Bonita Springs Golf Cart Accidents: Causes, Statistics & Legal Help

Bonita Springs Golf Cart Accident Attorneys – Know Your Rights

Golf carts are increasingly popular throughout Bonita Springs and the broader Southwest Florida region—from beachside neighborhoods to riverside communities and resort areas. But beneath their leisurely appearance lies potential danger. With rising accident rates in 2024–2025, it’s important to understand the causes, statistics, and legal options following a golf cart accident.

Why Golf Cart Accidents Happen in Bonita Springs & Southwest Florida

Golf cart accidents in Bonita Springs and throughout Southwest Florida are more common than many realize—and they’re rarely just “minor mishaps.” While golf carts may seem like a safe and leisurely way to travel, several risk factors contribute to serious injuries each year. 

From speeding and lack of safety equipment to distracted driving and poorly maintained roadways, the causes of these accidents are varied but often preventable. Below are some of the most common reasons golf cart crashes occur in this region, backed by recent data and firsthand observations from accident reports across Lee and Collier counties.

Speed & Misperception of Safety

Although speeds can reach up to 25 mph on modified carts, most stock carts travel 11–15 mph. Even at low speeds, sudden turns can eject passengers due to low stability and high center of gravity. Approximately 38.3 % of injuries are caused by falls or ejections while maneuvering.

Rollovers & Overloading

With a high center of gravity and lack of stability features, about 10 % of cart accidents involve rollovers—often with serious results. Overloading worsens handling and increases risk.

Lack of Safety Equipment

Golf carts typically lack seatbelts, doors, airbags, mirrors, and sufficient lighting. In many cases, no seatbelts are installed, making ejection far more likely.

Distracted Driving & Alcohol

Tourists and locals sometimes use carts while impaired or distracted. Police reports in Fort Myers note incidents involving cell‑phone use and alcohol contributing to accidents.

Roadway Hazards & Intersections

Many collisions occur on residential streets or intersections shared with cars—about 15 % of golf cart injuries happen on public roads, with 70 % at sports or golf facilities.

Southwest Florida Golf Cart Accident Statistics (2024–2025)

Golf cart accidents are more than just minor mishaps—they’re a growing public safety concern across Southwest Florida. With thousands of injuries occurring annually, and Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, and surrounding areas seeing consistent rises in emergency room visits, the risks are real and significant. 

The data from 2024–2025 reveals troubling trends: increasing injury rates, high hospitalization percentages, and a disproportionate impact on children and vulnerable passengers. Understanding these statistics helps illustrate the true scope of the issue and underscores why proactive safety measures and legal support are so crucial after a golf cart accident.

Regional Trends

• In Fort Myers alone, there were 72 documented golf cart incidents in 2023.
• Emergency rooms in the region handled around 13,000 golf cart‑related injuries annually.
• Nationally, golf cart injuries increased over 130 % since the 1990s.

Recent Age & Injury Data

• Children under 16 account for ~31–40 % of injuries.
• Soft tissue damage comprises about 47–48 % of golf cart injuries.
• Bone fractures around 22 %.
• Head/neck injuries represent 42 % of incidents, with skull fractures and intracranial damage common among those hospitalized.

Severity & Hospitalization Rates

• Nearly 48 % involved serious outcomes requiring hospitalization, permanent disability, or death.
• 27 % involved passenger ejection.
• Medical vigilance reinforced by 15,000+ annual ER visits due to golf cart injuries.

Steps to Take After a Golf Cart Accident in Bonita Springs

If you’ve been involved in a golf cart accident in Bonita Springs, the moments immediately following the incident can be overwhelming. However, taking the right steps can make a significant difference in protecting your health, preserving crucial evidence, and strengthening any future legal claim. Whether you’re a resident or visiting Southwest Florida, it’s important to know what actions to take to ensure your safety and safeguard your rights. 

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the aftermath of a golf cart accident with clarity and confidence:

1. Safety First – Move to a safe area, check for injuries.
2. Call 911 – Law enforcement and emergency personnel are crucial.
3. Photograph the Scene – Document cart damages, road conditions, signage.
4. Exchange Info – Get driver and witness contact details.
5. Preserve Evidence – Keep clothing, cart seat, and medical records.
6. Seek Medical Care – Even minor symptoms can indicate serious internal injuries.
7. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer – Especially one experienced in golf cart and vehicle accident cases.

Legal Options with Pittman Law Firm, P.L.

If you’ve been injured in a golf cart accident in Bonita Springs—or anywhere in Southwest Florida including Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Estero—Pittman Law Firm, P.L. is ready to help.

Why Choose Our Firm?

• Local Expertise: Offices in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs with deep roots across Southwest Florida counties.
• Specialized Practice: Strong record in golf cart, motor vehicle, premises liability, and personal injury claims.
• Comprehensive Representation: We serve injured clients throughout Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties.
• Client‑Focused Advocacy: Personalized service, regular updates, and no‑fee‑unless‑you‑win commitment.

Types of Claims We Handle

• Pitching water hazards, poorly maintained cart paths, intersections with negligence by municipalities or property owners.
• Injuries from ejection, rollovers, defective cart components, or collision with motor vehicles.
• Cases involving minors injured due to illegal underage operation or lack of adult supervision.

Take Action to Protect Your Rights

Golf cart accidents in Bonita Springs and across Southwest Florida have significant risk—especially given the frequency and severity of injuries reported between 2024–2025. Whether your accident resulted in soft tissue damage, broken bones, head trauma, or disability, early legal intervention can help preserve your rights and improve your chances for full compensation.

Contact Pittman Law Firm, P.L. for a free consultation. They serve injured clients across all Southwest Florida counties—Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Naples, Estero, Cape Coral, and beyond.