A Spokane law enforcement officer passed away while other individuals were harmed in a golf cart crash that occurred recently in Idaho's Bonner County. Officers report that the accident happened Friday evening on West Lakeshore Road in the Priest Lake area. The accident occurred when the driver lost control of his vehicle while traveling south and the cart rolled. At the time of the accident, five people were on the golf cart.

Later, a spokeswoman for the Spokane Police Department commented that two of the victims were officers of the police force. While one victim died at the scene, the other four were taken to a nearby hospital. 

Washington Golf Cart Laws

Washington state has laws that dictate how golf carts can be used. Some of the important details to understand about golf cart operation include the following:

• Cities or counties can create golf cart zones on streets or highways that have speed limits of at most 25 miles an hour
• Each person with authorization to operate a golf cart is granted all of the rights and duties that apply to motor vehicle drivers
• Each individual operating a golf cart must be at least 16 years old and have completed a driver's education course
• A person with a revoked license cannot operate a golf cart
• Golf carts must be equipped with adequate safety gear, including seat belts, reflectors, and rearview mirrors

Even when all of these safety precautions are met, golf cart accidents can occur. 

Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents

Some of the most common causes of golf cart accidents include the following:

• Deadly conditions on the road
• Golf carts with defective conditions
• Inexperienced drivers
• Driving with improper judgment
• Recklessly operating a golf cart
• Drivers below the age of 16
• Speeding
• Motorists who drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Who Can be Held Liable for Golf Cart Accidents

As is the case with all vehicular crashes in Spokane, any entity that either causes or contributes to a golf crash might be liable for damages ultimately incurred by a victim. If you were harmed by a golf cart operator, the responsible driver might end up accountable for damages incurred in the accident. If a golf cart was defective and failed to operate properly, the manufacturer might be held liable. Additionally, a golf cart driver might be held liable for injuries incurred by passengers in an accident.

Safety Precautions to Follow When Riding Golf Carts

Some of the important pieces of safety advice that individuals should follow to remain safe while riding on golf carts include the following:

• Establish safety protocol based on the size, weight, speed, and weather
• Always keep appendages inside the golf cart while moving
• Drivers and passengers should remain seated while the cart is moving
• Never reverse the golf cart while going downhill 

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation

Receiving compensation after an injury caused by a golf cart accident can be challenging. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an accident involving a golf cart or another utility vehicle, you might have the right to pursue compensation. Contact West Law Office today to schedule a free case evaluation.