Average Value of a Golf Cart Injury Case

We’re all familiar with the sight of a golf cart cruising through places like retirement communities and golf courses. Generally, golf carts remind you of carefree days in the sun, but they are no different than any other vehicle in their potential to cause harm. Golf cart crashes and accidents can be especially damaging, due to the way they’re designed. Unlike the average car, golf carts lack doors, bumpers, air bags, seat belts, and other mechanisms to keep passengers safe. Such factors inevitably result in serious injuries when someone decides to speed or drive recklessly in one of these vehicles.

If you’ve been injured from a golf cart accident, you have many questions you need answers to, including, “What is the average value of a golf cart accident case?”

There is no easy answer to this question, as each golf cart accident is unique. The number and types of injuries, the impact they have on your life, the other party’s degree of responsibility are just some of the elements that will affect what you can receive from a golf cart accident lawsuit. However, we can explain the methods we use at our law firm when we calculate a client’s settlement award. We will also provide examples of previous settlements that were recovered by golf cart injury victims.

We expect that you will have further questions based on what you read here, since the information we provide is for general purposes only. Contact Normandie Law Firm and speak to a golf cart accident injury lawyer.
Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements

How do I Calculate the Value of my Golf Cart Injury Case?

If you’re interested in figuring out the value of your settlement, there are plenty of online calculators on the internet. But these are not accurate reflections of what you can receive, as there are many factors that go into calculating a case value. Online calculators only offer basic compensation categories, which may not address the full range of losses from your accident. Furthermore, categories like pain and suffering and future medical expenses are difficult to figure out on your own. That’s why most of these calculators have disclosures advising you to confirm the figures with an attorney.

Frankly, it would be far more efficient to speak to a lawyer in the first place. They can determine all your current and future losses based on your injuries and personal circumstances. Some of these losses are unfamiliar to most clients, which is the number one reason many victims end up with inadequate settlements. To give you an idea of how we calculate a settlement award, here are two golf cart accident case samples:

Robert is a 40-year-old baggage handler who was struck by a baggage tug while he was inside a parked golf cart. He sustained several injuries, including a torn meniscus, which will require extensive physical therapy.

Medical expenses: $25,000

Future rehabilitation costs: $50,000

Total lost wages: $2,200 per month at 15 months = $33,000

Lifetime drug costs: $62,000

Pain and suffering: $200,000

Total approximate value of his case: $370,000

Carla is a home health aide who was riding in a golf cart that came to an abrupt stop. The cart spun around, which caused her to tear her rotator cuff. She receives surgery and is expected to heal from her injury after several months of physical therapy.

Medical costs: $11,000

Prescription drug costs: $2,500

Rehabilitation costs: $2,000

Loss of income: $2,250 per month at 6 months = $13,500

Pain and suffering: $100,000

Total approximate value of her case:$129,000

We want to stress that these are approximate values, which may not reflect what the client will ultimately receive. For example, a plaintiff may receive more if the case goes to trial, as a jury may award them additional compensation. If the defendant’s actions that led to the accident were especially outrageous or reckless, the jury can choose to punish the defendant by awarding punitive damages. There is no limit to the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in California, so it can significantly increase the value of a golf cart accident case.

However, most cases are settled without a trial, which is what we always aim for as personal injury lawyers. As long as the other side makes a fair offer, it’s best to resolve the case as soon as possible so that the client can move on with their life. Remember – it’s not the specific numbers that matter; it’s about the right amount of compensation for your specific losses. But if going to trial is necessary, you can be sure that our lawyers are ready to fight for you and the damages you deserve.

Golf Cart Accident Settlements and Verdicts

Since there is such a big range in golf cart injury case values, we thought it would be a good idea to show you some past verdicts and settlements from around the country. This way, you can get an idea of how these claims are being valued by insurance companies and juries.

• $60,000 for a Pennsylvania woman was injured when the driver of her golf cart made an abrupt right turn. The sudden turn caused her leg to fall out and get stuck between her vehicle and another golf cart. She suffered nerve damage, which is not expected to be permanent.

• $275,000 for a New Jersey woman who was struck by a golf cart while she was on a putting green. The injuries to her leg, ankle, and shoulder have taken away her ability to play golf and participate in other activities she previously enjoyed.

• $950,000 for an Ohio plaintiff, whose golf cart crashed into a tree. He sustained severe injuries to his ankle, which required multiple surgeries. The case went to trial, where the jury ruled that the golf cart operator was responsible for the accident. Additionally, the plaintiff’s lawyer successfully argued that the insurance company mishandled the injury claim, which resulted in further compensation.

• $1.7 million for a man who was severely injured in his left leg at an Orlando golf course. As the man stood next to his golf cart, a careless driver drove up behind him and pinned his left leg between the two golf carts. Due to the gruesome nature of his injury, the client suffered extreme pain and emotional trauma, which was a big factor in his settlement award.

While these real-life cases are helpful, your accident has its own set of economic and non-economic damages. If you’re ready to learn about the value of your own case from a golf cart injury lawyer, contact our law firm and schedule a free consultation.

How long does it take to get Paid on a Golf Cart Injury Claim?

Just as we’ve mentioned with case values, there is no set amount of time for how long it take to get paid on a golf cart accident claim. Generally, minor injury cases are settled within 3 to 6 months, as long as the insurance company is willing to negotiate. We’ve even had cases settle in just 30 days, though keep in mind that this is from the time we calculate your damages and send a demand letter to the insurance company.

However, if you have serious injuries, it can take up to several years before you are compensated by the other party. These claims are usually worth 6 to 7 figures, and when that amount of money is involved, most defendants will fight very hard to deny responsibility. A lawsuit is likely to be filed in these cases, which will significantly increase the amount of time it will take to settle a golf cart accident case.

Filing a lawsuit, by the way, doesn’t mean you will have to go to trial. Most golf cart injury claims are settled out of court through mediation. If you can’t agree on a compensation amount through mediation, then you can proceed with a trial and argue your case in front of a jury. However, each of these stages can take many months to get through, which is why it could be two or more years before a victim is compensated from a golf cart injury lawsuit.

Free Second Opinion

Do you have an active insurance claim or lawsuit, but you’re not happy with your lawyer’s service? Our attorneys can help you during a free second opinion consultation. One of our personal injury lawyers will evaluate your case and advise you on whether or not your claim is being handled properly. If you’re interested in changing lawyers, we will advise you of the terms of your contract so that you’re aware of the consequences. Then, we’ll take care of the entire process of transferring your case to our law firm.

However, the consultation is completely free even if you choose to stay with your current lawyer. We are here to advise you of your rights and legal options, but the final decision regarding your legal representative is completely up to you. If you’re ready to speak with one of our attorneys, contact our office and schedule a free second opinion.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation

Golf carts are fun and easy to drive, and unfortunately, that can make people careless when they operate one of these vehicles. Golf carts can also malfunction due to a problem with the manufacturer or lack of maintenance by the owner. Regardless of who is at fault, you are entitled to monetary compensation if your accident was due to someone else’s negligence. That being said, the road to compensation can be long and difficult, especially if you don’t have an experienced attorney by your side.

The golf cart accident lawyers of Normandie can protect your rights and bring you the monetary funds you deserve for your suffering. When we take on a client’s case, we are committed to it 100%, which is why we offer a Zero fee guarantee. Under this policy, you retain our services at no upfront cost, no matter how much work is needed on your case. We ask for our fees directly from the party you’re suing, so the only way we get paid is if you get paid. This way, you can rest assured that you will not be responsible for any legal fees unless we win your case.

To start taking action on an injury claim for a golf cart accident, call Normandie Law Firm and schedule a free case evaluation.

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