76-Year-Old Woman Fatally Run Over by Golf Cart in Summerfield: Legal Options for Families

A tragic accident in Summerfield, Marion County has left a family grieving after a 76-year-old woman was run over and killed by a golf cart in a residential yard, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The fatal crash occurred around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday afternoon on SE 52nd Court, south of SE 145th Street, in Summerfield.

According to troopers, a 75-year-old Orange Springs woman was operating a golf cart in the backyard of a property when she accidentally drove over the victim, who was standing on the east side of a fence line in the yard.

The impact caused fatal injuries, and the 76-year-old Summerfield woman was pronounced dead. Authorities have not released further details about whether charges will be filed, and the crash remains under investigation.

While often associated with leisure and retirement communities, golf carts are increasingly involved in serious—and sometimes fatal—accidents across Florida. Because they are easy to operate and widely used in residential neighborhoods, golf courses, and senior living communities, golf carts are often treated casually.

However, golf carts pose unique dangers, especially for older adults:

• Lack of safety features: Most golf carts do not have seat belts, airbags, or reinforced protection.
• High rollover risk: They are lightweight and prone to tipping, especially on uneven terrain.
• Blind spots in residential yards: Operators may not see pedestrians when maneuvering around fences, trees, or landscaping.
• Shared spaces: Golf carts often mix with pedestrians, cyclists, and children in neighborhoods, creating collision risks.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), thousands of golf cart-related injuries occur annually, with Florida consistently ranking among the highest states for incidents.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Golf Cart Accident

The loss of a loved one in such a preventable accident may give rise to a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act. These claims allow surviving family members to pursue compensation for both economic and emotional losses.

Surviving spouses, children, and sometimes other relatives may recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses related to the final injury
• Loss of companionship, support, and guidance
• Mental pain and suffering of survivors

If the golf cart driver was careless—such as failing to look for pedestrians before moving—the family may have grounds for a negligence claim. Florida law requires individuals to operate all vehicles, including golf carts, with reasonable care under the circumstances.

If the accident occurred on private property, the property owner may also be investigated for potential liability. For example, if hazards on the property contributed to the crash, or if the driver was not authorized to operate the cart, liability could extend beyond just the operator.

Unlike cars, golf carts are not always covered by auto insurance policies. However, homeowner’s insurance or a specialized golf cart liability policy may provide coverage for accidents that occur on residential property. Identifying available coverage is crucial in ensuring families can recover compensation.

Golf cart accident claims are often more complex than they first appear. Families may face challenges such as:

• Determining whether insurance applies
• Investigating the circumstances of the crash (visibility, operator error, property hazards)
• Establishing wrongful death damages under Florida law
• Handling disputes if multiple parties are responsible

An experienced wrongful death attorney can help families navigate these issues, preserve evidence, and ensure accountability for negligent actions.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we understand the devastation families face after losing a loved one in a preventable accident. While no amount of compensation can undo the tragedy, pursuing justice can provide closure, financial support, and help prevent similar accidents in the future.

If your family has lost a loved one in a golf cart accident in Florida, call us at 305-638-4143 for a free and confidential consultation. Our attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to hold negligent parties accountable. We charge no fees unless we win compensation for your family.