Age-related changes can affect vision, physical ability, memory, and cognitive function, which can adversely affect an older motorist’s driving ability. What should you do when encountering elderly drivers on the road? Unless an older driver’s behavior gives you cause for concern, you should act with the same care around older drivers as you would with other motorists. Regardless of a driver’s age, if you’re involved in an accident someone else caused, you must understand how to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Elderly Drivers in Phoenix, AZ
Many drivers may wonder, “How many car accidents are caused by elderly drivers?” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has compiled stats on elderly drivers in the U.S. The NHTSA reports that 6,549 people age 65 and older died in traffic accidents in the U.S. in one recent year. This group accounted for 17 percent of all traffic fatalities. Adults 65 and older are also 17 percent of the U.S. population. As for the elderly drivers accident rate, older drivers accounted for 20 percent of all female driver fatalities and 16 percent of all male driver fatalities. Older drivers accounted for 13 percent of drivers involved in fatal traffic accidents.
Motorists may also wonder whether elderly drivers are more dangerous than teenage drivers. According to the National Safety Council, 5,088 drivers aged 15 to 20 got into fatal accidents in the U.S. in one recent year, compared to 4,768 drivers aged 65 to 74 and 3,263 drivers 75 and older.
Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident
After an accident with an older driver, steps you can take to protect your rights and interests include:
- Seek immediate medical attention to identify your injuries and begin prompt treatment
- Keep copies of your medical records
- Request a copy of the police crash report
- Notify your car insurance provider about the accident
- Keep all bills, invoices, and receipts for your recovery expenses
- Gather pay stubs or income statements if you miss work
- Contact a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options for recovering compensation
Legal Considerations and Rights
If you suffered injuries in a car accident caused by an older driver, you may have the right to seek financial compensation for expenses or losses you incur, including:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Costs of long-term disability care or replacement services
- Lost income
- Lost future earning ability and employment benefits
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Lost enjoyment and quality of life caused by disabilities, disfigurement, or scarring
- Costs of vehicle repairs or reimbursement for your totaled vehicle
Contact Our Phoenix Car Accident Attorney for Help
In the aftermath of a car accident involving an older driver, you may have the right to seek financial compensation for injuries and losses you sustained in the crash. Reach out to the team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
