Golf Cart Accidents in Myrtle Beach: Who Is Liable?

Golf carts are part of everyday life along the Grand Strand. Residents use them to get around neighborhoods. Visitors rent them to cruise to the beach. But golf carts have no doors, few safety features and little protection in a crash. When a golf cart collides with a car, or a passenger is thrown from a cart, the injuries can be serious.

If you were hurt in a golf cart accident in Myrtle Beach, one of the first questions is who is responsible. The answer depends on how the crash happened, who was driving and whether anyone broke South Carolina’s golf cart rules.

South Carolina’s Golf Cart Rules

South Carolina allows golf carts on some public roads, but only under certain conditions. In general, under state law:

The cart must have a permit decal and registration from the SC Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).
The owner must carry liability insurance, and the driver must keep proof of insurance on hand.
The driver must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
Carts may only use secondary roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.
Carts must stay within four miles of the address on the registration (or a gated community’s entrance).
Golf carts may only be driven during daylight hours.

The City of Myrtle Beach also reminds drivers that golf carts are not allowed on primary roads such as Kings Highway. Local rules can vary, so it’s always smart to check the rules for the area where you’re driving.

These rules matter after a crash. If a driver broke one of them, that may be used as evidence of negligence.

Who Could Be Liable for a Golf Cart Accident?

More than one party may share responsibility for a golf cart accident. Depending on the facts, liable parties may include:

The driver of a car or truck. Many serious golf cart injuries happen when a car hits a cart. A driver who was speeding, distracted or failed to yield may be responsible for your injuries.

The golf cart driver. If you were a passenger, the person driving the cart may be at fault for things like reckless turns, speeding or driving after drinking. Passengers are often family members or friends. In many cases, the claim goes through insurance rather than against the person directly.

A rental company. Golf cart rentals are common in Myrtle Beach. A rental company may be liable if it rented out a cart with bad brakes, worn tires or other known problems. It may also be liable if it rented a cart to someone who wasn’t legally allowed to drive it.

A property owner or resort. A crash caused by unsafe paths, poor lighting or hidden hazards on private property may involve a premises liability claim.

A manufacturer. If a defect such as faulty brakes, steering or seat restraints caused or worsened the crash, the cart’s manufacturer may share responsibility.

How Fault Affects Your Claim

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were partly at fault, as long as your share of fault isn’t greater than the other party’s. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, insurance companies may argue that you weren’t wearing a seat belt, were riding in an unsafe position or were driving outside the legal area. These arguments are used to reduce what you receive. An experienced attorney can push back and help make sure fault is assigned fairly.

Insurance After a Golf Cart Accident

Insurance in golf cart cases can be confusing. Depending on what happened, coverage may come from:

The at-fault car driver’s auto policy
The golf cart owner’s liability policy
A rental company’s insurance
Your own auto policy, including uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
A homeowner’s or business policy

Each policy has its own terms and limits. It’s important to identify every possible source of coverage early.

Common Golf Cart Accident Injuries

Because golf carts offer so little protection, injuries are often more severe than people expect. These may include:

Head and brain injuries
Spinal cord and back injuries
Broken bones
Road rash and lacerations
Injuries from being thrown from the cart

You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. Learn more in our post on what compensation you can recover after a South Carolina car accident.

What to Do After a Golf Cart Accident

To protect your health and your claim:

Call 911 and get medical care, even if you feel okay.
Take photos of the scene, the cart, any vehicles and your injuries.
Get names and contact details for drivers and witnesses.
If the cart was rented, keep your rental agreement and receipts.
Avoid giving recorded statements to an insurance company before you get legal advice.
Talk to an injury attorney as soon as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim if I was a passenger in a golf cart?
Yes. Passengers may be able to bring claims against the cart driver, another driver or other responsible parties, depending on what caused the crash.

What if the golf cart was being driven illegally?
If a driver broke South Carolina’s golf cart rules, such as driving at night or on a road above 35 mph, that may be used as evidence of fault. It can affect how liability is decided.

How long do I have to file a golf cart injury claim in South Carolina?
In many cases, South Carolina allows three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. But exceptions exist, and waiting can hurt your case. Talk with an attorney as soon as you can.

Talk to a Myrtle Beach Golf Cart Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one was hurt in a golf cart accident, Beach Injury Lawyers, LLC can help. Attorneys Will Parker and Greg Sloan help injury victims across Horry, Georgetown, Marion, Dillon and Florence counties. Call 843-396-3111 or contact us online to talk about your case.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, so please speak with an attorney about your specific situation.

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