At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our golf cart injury cases often uncover negligence that could have been prevented. We’ve represented clients whose injuries occurred due to lack of supervision, defective equipment, or unqualified drivers operating carts on uneven terrain. If your life changed because of a preventable golf cart crash, an Indianapolis personal injury attorney from our firm can help investigate fault and fight for full compensation.

Speak With an Indianapolis Golf Cart Accident Lawyer Today

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we’ve spent over 40 years helping injured Hoosiers get justice after preventable accidents. Our firm combines legal experience with hands-on investigation and direct attorney involvement in every case. You won’t be handed off to a case manager or junior associate.

Schedule a free case review with our team to discuss your options. We’ll evaluate the facts, preserve evidence, and advocate for your full recovery—so you can focus on healing.

Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500

Who Can Be Liable for a Golf Cart Accident?

Golf carts are common on golf courses, private property, and even neighborhood streets throughout Indiana—but they’re not toys. When operated recklessly or allowed in unsafe environments, they can cause severe injuries or death. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 13,000 people are injured in golf cart-related accidents each year, with one-third of incidents involving children under 16.

But in all cases, golf cart accidents require close legal analysis, because liability isn’t always obvious. It could involve a careless driver, a company that failed to maintain safe premises, or even the manufacturer of a defective part.

Our team at CFLB can identify all parties who may be responsible in your claim, including:

  • Negligent drivers: If another driver hits your cart while speeding, driving under the influence, or operating a golf cart without training or proper age, they may be fully liable.
  • Property owners: Private course owners, clubs, or facilities that fail to enforce safety policies, allow underage use, or maintain dangerous paths may be responsible for injuries under premises liability law.
  • Employers: In work-related settings, such as resort staff or maintenance crews, employers may be held accountable for unsafe operation by their employees.
  • Manufacturers or rental companies: Golf cart injuries caused by failed brakes, faulty steering, or worn tires may point to defective product claims or negligent maintenance.
  • Third-party motorists: On streets where golf carts share roads with other vehicles, a negligent car or truck driver may cause the crash—especially if they ignore traffic rules or visibility concerns.

We investigate not only what happened, but who created the conditions that made the crash possible. Because more than one party may be at fault, we pursue all potential sources of liability to maximize your recovery.

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What Are Common Injuries in Golf Cart Crashes?

Unlike cars, golf carts often lack doors, seatbelts, and other crash protections—so even a low-speed impact can eject passengers or cause the cart to tip over. At our firm, we’ve represented clients suffering from:

  • Traumatic brain injuries from being thrown out of a moving cart or struck during a collision
  • Spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs and permanent paralysis
  • Broken bones from rollovers or falls onto concrete or uneven terrain
  • Severe lacerations and internal injuries caused by debris or structural failures
  • Burn injuries, particularly in crashes involving faulty batteries or engine fires
  • Fatal injuries in cases where carts were driven on public roads without proper protection

Some injuries may appear minor at first but develop into serious, long-term conditions. Our legal team connects clients with top medical experts to document the full extent of the injury and the treatment it will require.

Attorney Lee C. Christie notes: “Golf carts are not treated seriously enough—by businesses, by drivers, and sometimes even by insurers. I’ve handled cases where children were allowed to drive unsupervised or where carts malfunctioned because nobody checked the brakes in years. Our job is to show that these weren’t ‘accidents’—they were preventable incidents caused by negligence.”

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Compensation for Golf Cart Accident Victims

The cost of a golf cart injury extends far beyond the emergency room. We’ve seen clients suffer from chronic pain, loss of mobility, and permanent lifestyle changes after being thrown from a cart or struck while riding. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our golf cart accident lawyers help victims pursue the full scope of damages, which may include:

  • Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, therapy, and long-term care
  • Lost income and future earning capacity: Especially when injuries require extended recovery or cause permanent disability
  • Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional effects, including trauma and loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement or scarring: Particularly in rollover or burn-related incidents
  • Wrongful death damages: In fatal cases, families may seek compensation for funeral costs, lost companionship, and future income

Our firm has secured seven-figure settlements in cases involving unsafe property conditions and vehicle negligence. We’re ready to represent your case with the same dedication and commitment that defines our practice.

How Our Golf Cart Accident Attorneys Can Help

We know what questions to ask and what evidence to preserve. From consulting biomechanical experts to investigating local ordinances, our team builds a case that clearly shows how the accident happened and who should be held accountable.

If you were injured while riding or hit by a golf cart in a complex like a golf course, resort, or assisted living facility, we encourage you to explore your options now.

Schedule a free consultation to understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t delay—contact us today to protect your future.

FAQs About Golf Cart Accidents in Indianapolis

Can I file a claim if I was hit by a golf cart on a public road in Indiana?

Yes. Indiana law treats golf carts as motor vehicles when they operate on public roads, which means standard rules of negligence and traffic laws apply. If a golf cart operator caused your injuries through reckless driving, speeding, or impaired operation, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim.

Are golf carts street-legal in Indianapolis?

In Marion County, golf carts are generally not allowed on public roads unless authorized by local ordinance. Some nearby towns may allow them on certain roads under Indiana Code § 9-21-1-3.3, but they must meet specific requirements like lighting and signage. Operating outside these rules could affect liability in a crash.

Who can be held responsible in a golf cart crash?

Liability may fall on the driver, the golf course, or private property owner (for negligent maintenance or unsafe terrain), or a third-party driver who contributed to the collision. In some cases, parents may be liable for injuries caused by a minor operating the cart.

Does auto insurance cover golf cart accidents?

Not always. Standard car insurance typically doesn’t extend to golf cart use unless it’s specifically added to the policy. However, homeowner’s or recreational vehicle policies may provide coverage. Our attorneys can help identify all available insurance options based on your situation.

What’s the time limit to file a golf cart injury claim in Indiana?

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim under Indiana law. If your claim involves a city-owned cart or public property, you may face a shorter notice deadline under the Indiana Tort Claims Act. Contacting a lawyer at CFLB quickly will help you preserve your rights.

Do golf cart crashes often result in serious injuries?

Yes. Although they operate at slower speeds, golf carts lack the protective features of cars. Victims may suffer head injuries, spinal trauma, broken bones, or internal bleeding—especially if ejected from the cart. In past cases, we’ve represented clients facing permanent disability after being thrown from poorly maintained golf carts.