Go Kart Accident Claims

Go-karting is a fun and exciting activity for people of all ages. Kids and adults can experience the thrill of racing in a safe and controlled environment without needing a driver’s licence. However, this sport can also be dangerous.

While go-kart venues must operate under strict regulations and safety guidelines, accidents can still occur, potentially leading to severe injuries to drivers, spectators or employees.

If you or a loved one suffered any harm due to someone else’s negligence, a personal injury solicitor could help you start a go kart accident claim. They could help you secure compensation for your pain, suffering and related financial losses, with no financial risk to you, by offering you a no win no fee service.

To find out if you have a valid claim, call 0800 470 0474 today or enter your details here to request a call back. A friendly and experienced legal adviser will provide a free case assessment and happily answer any questions you have.

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Duty of care of Go Kart operators
• Am I eligible to make a go-kart accident claim?
• What evidence do I need to support my go-kart injury claim?
• Common situations leading to go kart accidents
• Common injuries caused by go-karting accidents
• Can I make a go-karting accident claim on behalf of my child?
• Can I still claim compensation if I signed a waiver?
• Time limits to start a go kart accident claim
• How long does the claims process usually take?
• How much compensation could I claim for a go kart accident?
• Will a personal injury solicitor offer me a No Win No Fee service?

Duty of care of Go Kart operators

Go-kart track owners and operators have a legal duty to ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors and customers. They also have a duty of care towards their employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1957. Their duties include:

• Carry out regular risk assessments to identify risks of accidents and injuries;
• Regularly inspect and maintain go karts to ensure they are in good working order;
• Ensure that all karts are equipped with the necessary safety measures, such as seatbelts and roll bars;
• Provide customers with the required protective gear, which includes helmets, gloves and overalls;
• Keep the protective gear in good condition and make sure it is fitting;
• Maintain safe tracks that are free from hazards such as spills, debris, potholes or other hazards;
• Display proper signage to guide drivers and inform them of any potential hazards;
• Give clear instructions to customers on how to safely operate the karts and any relevant do’s and don’ts;
• Supervise the tracks at all times and have an emergency team and first aid kit in case of accidents;
• Allow only a limited number of drivers on the tracks at a time;
• Provide adequate training to staff on operating the go karts, maintaining the tracks, and adhering to health and safety policies.

If the venue owner has breached their duty of care towards you and you suffered an injury, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your pain and suffering.

Am I eligible to make a go-kart accident claim?

The easiest way to find out if you could make a personal injury claim for compensation is through a consultation with a legal adviser. They will ask you some questions to determine whether:

• Another party owed you a legal duty of care
• The defendant breached their duty of care towards you
• A go-kart accident occurred due to their negligence
• You suffered an injury or injuries as a result

Based on the circumstances of your accident, there could be various liable parties, including:

• The go kart facility if they failed to provide proper training to staff or maintain the track
• A kart manufacturer, if the accident was caused by a mechanical defect
• Another driver, if they caused an accident by acting recklessly

What evidence do I need to support my go-kart injury claim?

If you were involved in a go karting accident and want to make a compensation claim, you will need relevant evidence to support your case, which could include:

• Medical reports showing the type and severity of the injuries you suffered and any long-term consequences;
• Photographs or videos of the accident scene, which you should take before anything is moved or repaired;
• Pictures of the injuries sustained and the recovery process;
• A copy of an accident report filed with the track operator to prove the date and location of the incident;
• If available, a copy of footage from security cameras will help show what happened;
• Statements from witnesses to the accident can help back up your version of the events;
• Your account of how you were injured in a go kart accident and how this has affected your life;
• You also need evidence of related financial losses and expenses you want to include in your compensation claim.

Common situations leading to go kart accidents

There are many situations that could lead to an accident and a subsequent go-karting injury compensation claim, such as:

• Poor maintenance of the track, which may have bumps, potholes or debris;
• Defective race karts, which can have issues with the brakes, steering or tyres;
• Failure to provide or enforce safety equipment, such as helmets or seatbelts;
• Failing to adequately supervise drivers, especially if they are inexperienced or young;
• Allowing customers to drive in unsafe conditions, such as poor weather or oil leaks on the track;
• Not offering drivers sufficient information on safety issues and the rules of the track;
• Dangerous or reckless driving of others on the track;
• Failure to provide staff with adequate safety training and instructions:
• Allowing too many karts on the track at the same time;
• Failure to enforce safety rules, such as speed limits or wearing a helmet;
• A lack of proper emergency response plans or first aid kits.

If, at any time, another party fails in their duty of care towards you and you suffer harm as a result, you may be able to make a go kart accident claim for injury compensation.

Common injuries caused by go-karting accidents

Go karting accidents can result in various types of injuries for which you may be entitled to make a claim, such as:

• Whiplash, caused by sudden stops or jolts, leading to neck strain and symptoms such as stiffness and headaches;
• Broken bones caused by rollovers or high-impact collisions can affect any part of the body and cause severe pain;
• Cuts and lacerations can be due to impact with sharp edges, debris or hard surfaces and can lead to infections if not properly treated;
• Head injuries can be caused by falls or collisions and can involve severe brain trauma with long-term consequences;
• Sprains and strains are overstretching or tearing of the muscles, ligaments or tendons and can cause swelling, pain and limited mobility;
• Internal injuries refer to damage to internal organs from severe impacts and can have serious consequences;
• Burn injuries can be due to contact with the engine or fire sources during a collision;
• You could also suffer eye injuries from debris or flying objects, which can cause pain and vision problems.

Can I make a go-karting accident claim on behalf of my child?

If your child suffered an injury while go-karting, you could make an accident compensation claim on their behalf. All you have to do is apply to the court to be named as their litigation friend, proving that:

• You can make fair and competent decisions about the case;
• There isn’t a conflict of interest between you and the child (this might be the case if you were working at the go kart facility at the time of the accident).

Once appointed, an experienced solicitor will help you make a claim for compensation on behalf of your child. You will have certain responsibilities throughout the process, such as signing legal documents, taking legal advice and making decisions about the case.

If you secure compensation for your child, a judge must approve the awarded settlement during a court hearing. The awarded payment will then be kept in a court bank account and released to the child on their 18th birthday or in a personal injury trust in their name.

Can I still claim compensation if I signed a waiver?

Many go kart venues will ask you to sign a waiver before giving you access to the karting track. This document is supposed to inform you of the risks associated with the activity and absolve them of liability in case of injury.

However, signing a waiver does not automatically mean you cannot proceed with a claim. The waiver does not absolve the facility from its duty of care, meaning you are still entitled to compensation if negligence on their part contributed to your injuries.

A personal injury lawyer will consider your specific circumstances and the waiver you signed and will be able to assess whether you still have a valid go kart accident claim.

Time limits to start a go kart accident claim

Usually, you can start a go kart injury claim within three years after the date of the accident. This time limit is established by the Limitation Act 1980 and cannot be surpassed. After three years, your case will be time-barred and no longer valid. A few exceptions apply to this rule:

• A child injury claim can be brought by a suitable adult at any time before the child’s 18th birthday.
• If the injured party has suffered a severe brain injury or lacks the ability to start a claim due to another condition, such as autism, the time limit is suspended. A litigation friend could claim on their behalf at any time.
• You have two years to claim through the CICA if you were injured due to an assault or another violent crime.

While three years may seem like plenty of time, we advise that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. That will ensure better access to evidence to support your claim and that you remember any relevant details that might help you win your case.

How long does the claims process usually take?

The amount of time it may take to settle a go-kart injury claim will depend on various factors, such as the complexity of the case, whether the other side admits liability and the severity of your injuries.

Generally, straightforward cases can be resolved within a few months through a settlement. Others may need extensive back-and-forth negotiations or even going to court, which would take significantly longer, maybe even several years.

Your solicitor will try their best to get you the compensation you deserve as soon as possible. In certain circumstances, they can secure interim payments on your behalf to help you cover any financial needs you have before the claim settles and you receive the lump sum compensation award.

How much compensation could I claim for a go kart accident?

The amount of compensation you could be awarded for a go karting accident claim will depend on two types of damages that will be included in your settlement. These are:

General damages are awarded for the subjective impact of the injuries on your life. This will take into account:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional and psychological damage
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Impacts on your quality of life and ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed

Special damages awarded for the financial losses and expenses caused by the accident, such as:

• Private medical treatments and prescriptions
• Lost wages during recovery or loss of earning capacity
• The cost of replacing or repairing any damage to your property
• Costs of care and assistance

Your solicitor will calculate the compensation amount you are entitled to for special damages based on evidence such as receipts and invoices. The award for general damages is based on the guidelines from the Judicial College. You can find more details about this by referring to our compensation calculator.

Will a personal injury solicitor offer me a No Win No Fee service?

If your go kart injury claim has a fair chance of success, your solicitor will take on your case on a no win no fee basis. That means you do not have to pay them any upfront fees, so you are not taking any financial risks.

Under this type of agreement, you only pay your solicitor a success fee if they manage to secure compensation for the losses you incurred. This fee is agreed upon from the beginning and cannot exceed 25% of your settlement. You do not have to pay anybody a single penny if your claim is unsuccessful.

Your solicitor may also take out After the Event (ATE) insurance on your behalf, which will give you further peace of mind. If the claim fails, the ATE will cover all the associated costs and disbursements, including court fees, medical reports and the defendant’s solicitors, ensuring you will not be left out of pocket.

For free advice regarding your legal rights following a go karting accident, call 0800 470 0474 or use our online claim form to request a call back.

Last edited on 15th Jul 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.