Three Teenagers Transported to Hospital After Golf Cart Accident in North Florida

According to a report from News4Jax, three teenagers were injured in a golf cart accident in the northern part of St. John’s County. All three of the victims were immediately transported to a Jacksonville-based children’s hospital for treatment. Thankfully, none of the injuries were life-threatening.

A representative for law enforcement told reporters that the 14-year-old boy who was operating the golf cart was unable to control the brakes immediately prior to the accident. The golf cart then struck a light pole with enough force to break glass. Notably, 14 is Florida’s minimum legal age to drive a golf cart.

Golf Carts Have the Potential to be Dangerous

Similar to any other type of motor vehicle, a golf cart should be used with care. When proper precautions are not taken, a golf cart has the potential to be extremely dangerous. In fact, Florida courts recognize golf carts as a known safety hazard. In the 1984 case of Meister v. Fisher, the Supreme Court of Florida first applied the dangerous instrumentality doctrine to a golf cart accident claim. The case involved a woman who was injured after being struck by a golf cart on a course in Broward County. She brought a personal injury claim against both the driver of the golf cart that struck her and the company that owned the country club where the collision occurred.

Golf Cart Accidents: Why the Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine Matters  

Golf carts hold a unique place in Florida’s tort laws. Under Florida’s dangerous instrumentality doctrine, the owner of an inherently dangerous “tool” can be held liable for all injuries caused by it.

As courts have concluded that a golf cart is subject to the dangerous instrumentality doctrine, a golf cart owner may be held liable for injuries caused by their vehicle—even if they did not act in a negligent manner. Through this legal doctrine, a plaintiff may be able to bring a personal injury claim against:

• The person driving the golf cart;
• An individual who let a teenager or other party use their golf cart;
• A golf court/country club that owns the golf cart.

Sorting out liability after a golf cart accident can be complicated. A comprehensive investigation into every golf cart accident is a must. You need to know who owned the golf cart, who controlled the golf cart, and exactly why the accident happened. It is crucial that injured victims understand their rights—so that they can effectively explore every possible path to recovering full and fair financial compensation. 

Get Help From a Golf Cart Accident Attorney in West Palm Beach

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach golf cart accident lawyers are committed to helping clients maximize their financial recovery. If you or someone you know was injured in a golf cart accident, we are prepared to help. Call us now for a free review of your case. We handle golf cart accident cases throughout South Florida, including in West Palm Beach, Miami, Port St. Lucie, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton.

Resource:

news4jax.com/news/local/2020/06/17/3-teens-injured-in-nocatee-golf-cart-crash/