What if I was hit by a golf cart or LSV?

Golf carts and low-speed vehicles are common transportation in a number of communities here, and the crashes are more serious than people expect given the speeds.

Insurance is the problem. Low-speed vehicles have registration and insurance requirements; ordinary golf carts operated on approved roads may not carry meaningful liability coverage. Homeowners policies sometimes provide limited coverage, and sometimes exclude it.

Potential defendants. The operator. The owner, under Florida's dangerous instrumentality doctrine, which reaches motor vehicles broadly. A community association or golf course, where it owned the cart or where its policies contributed. A rental operation.

Where community rules matter. Many associations regulate cart operation — age limits, road restrictions, occupancy. Violations bear on negligence.

Your own coverage. Whether your PIP or uninsured motorist coverage applies depends on how the cart is classified, which is worth checking rather than assuming.

Common factors: unlicensed young operators, overloading, alcohol, and operation after dark without lights.