Increased Risk of Motor Vehicle Accidents for Elderly Drivers
As people get older their senses dull and unfortunately, many people find themselves in need of motor vehicle accident lawyers Reston, VA accident victims recommend.
As the baby boomer generation ages, they are more focused on staying active and healthy compared to prior generations. This has led to many more elderly drivers on the road than in the past. Seniors are more independent than they used to be. Many older people still live on their own and independently get themselves to social functions, shopping, and other destinations. It is predicted that by 2030, there will be 70 million Americans who are 65 years or older – and 90 percent of them will be on the road.
However, no matter how active a senior is, age causes all of us to slow down and this actually leads to an increased risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident that requires the help of Reston, VA lawyers. Medical conditions can make driving difficult. There is also the issue of medication affecting a senior’s ability to drive. More than 75 percent of Americans 65 years or older have been prescribed at least one medication. Many of these medicines have side effects which can cause drowsiness, impaired motor skills, and awareness.
According to national data, there are approximately 5,000 elderly drivers killed in motor vehicle accidents each year and an additional 200,000 suffer from injuries. In fact, studies show that the fatality rate for drivers 75 years or older spikes.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Reston, VA motor vehicle accident with an elderly driver, it may be in your best interest to discuss your situation with personal injury lawyers who are familiar with Reston roads and courts.
Your Elderly Family Member
Many elderly drivers have a hard time admitting that they should not be driving anymore because of health or age issues. After all, not being able to drive themselves can greatly affect a senior’s independence but it’s important for family members to ensure their loved one stays safe by making sure the senior driver gets their reflexes and vision tested each year, as well keep track of any side effects medications can cause.
They should also watch for signs that indicate the senior is putting themselves and others in danger of a Reston, VA motor vehicle accident that requires the assistance of lawyers. These include:
- An increase in traffic violations
- Crashing into objects, such as mailboxes and signs
- Crashing into other vehicles
- Driving too fast
- Driving too slow
- Failure to stop at red lights and stop signs
- Failure to yield
- Forgetting to use turn signals
- Frequent “close calls”
- Frequent dents and dings on their vehicle
- Getting lost or confused, even on routes frequently taken
- Hard time judging distances
- Unable to stay in their own lane while driving
- Unsafe lane changes
If your elderly loved one has exhibited any of these signs, it could be time to sit down and have a serious talk about them giving up their driver’s license. While this will probably be a difficult conversation, it is important to emphasize the need to avoid activities that put other people at risk for needing Reston, VA motor vehicle accident lawyers.
Contact Cohen & Cohen
We have all seen the news reports about motor vehicle accidents that involve elderly drivers where the senior became confused and crashed. Common examples of this are mixing up the brake and gas pedals, and driving into buildings. In many elderly driver motor vehicle accidents, the driver will suffer serious injuries, while the passengers in their vehicle, other drivers, and pedestrians may also suffer from serious or fatal injuries.
If you have been injured in a crash, contact Cohen & Cohen to talk with one of our Reston, VA motor vehicle accident attorneys to find out what your legal options may be.
For highly rated motor vehicle accident lawyers Reston, VA is fortunate to have available to its community members, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation with no obligations.
