By Alex Stalvey
In April 2025, former NFL quarterback John Elway was involved in a tragic and unexpected accident while riding in a golf cart with his longtime friend and agent, Jeff Sperbeck, in California.
Sperbeck fell from the moving cart, suffered traumatic brain injuries, and passed away days later. The incident shocked many and served as a sobering reminder. While it may seem rare or even freakish, catastrophic golf cart accidents do happen, even to experienced adults in controlled environments.
Golf carts may seem harmless, but they’re required to follow the same traffic laws as regular vehicles. The problem? They don’t offer the same safety features. That’s why golf cart accidents often result in more serious injuries.
South Carolina has taken notice and passed updated laws and regulations. Here’s what operators and riders need to know.
Golf Cart Laws in South Carolina
It is important to understand the state laws, as they stand today:
Registration & Insurance
- All golf carts must be registered with the SCDMV.
- Owners must provide proof of ownership and liability insurance.
- A $5 permit is required and must be renewed every five years or after a change of address.
Operator Requirements
- Must be 16 years old or older.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Must carry the registration certificate, insurance, and license while operating the cart.
Safety Measures
- Children under 12 must wear seat belts on public roads.
- Carts operated at night (only if permitted locally) must have headlights and taillights.
Where You Can Drive
- Only on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
- Must stay within four miles of the registered address or gated community entrance.
- Daylight driving is allowed only unless your city or HOA specifically permits nighttime use.
Rising Injury Rates
I hate saying it, but it’s worth sharing: the number of golf cart accidents is rising. Along with the rising frequency of golf cart crashes, the number of golf-cart-related injuries has increased significantly over the past couple of decades. These statistics tell the story:
- In 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that golf cart accidents resulted in more than 26,000 emergency room visits across the U.S. This marks a 73 percent increase compared to 2014 figures.
- Statistics from a Journal of Safety Research study show that golf cart accidents cause over 15,000 injuries and 600 deaths annually in the U.S.
- That same study showed that more than 30 percent of golf cart-related injuries involved children under the age of 16. According to a study from the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, children sustain a disproportionate number of injuries at 37 percent overall.
- Another report from Surgical Neurology International shows that approximately two-thirds of golf cart-related hospitalizations are secondary to head or neck injuries, and brain injuries are more prominent among children.
The Role of Alcohol in Golf Cart Accidents
Golf carts may seem like low-risk vehicles, but when alcohol is involved, the danger escalates quickly. Despite this, many people still assume it’s safe to drive a golf cart after drinking.
A golf cart is legally a motorized vehicle. That means if you drive one while impaired, you can face the same criminal charges as someone driving a car under the influence. Many people mistakenly believe it’s “harmless” to have a drink and drive a golf cart. In South Carolina, DUI laws apply to golf carts. Operating a golf cart under the influence can lead to criminal charges, and license suspension.
In fact, golf cart operators may face greater civil liability because they are less safe than other vehicles. They lack basic protections like airbags, doors, and seat belts. Woen reckless or impaired driving leads to serious injury or death, the legal consequences can be severe.
If you were injured by someone who was drinking—even if you were just a passenger—you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses related to permanent injuries
- Loss of Earning Capacity Due to a Permanent Injury
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
What If You’re Not the Owner But You’re Injured?
Those liable are often surprised when these accidents play out in the courtroom. These are complex situations, and unfortunately, they usually involve friends and family, compounding an already stressful situation. But to the points above, these accidents often require significant medical attention, and those liable for the accident are often responsible for covering these costs.
If you were injured while riding in or struck by a golf cart—and you’re not the owner—you have options:
- Injury Claim Against the Driver or Owner. If another person’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care
- Homeowner’s or Auto Insurance. If the accident occurs on private property, the owner’s homeowners’ insurance may apply. Some golf carts are covered under specialized golf cart or recreational vehicle insurance.
- Premises Liability. If poor lighting, lack of signage, or unsafe conditions contributed to the crash on a golf course, HOA property, or resort, you may have a premises liability claim.
- Product Liability. Mechanical failure, like brake or steering malfunctions? You could have a product liability case against the manufacturer or service provider.
- Workers’ Compensation. Using a golf cart at work (stadium, university, construction site, etc.) may qualify for workers’ compensation, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Final Thoughts: When Fun Turns Tragic, You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone
Golf cart accidents don’t typically happen during the daily grind. They occur during the good moments, on the way to the beach, heading home from a neighbor’s cookout, riding with your kids down Main Street. That makes them especially devastating: they interrupt joy, turning carefree moments into ones marked by confusion, injury, and regret.
And when children are involved, or alcohol is a factor, the legal issues get even more complex.
Who’s at fault? What insurance applies? What happens next?
These are difficult, often emotional situations. As a personal injury attorney, I’ve helped families work through cases with care, discretion, and determination. My job is to help you make sense of your options, protect your rights, and pursue the support you need to move forward.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a golf cart accident, contact us for a free consultation. You’ll get honest answers and a plan that prioritizes your future well-being.
