Guillermo Lopez Killed in Lake Worth Golf Cart Accident
The collision occurred at the intersection of Military Trail and Canal Drive
Guillermo Lopez, a passenger in a golf cart, died June 14, four days after a collision with a car at Military Trail and Canal Drive in Lake Worth, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said.
The intersection is divided by a wide raised median. A Toyota Camry traveling east on Canal Drive was turning left onto northbound Military Trail when it collided with a Club Car golf cart exiting a nearby parking lot. The golf cart was attempting to cross Military Trail to head west on Canal Drive.
The impact was severe. As both vehicles entered the median, the front passenger corner of the Camry struck the front driver's side of the golf cart.
The crash ejected the passenger, Lopez, from the golf cart. He was not wearing safety equipment and suffered critical injuries. Paramedics transported him to Delray Medical Center, where he later died.
The golf cart driver suffered minor injuries and was also taken to the hospital. The Camry driver, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured.
The crash remains under investigation.
How common are off-road vehicle death in Florida?
Florida roads see a disproportionate number of off-highway vehicle incidents compared to national averages. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Florida was among the states with the highest number of off‑highway vehicle (OHV) fatalities between 2018 and 2020, recording more than 100 deaths during that period.
These crashes frequently occur when smaller, unprotected vehicles interact with standard passenger cars at busy intersections.
What makes golf cart collisions so dangerous?
Passengers like Lopez are particularly vulnerable in collisions with larger vehicles due to the lack of structural protection.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Fatal crashes at intersections often raise serious questions about signal timing, visibility obstructions, or signage that may have contributed to the outcome. Those conditions can change fast once crews respond."
"An attorney representing surviving relatives can work to document the intersection as found, building a solid factual record that supports a thorough and complete investigation," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
What happens next in the investigation?
Investigators will examine right-of-way rules, vehicle speeds, and sightlines at the Military Trail median. Determining which driver had the legal right to cross or turn will dictate the focus of the ongoing inquiry.
Florida wrongful death statute
Under Fla. Stat. § 768.16-768.26, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Florida applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of support and services, loss of companionship, mental pain and suffering of survivors, and medical/funeral expenses.
According to Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal, "The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand what families are forced to endure, and protecting their rights is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests."