Man Killed After Pickup Truck Rear-Ends Golf Cart on SR-A1A in Brevard County

A tragic crash on State Road A1A Monday night left a 68-year-old Floridana Beach man dead after the golf cart he was driving was struck from behind by a pickup truck driven by a 16-year-old boy.

The fatal collision occurred around 9:30 p.m. near Normandy Place, south of Melbourne Beach, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Authorities reported that the victim was driving his golf cart southbound on SR-A1A when a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 16-year-old Melbourne Beach resident, approached from behind.

A witness told investigators that the golf cart did not have active lights at the time of the crash, which may have made it difficult for the pickup truck driver to see it in the dark. The Silverado struck the back of the golf cart, causing it to overturn.

The 68-year-old man was ejected from the cart and pronounced dead at the scene. The teenage driver was uninjured.

FHP has not announced whether charges will be filed, and the crash remains under investigation. Key factors such as visibility, lighting, and speed will likely play a role in determining liability.

Golf carts are increasingly used not only on golf courses but also in residential neighborhoods, retirement communities, and even on public roads in Florida. However, they lack the safety features of passenger vehicles, such as airbags, seatbelts, and crash-resistant frames, leaving occupants vulnerable in collisions.

Florida law permits golf carts on certain roadways, but drivers must comply with state and local regulations, including lighting requirements when operating at night (Fla. Stat. § 316.212). Operating without proper lights significantly increases the risk of rear-end crashes like this one.

Potential Legal Implications

The question of liability in this crash will depend on the outcome of the investigation. Several scenarios may create potential claims:

• Negligence by the Pickup Driver: If the teen driver was distracted, speeding, or following too closely, he (and his parents, under Florida’s parental liability laws) could be held responsible for the fatal collision.
• Golf Cart Safety Compliance: If the golf cart was operated without legally required lighting, that factor could reduce recovery through comparative negligence rules in Florida. Under Fla. Stat. § 768.81, a jury may assign percentages of fault between parties.
• Wrongful Death Claims: The victim’s surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Fla. Stat. § 768.16–768.26). Potential damages include funeral expenses, loss of support and companionship, and mental pain and suffering.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have represented families throughout Florida dealing with the devastating aftermath of fatal accidents. We know that when golf carts, motorcycles, or other smaller vehicles are struck by larger passenger cars or trucks, the consequences are almost always catastrophic.

Our legal team investigates every aspect of these crashes, including compliance with traffic laws, roadway conditions, and the actions of all drivers involved, to pursue justice and accountability for grieving families.

If your family has lost a loved one in a golf cart or motor vehicle crash, contact us for a free consultation. We are here to explain your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.