Chicago Go-Kart Accident Lawyer

Explore Your Legal Options After a Kart Accident With Personal Injury Lawyers

A go-kart accident lawyer is essential to help you pursue compensation for your injuries on these popular rides.

Chicago has a variety of go-kart tracks, such as Autobahn Country Club, K1 Speed, and Scene75 Entertainment Center. Unfortunately, go-kart statistics reveal this is also a very dangerous activity.

A 10-year study by the US Consumer Products Safety Commission found that there were about 10,500 go-kart-related injuries reported annually, but this may be an underestimation. Though go-karting is popular with all age groups, about 65% of all injuries are in children, making it even more important to seek compensation.

Our team can assist you with investigating the accident, determining liability, and negotiating with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. Contact us today for a free case review and explore your options.

Types of Go-Kart Accident Cases We Handle

Go-kart accidents can vary widely in nature and severity. At Rosenfeld Injury Law, our car accident lawyers in Chicago handle a broad range of cases to ensure all victims receive the legal counsel they deserve. Here are some of the common types of go-kart accident cases we handle:

• Collisions with Other Go-Karts: Accidents involving crashes between two or more go-karts on the track.
• Flip or Roll-over Accidents: Incidents where go-karts flip or roll over during operation.
• Crashes Involving Walls, Lane Dividers, or Other Obstacles: Accidents where go-karts crash into barriers, lane dividers, or various other obstacles on the track.

Causes of Go-Kart Accidents

Go-kart accidents are unfortunately common, especially as some drivers may be inexperienced or younger. Understanding the causes of go-kart accidents is crucial in establishing liability and pursuing compensation for injuries. Here are some of the most common causes of go-kart accidents:

• Driver Error: Inexperienced or reckless go-kart drivers can cause accidents by failing to follow track rules or losing control of the vehicle. Go-karts have very sensitive controls and may be difficult to handle if the driver does not know how to maintain their speed.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty or poorly maintained go-karts can cause brake failures, steering issues, or engine malfunctions, leading to accidents.
• Track Design Flaws: Unsafe or poorly designed tracks with sharp turns, uneven surfaces, or insufficient barriers can contribute to go-kart accidents.
• Inadequate Safety Measures: Lack of proper safety gear, such as helmets and neck braces, and insufficient safety protocols on the track can increase the risk of injuries.
• Negligent Supervision: Inadequate supervision by track staff or failure to enforce safety rules can lead to accidents.
• Poor Maintenance: Tracks and go-karts that are not regularly inspected and maintained can have defects that cause accidents.
• Excessive Speed: Allowing go-karts to operate at unsafe speeds can result in loss of control and accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Wet or slippery track surfaces due to adverse weather conditions can lead to accidents.
• Intoxicated Driving: Drivers operating go-karts under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a significant risk to themselves and others.
• Obstacles on the Track: Debris or objects left on the track can cause go-kart accidents.

Common Injuries Sustained in Go-Kart Accidents

Go-kart accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries and life-altering conditions. Common injuries in these types of accidents can include the following.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries resulting from collisions or rollovers can lead to concussions, brain damage, and long-term cognitive impairments. In such cases, it is crucial to consult a brain injury lawyer in Chicago to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries: A study found that about 42% of all go-kart accident injuries in those ages 7-15 were in the hands and wrists. While these may not be as severe as traumatic brain injuries, they can significantly impact quality of life and lead to lifelong challenges.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe impacts can cause damage to the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractures: High-speed impacts and collisions often lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes from contact with the track, other go-karts, or debris can require medical attention and leave permanent scars.
• Internal Injuries: Trauma to the abdomen or chest can cause damage to internal organs, requiring emergency medical intervention.
• Neck Injuries: Whiplash and other injuries to the neck are common in go-kart accidents, often resulting from sudden stops or impacts.
• Burns: In cases of fuel leaks or fires, victims can suffer severe burns that may require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. A Chicago burn injury lawyer can help navigate the legal process to seek compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: The physical forces involved in go-kart accidents can cause sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries.
• Facial Injuries: Impact on the face can cause fractures, dental injuries, and other damage requiring specialized medical care.
• Emotional Distress: The trauma of being involved in a go-kart accident can lead to psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• Death: In the tragic event that a go-kart accident results in fatal injuries, a wrongful death lawyer can assist the family in seeking justice and compensation for their loss.

Liability in Go-Kart Accident Cases

Determining legal responsibility in go-kart accidents is crucial for pursuing compensation and holding the responsible parties accountable.

In general, a personal injury lawsuit hinges upon negligence, which has four elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. This means that the responsible party had an obligation to keep you safe but failed to do so. Because of this, there was an accident that caused your injuries.

Legal codes and ordinances can prove that someone failed to uphold their duty of care. In Illinois, go-karts are regulated by the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Act.

Some of these stipulations include providing seat belts and safety mechanisms, not allowing interlaced courses that could cause crashes, using a roll-over prevention system, installing barriers around the track, and having attendants watching the course at all times (Ill. Admin. Code tit. 56, § 6000.302).

Chicago, IL, generally follows the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Act when it comes to go-karts, but it also notes that no amusement facility should sell alcohol or permit the drinking of alcohol on its premises. (§4-75-100). If it allows intoxicated patrons to use go-karts, it could be liable.

Liable parties include:

• Go-Kart Track Owners/Operators: Go-kart arena owners or operators can be held liable if they fail to maintain a safe environment, neglect necessary repairs, or do not enforce safety rules. This includes inadequate supervision, poor track design, and a lack of proper protection measures.
• Go-Kart Manufacturers: Manufacturers can be held liable if a design flaw or manufacturing defect causes a go-kart accident. This includes issues like brake failures, steering malfunctions, or any other mechanical failures that result in an accident.
• Maintenance Providers: Companies or individuals responsible for maintaining go-karts and tracks can be held liable if their negligence leads to an accident. This includes failing to inspect and repair go-karts or track surfaces properly. If an independent contractor is responsible for maintenance or construction, you can sue that company directly, as was found in Lee v. Six Flags Theme Parks.
• Track Staff: Employees at go-kart tracks can be held responsible if their actions or inactions contribute to an accident. This includes failing to provide adequate instructions, not enforcing safety rules, or allowing unsafe driving behavior.
• Other Go-Kart Drivers: If another driver’s reckless or negligent behavior causes an accident, they can be held liable. This includes actions like aggressive driving, ignoring go-kart arena rules, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Event Organizers: Organizers of organized races or events can be held liable if they fail to ensure the safety of participants. This includes providing unsafe equipment, not enforcing safety protocols, or failing to address hazardous conditions. They can also be accountable if they run non-highway vehicles like go-karts on public streets without a specific permit (§9-12-110).
• Property Owners: If a go-kart accident occurs on private property, the property owner can be held liable if unsafe conditions or a lack of proper safety measures contribute to the accident.
• Safety Equipment Manufacturers: Equipment manufacturers, such as helmets and neck braces, can be held liable if their products are defective and fail to protect users in an accident.

The Importance of Hiring Our Go-Kart Accident Lawyers

Navigating the aftermath of a go-kart accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with severe injuries, medical expenses, and legal complexities.

Hiring a go-kart accident lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Law ensures you have a dedicated advocate on your side, fighting for your rights and helping you achieve the best possible outcome. Don’t navigate this challenging time alone—seek the expertise and support of a professional injury lawyer.

Hiring our experienced go-kart accident lawyers is crucial for several reasons:

• Over Two Decades of Experience: Our team of experienced lawyers understands the intricacies of personal injury law and has extensive experience handling go-kart accident cases. We provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the legal process to ensure the best possible outcome.
• Investigating the Go-Kart Accident: We will use all our resources to find out how the accident happened. This can include maintenance records, surveillance footage, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction. We can also consult with medical professionals to learn more about your injuries and what you can expect during recovery.
• Determining Liability: Identifying all parties responsible for the accident is essential for pursuing compensation. We conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence and determine liability, whether it involves go-kart arena owners, manufacturers, or other drivers.
• Maximizing Compensation: We know how to calculate the full extent of your damages, including treatment expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs. Our goal is to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
• Handling Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often aim to minimize financial settlements. We handle all communications with insurers, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure your rights are protected.
• Comprehensive Legal Representation: If your case goes to court, having our skilled lawyers represent you is crucial. We present a strong case, advocate for your interests, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
• Peace of Mind: Suffering from injuries and dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be stressful. Hiring us allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case.

Damages Our Go-Kart Accident Lawyers Can Help You Recover

There is no set settlement amount for a personal injury case, as it depends on how badly you were injured and what types of expenses you had after the crash. However, working with a qualified go-kart accident lawyer can ensure that you get a fair settlement offer from the relevant insurance company.

You may receive several types of damages after an accident. This includes economic damages, which are meant to compensate you for your financial hardships after the accident, and non-economic damages, which compensate for social and emotional losses. If your case goes to court, the jury may award punitive damages, which punish the defendant for irresponsible behavior.

Economic

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for current and future treatment expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment.
• Lost Earnings: Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery, as well as future lost earnings if the injury results in long-term disability.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation needed to recover from your injuries.
• Property Damage: Compensation for damage to personal property, such as the go-kart itself or any other personal items damaged in the accident.

Non-Economic

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries. This includes chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life.
• Disability and Disfigurement: Damages for permanent disabilities or disfigurement resulting from the accident, which can impact your ability to live a normal life.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact on your relationship with your spouse or family members due to your injuries.
• Mental Anguish: Compensation for the psychological impact of the accident, including PTSD, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.

Punitive

In cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future. Courts will only award them if they believe that the defendant’s actions go beyond simple negligence, such as if another go-kart driver intentionally crashed into you or if the establishment was serving alcohol to guests.

Wrongful Death

If the accident results in a fatality, our wrongful death lawyers can help the family seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.

The Cost of Hiring Our Go-Kart Accident Lawyers

At Rosenfeld Injury Law, we understand that the aftermath of a go-kart accident can be financially challenging. Hospital bills, lost wages, and other expenses can quickly add up, making it difficult for you to afford legal counsel.

When you hire our Chicago personal injury lawyers, you don’t have to worry about paying any legal fees upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay us if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

Before we begin working on your case, we will provide a clear and transparent fee agreement outlining the percentage of the recovery that will constitute our fee. There are no hidden costs, surprises, or out-of-pocket expenses for you during the legal process.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action

The statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. In Illinois, the statute of limitations is two years (735 ILCS §5/13-202).

Certain exceptions to the statute of limitations can also extend or shorten the time frame. For instance, if the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended until they reach the age of majority. Additionally, if the injury was not immediately discovered, the clock may start from the date the injury was diagnosed.

Acting promptly after a go-kart accident is essential for several reasons. Evidence can be lost or degraded over time, and witnesses’ memories may fade. Early legal intervention can help preserve crucial evidence and build a stronger case.

Consult a Go-Kart Accident Lawyer Near You!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a go-kart accident, it is essential to seek experienced legal help as soon as possible. The physical, emotional, and financial burdens of such accidents can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone.

At Rosenfeld Injury Law, we are dedicated to helping you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team of Chicago go-kart accident lawyers is ready to provide you with the comprehensive legal support you need.

From identifying liable parties to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. With our contingency fee policy, you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your personal injury lawsuit.

Take the first step towards securing the compensation and justice you deserve. Call us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your appointment.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.