Accidents Involving Golf Carts in Summerlin

Summerlin, NV, is a growing and active community. Residents and visitors enjoy the lifestyle all year round. Golf carts are legal to drive in some of the communities that are approved by local government. Road use will depend on this authorization. Roads are usually limited to lower speeds.

It is the responsibility of the owner to know where carts are allowed and not allowed.

There have been serious incidents where pedestrians have been struck in Summerlin. Accidents and injuries with other vehicles are also increasing with golf cart ownership.

If you were injured in a golf cart accident, you will need an attorney that understands these types of cases. Call the Law Offices of Richard Harris today for your free evaluation.

Summerlin Golf Cart Activity

Golf cart usage is highest in and around the country club and golfing communities of Summerlin.

TPC Summerlin
TPC Las Vegas
Eagle Crest
Highlands
The Ridges
Sun City Summerlin

Summerlin is mostly made up of gated communities and private roads. It also has HOA-managed golf courses. Golf cart accidents do occur more than is reported. These accidents can have devastating consequences like any other type. When there are pedestrians involved, injuries can be severe.

5 FAQs About Golf Cart Accidents

What are the most common types of golf cart accidents?

Golf cart accidents in Summerlin are often low-speed incidents compared to other types of crashes. That does not mean that injury can’t occur. Golf carts can accelerate surprisingly quick. Some of the common types are cart-to-cart bumping, sideswipes on shared pedestrian cart paths, and collisions in golf-course parking lots.

Where do golf cart accidents commonly occur in Summerlin?

There are high-risk areas where these accidents occur more than others. Sun City Summerlin has many shared paths, and risk is high. Eagle Crest has blind corners where accidents are common. Highland Falls Golf Club has steep slopes which contribute to crashes. Each of these locations has its own set of challenges. Collision risk tends to be higher because of it.

Can you drive a golf cart on a public road in Summerlin?

The answer to this question is generally, no. Most villages in Summerlin have restricted golf carts on public roads. They are usually found traveling on HOA-approved private roads. Community centers with designated access for carts and golf course paths are also common areas in Summerlin. There would most likely be many more accidents if they were sharing the public roads.

What Are Some Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of golf cart accidents are often inexperience. Golf cart paths can be steep with blind corners that can make things difficult. Improper braking on slopes has been the cause of many accidents. Distracted driving and DUI are often cited as the cause of the crash.

How do Summerlin communities try to reduce golf cart accidents?

HOAs will enforce all kinds of rules. Speed limits are typically around 10-15 mph. Lights will be required after dusk. There are age minimums for drivers. Rules on the pathway will help to make for safer travel. These are just some of the ways that help to reduce accidents.

Richard Harris Can Help After a Summerlin Golf Cart Accident

Summerlin golf cart accidents can be more complicated than a regular car accident. The Law Offices of Richard Harris understand these types of cases. These claims involve injuries that often involve private property and unclear liability issues.

We will make sure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation that you justly deserve. Here is a deeper look into the ways that we can help.

Determine Liability: Most golf cart accidents in Summerlin occur on private property. HOA-managed streets, golf course paths, community centers, and private residential drives are some of the most common places. Because of the private property issue, these incidents can have complex liability questions. Our attorneys will investigate the accident and determine who is responsible. This can be one person or multiple parties involved. Liability may fall on the cart driver, HOA, golf course, cart owner, or maintenance company. If there was an event, then organizers may have some liability.
Deal with Insurance Complications: Golf cart insurance coverage can be multifaceted. Some are covered under homeowners’ insurance, and others may be under an auto policy. There is special cart insurance and golf course policies. After an accident, there will be many factors that will need to be figured out. We understand how to put the evidence together and hold the responsible person or parties liable.
Medical Documentation: Golf cart accidents have all types of injuries. These will include knee, shoulder, and wrist trauma. Head injuries can occur from sudden stops and rollover accidents. Back injuries can happen from side impacts and many more. We will keep track of all the medical records and documentation. This will help to build your case. Proof will be needed in order to receive compensation.
Deal with HOAs and Course Management: Richard Harris will deal directly with these entities so you don’t have to. Summerlin HOAs and golf courses have their own rules and regulations. We will make sure that your incident is properly handled. We will look at golf course liability, HOA incident reports, and get witness statements to verify your claim. Security camera footage may be difficult to get on your own. We know how to acquire the footage if necessary. We are well aware of the regulations in neighborhoods like TPC adjacent, Sun City, and The Ridges.
Recover Compensation: Golf cart injuries can be serious. Our lawyers will pursue all medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Some injuries can have long term effects. There may be therapy and rehabilitation needed after an accident. Property like phones, glasses, and other personal items may be damaged. We will seek to get you the maximum compensation for the damages.

Contact the Richard Harris Law Firm immediately after a Summerlin golf cart injury accident. Evidence tends to disappear quickly.

It will be vital to get witness statements, cart inspection photos, and surveillance footage as soon as possible. We are available 24/7. You can reach us by phone, email, or in person.

Batas ng mga Limitasyon sa Nevada

The Nevada statute of limitations on most personal injury claims is 2 years from the time of the injury. It is important for your case to not wait past the allotted time. If you don’t file a claim on time, your case will be dismissed, and you will be unable to receive any compensation.

When Injuries Are Minor at First: Sometimes golf cart injuries may not appear for days later. This is why if you were in an accident, you should seek medical attention. After an accident, get a full medical evaluation. This will protect your case if the injury worsens. Insurance companies will try to look for any advantage not to pay out a claim.

The golf cart was owned by a neighbor: Our lawyers are experts in third-party ownership cases. This often involves guest driver liability and homeowners’ insurance. Negligent entrustment and golf cart owner liability will need to be explored in these types of claims.

Nevada Laws As They Apply to Summerlin Golf Carts

Summerlin has specific laws when it comes to golf carts. Summerlin does not authorize golf carts on city streets. Carts must stay on paths, HOA-managed roads, and community center access roads. Nevada defines a golf cart as a vehicle designed to stay under 20 mph.

It is supposed to be used for golf course use and community transportation. Golf cart operation in Summerlin is a blend of state law, HOA regulation, and golf course policy.

DUI Laws: The state of Nevada DUI laws apply to golf carts or any other motorized vehicle. The HOA or golf course property does not exempt anyone from the enforcement of DUI laws. You can be charged for a DUI in Summerlin if you are driving a golf cart drunk or impaired.
Lights Required at Dusk or Night: Lights are required at these times. This means headlights, tail lamps, and reflectors need to be working properly on the golf cart. Each specific community may have their own added restrictions concerning lighting requirements.
Golf Cart Insurance Coverage: This is where things can get complicated after an accident. Nevada does not require insurance for golf carts used on private property. In Summerlin, homeowners’ insurance in some instances covers accidents. Auto insurance regulations only apply if the cart is registered as a low-speed vehicle (LSV). The golf course may have specific policies that apply as well. It is important to know the insurance rules.
Nevada Requires Carts Maintained: Owners can be liable if their carts are not properly maintained. This means brakes, tires, and steering must be in good working condition. If an accident occurs due to an unsafe cart the owner can be held responsible for negligence.
Summerlin HOAs Can Enforce Stricter Rules: Summerlin HOAs have the legal right to apply their own stricter rules in neighborhoods and golf courses. Some Summerlin villages have a speed limit of 10-15 mph limits. They may require only licensed drivers can operate a cart. Pathway access parking and event day restrictions may apply in the community. It is important to know the laws specific to the community you are driving the in.

Common Types of Golf Cart Injuries

There are many types of cart injuries. Just because they do not travel at high speeds doesn’t mean injuries can’t be serious. The fact that there are no protective frames or doors can leave a driver and passenger exposed.

Because of this lack of safety, riders can be ejected from the cart, causing serious harm.

Here are some of the most common injuries.

Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and lacerations to the scalp are common. This often happens from falls, rollovers, and sudden stops that throw the head forward.
Back and Spine Injuries: This is caused by side impacts and abrupt stops. Being ejected from the cart can do serious damage to the spine.
Leg Injuries: This can include the knees and ankles. Riders can injure legs by getting ejected out of the cart or pinned underneath it. Sprains, twists, and breaks can occur with leg injuries.
Arm, Wrist and Shoulder Injuries: When a driver braces for impact, these injuries can occur. Wrist injuries will occur when holding on to the steering wheel and a collision occurs.
Cuts and Bruises: Most frequent and usually less severe. Abrasions on gravel can cause scarring. Lacerations need to be properly treated in order to avoid infection.

How to Prevent a Golf Cart Accident

Check the cart before riding: Rental carts are in frequent use. Make sure that the brakes, tires, lights, and other important systems are in good shape.
Avoid Sidewalks: Use the golf cart path instead. Even if you are allowed on the sidewalk, it is best to avoid it if possible. This will help to avoid a collision with a pedestrian.
Slow Down: Golf carts can be quick. Driving too fast is often a cause of crashes. Corners and quick turns at high speeds can cause a rollover situation. Ease off the pedal and drive safely. This will help you to avoid an accident.
Stay inside the cart: One of the best safety recommendations is to keep your body inside the cart. Hitting a limb on something outside the cart can do damage. One of the most common ways to get injured but can be avoided.
Lock the Brake: This happens all the time. A driver may be excited to get out of the cart and hit the brake only to find out it didn’t engage fully. A cart on a hill can begin to roll and this can be incredibly dangerous. A run-away cart can do serious harm. Make sure to double check in these situations, especially when on an inclined surface.

If you have been injured in a golf cart accident in Summerlin, immediately call the Law Offices of Richard Harris. We are waiting for your call!