links the accident to your injuries, which is critical in building your case. Delays in care can give insurance companies ammunition to dispute your claim.

What Steps Should You Take After a Golf Cart Accident?

After ensuring your safety, follow these steps:

Call 911 and request medical and police assistance.
Document the scene with photos or videos.
Collect contact information from witnesses and the other party.
Preserve the golf cart for inspection (don’t repair or modify it).
Request a copy of the incident report, especially if law enforcement responds.

These early steps will make it easier for your Florida injury attorney to build a strong legal strategy.

What Compensation Is Available After a Golf Cart Crash?

If you’re filing a golf cart accident lawsuit in Florida, your damages may include:

Medical expenses (ER visits, surgeries, therapy)
Future medical care
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life

In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may also pursue damages for funeral costs and loss of companionship, under Florida Statutes §768.21.

How Long Do You Have to File a Golf Cart Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Florida is two years from the date of the accident, per Florida Statutes §95.11 (revised in 2023). This applies to most injury claims, including those related to golf cart crashes.

Failing to file within this timeframe may bar you from pursuing compensation, no matter how strong your case is.

Can Golf Cart Maintenance or Manufacturer Defects Lead to Liability?

Yes. If the golf cart’s failure resulted from poor maintenance or a manufacturing defect, other parties could be liable. For example:

A manufacturer may be responsible if the cart had a design flaw.
A mechanic or service provider may be at fault for negligent repairs.
A community association could face liability if it failed to maintain shared-use paths or carts under its control.

Proving these claims often requires technical evidence and expert witnesses—something a seasoned Florida injury attorney can coordinate.

How Can Legal Representation Maximize Your Compensation?

Insurance companies often downplay golf cart accident claims or argue that the victim contributed to the crash. They may try to settle quickly and cheaply.

An experienced injury lawyer will:

Conduct a detailed investigation
Gather and analyze medical records
Work with accident reconstruction experts
Handle all communications with insurers
Prepare your case for trial if needed

Most importantly, they’ll fight to make sure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to. We fight to get you paid!

Why Choose Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys?

At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we’ve helped countless victims of negligence recover millions and millions in damages. Our team understands the unique challenges of golf cart accidents and is ready to:

Offer free consultations
Represent you with no upfront fees
Build a personalized strategy for your case
Go to trial when necessary to fight for your rights

If you or a loved one was injured, don’t wait. Let us help you seek justice.