A Villages woman behind the wheel in a drunken golf cart accident that left two people injured will not be sent behind bars, for now.
The 61-year-old Village of Lake Denham resident was given a suspended prison sentence after being convicted on a charge of driving under the influence, according to Villages-News. She was also placed on a five-year probation, ordered to perform 50 hours of community service, and stripped of her driver’s license for six months.
The crash occurred in March 2024, when the woman overturned her Yamaha golf cart near the Colony Cottage Recreation Center. She “took a left-hand curve too fast,” according to a report by officers who responded on the scene.
Two Wisconsin residents traveling in the golf cart were injured in the accident and transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center. They reportedly are suing the driver for injuries sustained in the crash, as well as mental and emotional suffering and loss of income.
The golf cart driver was charged with DUI after performing poorly in field sobriety exercises, according to the police report. She submitted breath tests that showed her blood alcohol content was between 0.193% and 0.210%, more than twice the legal limit.
A judge could reinstate the suspended three-year-plus prison sentence for the driver if she does not comply with the terms of her probation. The woman reportedly sought treatment at an alcohol and drug facility last year.
Drunk Driving and Rollover Golf Cart Accidents
Getting behind the wheel of a golf cart or any other vehicle while intoxicated is a reckless move that can have life-changing consequences. It is also far too common in The Villages and across Florida.
A woman died in early March after being ejected from a golf cart in an alleged drunk driving crash on San Marino Drive. She reportedly was ejected from the vehicle when the driver swerved to avoid hitting a parked car.
Golf carts are particularly at risk of rolling over when accidents happen. These crashes often cause drivers and passengers to be ejected from their vehicles, especially those who are not wearing seatbelts. They can result in a wide range of serious and even fatal injuries.
Legal Rights for People Injured in Florida Golf Cart Crashes
Anyone who is injured in a golf cart accident in The Villages or across Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible.
The money damages typically available in golf cart collision cases include compensation for medical bills and property damage, as well as pain, suffering, and emotional distress. In the tragic event that a person dies in a golf cart accident, his or her loved ones can seek similar damages for wrongful death.
Speak With a Villages Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart car, truck, motorcycle or other accident, it is vital to seek the advice of an experienced lawyer. Villages injury attorney Tim Babiarz has been fighting for people and families across the community for more than two decades.
Our office is conveniently located in the Villages. We are also proud to represent clients throughout the area, including in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield and beyond. Call (352) 205-7559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Villages injury attorney.
