Rear-End Crash Kills Lake Tahoe Golf Cart Driver

Golf Cart Driver Dies in Collision on Highway 28

The driver of a golf cart in Tahoe City traveling along westbound Highway 28 was struck in a rear-end crash by a motor vehicle and killed on July 26. The accident involved a Tahoe City Downtown Association golf cart near the exit for Grove Street close to the golf course, which was being driven by a man from Kings Beach, identified as in his 50s. The collision into the back of the golf cart caused the man to be ejected, which resulted in fatal injuries. 

Driver in Rear-End Crash Says They Didn’t See the Golf Cart

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) incident report, the vehicle traveling behind the golf cart was a Honda, and the driver reportedly did not notice it. The collision with the rear of the golf cart occurred at a speed that hasn’t been determined, according to the CHP. Although an investigation into the collision is ongoing, officials say that neither alcohol nor drugs appear to have factored into the fatal crash. 

Liability in a Rear-End Crash

Under California Vehicle Code section 21703 VC, drivers must keep a distance from those in front of them to avoid an accident if the front vehicle suddenly slows down or stops. Generally, a driver who is tailgating and causes a collision will be at fault. In addition, the negligent rear driver may have been drinking, distracted or acting recklessly, which can lead to an accident. 

Are Golf Carts Allowed on Public Roads?

In certain instances, they are. It isn’t unusual for someone in a golf cart to take a public road with a low-speed limit in areas around courses where they are playing. Low-speed vehicles in California, such as golf carts, are allowed on streets where the speed limit is 35 mph or lower. However, riders don’t fare well in an accident since golf carts are not equipped with seat belts.

Filing a Claim for Wrongful Death Following a Golf Cart Fatality

If the other party that struck the golf cart was responsible for the accident, they might be held financially liable if the family of the deceased chooses to file a wrongful death claim. An injury lawyer can investigate the rear-end crash to gather the evidence needed to support a claim for wrongful death. The recovery of damages won’t alleviate the family’s grief but can help them move forward without financial stress. Family members who may join together to file a wrongful death claim are:

  • The spouse or a putative spouse of the decedent
  • Any natural or adopted children as well as stepchildren that received at least half their support from the decedent

South Lake Tahoe Personal Injury Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a South Lake Tahoe personal injury lawyer. The death of a loved one is always tragic but even worse if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligent actions. If your family is interested in seeing whether they can file a wrongful death claim, you are welcome to call us for free and friendly advice from one of our injury lawyers at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach us online. A free virtual or in-person consultation can be scheduled to review your case and let you know about options to recover compensation.

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Photo attribution: Image by Robert Boyle from Pixabay 

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