What to Consider if a Golf Ball Strikes Your Car and Causes an Accident

On sunny warm days in the summer months, many men and women enjoy playing the quaint game of golf across the courses of Delaware. While it might not be the most physically-demanding of activities, golf certainly does offer an escape from urban life and allows you to have some quiet fun with friends or co-workers. Nevertheless, despite being one of the most laid-back sports on the planet, golf is not without its problems, as many unsuspecting drivers have discovered over the years. In the blink of an eye, a golf ball can slam into your windshield, blinding your sight of the road, and trigger a severe accident. The only question is: what can you do if your car accident was caused by a rogue golf ball?

FACTS ABOUT “GOLFER’S LIABILITY”

On the surface, golf appears to be the most relaxed of outdoor sports, but the fact of the matter is that injuries can still take place. Both the golfers and people venturing across the courses or nearby roadways are put at risk of flying golf balls (or clubs, in some cases). In many court cases, golfers have been held responsible for inflicting damage on cars or causing accidents of some sort.

Here is a closer look at the varieties of “golfer liability,” as outlined by the Construction Management Association of America:

• Golfer to golfer: Being held liable to injuries inflicted on a fellow golfer
• Golfer to property owner: Being held liable for inflicting injuries on people who own property next to the golf course
• Golfer to driver (or pedestrian): Being held liable for inflicting injuries or damage and/or causing accidents after the ball strikes a driver or a pedestrian

GATHERING EVIDENCE TO PROVE YOUR CASE

First and more importantly, you must understand that a rogue golf ball is not always a factor for negligence. Given the nature of the game, hitting balls can be extremely difficult, and foul shots are more frequent than you might realize. However, if, for example, a golf course has not been constructed to meet regulations, a person may have grounds for filing a lawsuit.

As with any car accident, you must gather as much evidence regarding your crash as possible. Taking video and photo evidence of the scene is a major necessity, and you must immediately report the incident. Identifying the responsible golfer may be difficult unless the guilty party comes forward.

A POINT ABOUT THE DELAWARE PIP LAW

All residents of Delaware who operate motor vehicles are protected by the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Law. If any of these men or women are involved in an accident, they must submit required paperwork before the two-year statute of limitations has expired and must also supply evidence of their injuries and vehicle damage.

YOUR LEGAL SOLUTION

Operating a car and playing golf share similarities: both can be extremely fun, particularly on sunny days, and both can also inflict a tremendous amount of damage if the parties involved are not careful. As men and women enjoy golf outings on warm days in New York City, drivers precariously navigate the roadways that wind around these expansive fields of grass and sand. In the end, you might not be able to prevent the inevitable strike of a golf ball against your windshield and an ensuing accident, but you can put up a strong fight to compensate for the damages.

Our team of professional lawyers at Edelstein, Martin, & Nelson, are passionate about our practice and are fully knowledgeable in the laws, rules, and statutes surrounding unfortunate motor vehicle accidents throughout the State of Delaware. We can guarantee you will receive the justice you deserve. For legal advice and more information about our services, contact our office today at 800-300-0909.