Many people do not realize the number of fatalities caused by golf cart accidents; golf carts are seen as a mere leisure tool and are also thought to be harmless. In 2007, the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System conducted an analysis of golf cart related injuries from 1990-2006. The results showed an estimated 147,696 people being treated in the Emergency Department.
Former residents of Alaska, Ronald Burdick and his wife were determined to find a new home in Houston in order to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In May of 2015, the couple went in search of a new apartment at the Dolce Living apartment complex in Rosenberg, Texas. The leasing agent offered to show them a few model homes using the property’s golf cart. Mrs. Burdick sat in the front seat with the agent, while Mr. Burdick sat in the rear seat. The leasing agent then reversed the golf cart and began driving towards the property’s gates, when suddenly and without warning, made an unexpected sharp turn ejecting Mr. Burdick from the golf cart and onto the pavement. Mr. Burdick did not survive his injuries and died eight days later.
Most people think golf cart accidents are unavoidable casualties, but this is not the case. Industry standards should enforce stricter rules with one of them being a requirement for all golf carts to be equipped with seat belts and for all passengers and drivers to wear them before the golf cart can operate. Individual operators should also have a duty to drive safely and responsibly by avoiding sharp turns or alerting passengers ahead of time. If these rules were enforced, Mr. Burdick and thousands of others like him might still be alive.
Benny Agosto, Jr. is a partner at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston, Texas. For over 65 years, Abraham Watkins has successfully represented injured people and families who fall victim to catastrophes. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and resources necessary to obtain just compensation their clients. For more information, please contact the office of Benny Agosto, Jr. at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, by letter at 800 Commerce Street, Houston, Texas 77002, or by phone at (713) 222-7211.