After a golf cart accident in Florida, call 911 to get the medical care you need. Focus on your safety by moving out of the way of additional harm and document the accident as thoroughly as you can. It is important to report the accident to authorities and, in some cases, file a claim for your losses.
If you are able to do so, and only after you call for medical care, take photos of the accident scene. Capture damage to the golf cart and any other vehicle involved. Take photos of your injuries as well as any debris in the area. Make sure to take a video of the surrounding area showing how the accident took place and where.
Get the Contact Information of All Involved
Treat this as you would any other auto accident in St. Petersburg. Request the name and contact information from the other driver. You’ll also want to obtain the names and contact information of anyone involved, such as passengers or witnesses who stopped to help. These details can be critical in building your claim later.
Avoid making any statements that could be considered admitting fault, such as apologizing. Instead, pay close attention to what others say and document that information.
Get Medical Care as Soon as Possible
After an accident that causes injury, go to the emergency room to get the medical care you need. Do not delay this process. If it was a serious accident and you have no injuries, it’s still wise to visit the hospital for a checkup. These are accidents that can cause brain injuries such as concussions, neck and shoulder injuries, including whiplash, and unseen internal injuries. Getting care protects your rights.
Document all of the losses and costs you have from this point on. That includes any damage to your property, missed time at work, and out-of-pocket costs you have. Keep a digital or print journal of these losses.
Seek Out an Attorney
After focusing on your health and well-being, turn to a local attorney to provide you with guidance in filing a claim. Your lawyer will handle most of the steps involved, including:
Determining who is at fault and then contacting that party’s insurance company to alert them of the accident
Building a claim to document all of the losses you have clearly, and then negotiating the claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company
Seeking legal action in a court of law to recover serious losses if the other party’s insurance does not provide fair compensation, with most injuries having two years to seek a lawsuit when necessary
An investigation after an accident like this could be necessary. That may involve gathering evidence of fault, including videos or photos of the scene, and speaking to an accident reconstruction specialist.
Your golf cart accident lawyer in Florida can provide a free consultation to you. That will give you insight into your options and the potential value of your claim. Do not settle without first speaking to an attorney to determine what your losses should be in an accident like this.
