Elderly Car Accidents

The baby boomer generation is getting older. More and more people over the age of 65 are traveling on the road than previous years. Even though there are many skilled senior drivers out there, they are still considered a high-risk age group for car accidents. Over the past 8 years there have been more than 500 car accident injuries and 15 fatalities daily, caused by senior citizens, according to experts.

Although older drivers are considered more experienced compared to millennial drivers or even Generation Y or X drivers, there are physical factors that can affect an older person’s driving capabilities. Here are a few contributors that may trigger a car accident in older drivers.

A reduction in a person’s sense of ability may drop and cause delayed reaction times. For example, an older person may experience a delayed reaction when trying to switch lanes on a busy highway. The driver may not notice other cars pulling out onto a lane simultaneously. An older driver is more likely to get in the way of other drivers, by moving too slow, and not recognizing other cars speeding by. A good driver will have quick reflexes and stay in his/her lane until the coast is clear.

Vision impairments plays a major role in auto accidents with seniors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took a national survey and discovered that 40% of drivers who are age 65 and older admitted they have vision problems.

Many seniors have reduced their driving, especially during the evening hours when there’s poor visibility on the road. It could be very dangerous for an older driver to be on the road at certain times of the day, especially when they suffer from vision issues. Driving in inclement weather can also pose a risk to senior drivers.

Drivers who are 75 years old (or older) are required to show up in person, at a local DMV office, to renew their driver's license (before it expires) to take a vision test. They may also be asked to take a road test.

As a person grows older there may be an increase in the amount of medications that one takes. Many medications can cause symptoms that may affect a person's ability to think clearly and drive safely.

Seniors are more likely to suffer from cognitive and physical impairments. As a result, this can have a negative effect on a person‘s mental and physical abilities especially when it comes to driving.

Even though we respect an elderly person’s right to drive, we are also are very sensitive to the rights of the injured driver. If you were involved in an auto accident involving a senior, you will need an aggressive lawyer who will fight hard for your rights.

Don’t leave it up to the insurance companies to negotiate your accident claim and decide how much money you should recover. Insurance companies are known for protecting their own interests. They work diligently with adjusters and legal experts to help reduce or deny lawful claims.

At Anzalone Law Firm, PLLC, we protect the interest of our clients. We have successfully handled personal injury cases all throughout Nashua, New Hampshire. Contact us today or give us a call at: 603.548.3797 to schedule an appointment.