Why Do Golf Cart Rollover Accidents Occur?

There are many ways a golf cart accident can happen — a golf cart can collide with an inanimate object, with another golf cart, or roll over. Of these types of accidents, a rollover can be the most damaging. Here’s why golf cart rollover accidents occur, what you can do to prevent them, and what to do if you or a loved one were hurt in an accident.

Golf Carts Are Unstable

Golf carts aren’t built to withstand collisions. They don’t go very fast, so many people — even their manufacturers — don’t consider what can happen when an accident occurs. Often, golf carts are built without good balance and don’t have enough stability to keep them grounded if they collide into something or are driven over rough terrain. Because of the way a golf cart is built, even a “fender bender” with a stationary object or another golf cart can send a golf cart tumbling top over bottom. If a golf cart hits a patch of rough terrain, the diver may lose control over the cart and a rollover may occur.

How to Prevent Rollovers & Rollover Injuries

When driving a golf cart, stay on smooth terrain as much as possible. If your golf cart seems to be having a difficult time handling the terrain you’re driving it on, stop and move to smoother terrain as quickly as possible. If you do lose control over the cart, try not to overcompensate or jerk the wheel to get the cart back on track. Instead, try to gently guide the cart back to where it should be. Always wear your seatbelt, even if you’re not going very fast. If a rollover happens, a seat belt can keep you from being ejected from the cart, which significantly reduces the chances of critical or fatal injuries.

What to Do if You or a Loved One Were Injured in a Golf Cart Accident

If you or a family member were hurt in a golf cart accident, don’t hesitate to get legal help. The accident may not have been your fault. It may have been due to the negligence of another driver, or there may have been a manufacturing defect with the cart that caused loss of control. Your accident needs to be thoroughly investigated to determine where the fault lies and if you are owed compensation for damages.

Contact an experienced golf cart attorney today for a consultation by calling (800) 253-2531.