Golf carts can be familiar sights on or near golf courses but not usually on municipal streets. When golf carts stray from their usual habitats, the results can be catastrophic both for the cart and the driver. A recent accident in Smithfield demonstrates what happens when a golf cart ventures onto city streets.
According to the Smithfield Fire Department, a head-on crash involving a golf cart and a sedan was reported at about 12:45 a.m. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found an overturned sedan and an overturned golf cart, both of which were heavily damaged. After interviewing witnesses, the firefights concluded that the golf cart had been traveling east in the westbound lane of Route 10 without the benefit of headlights. He was struck head-on by a 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage that was traveling west.
The driver of the golf cart was thrown from the vehicle. A regional air rescue helicopter was summoned, but the man died before it arrived. The golf cart driver was believed to have been driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver of the Mitsubishi suffered only minor injuries, but he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Given the fact that the accident involved a death, the driver of the Mitsubishi could be facing more serious charges.
Anyone who is involved in an accident involving both alcohol and serious physical injury or death may face several serious charges, including possible felonies. In such situations, the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney can be very helpful. A knowledgeable lawyer can evaluate the evidence and provide an estimate of negotiating a favorable plea bargain.