It can be dangerous for someone to drive if they have conditions that affect their ability to operate a vehicle. Once people reach a certain age, they tend to have at least one condition that makes driving more complicated. For example, many Americans aged 70 or older suffer from weak vision, poor hearing, reduced reaction time, confusion, and/or impaired balance. Any of these circumstances can increase the risk of getting into a car accident. Have you recently been involved in an auto accident caused by an elderly driver? Continue reading or contact a San Antonio, Texas Car Accident Lawyer today to learn about your options.
IS AN ELDERLY DRIVER MORE AT RISK OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT?
Though there are far fewer elderly drivers on the road than all other age groups, elderly drivers are generally more likely to either cause or be involved in a car accident. This is because as people enter their elderly years, they are more likely to develop medical conditions or need to take medications that could cause potentially serious side effects which make safe driving extremely difficult for anyone. Elderly people also often have much slower reaction times than younger people, and reaction time is vital when it comes to avoiding an accident. Some elderly people may also suffer from mental ailments like confusion which can affect their driving ability. There also aren’t any Texas laws requiring elderly drivers to be evaluated for their abilities, meaning there’s not much stopping elderly people from driving when it could be unsafe for them.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT CAUSED BY AN ELDERLY DRIVER?
Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the person who is at fault for a car accident is responsible for any damages. So if an elderly driver causes your car accident, you may be able to seek compensation from them. You can file a claim with their insurance in order to earn compensation for your medical bills and damage to your vehicle. If their insurance isn’t enough to cover all of your expenses, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. This might also be a good idea if you’re seeking compensation specifically for lost wages and pain and suffering (neither of which are covered by auto insurance). In order to file a successful claim, a talented auto accident lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove that the elderly driver was responsible for the accident. Possible evidence includes surveillance video, witness testimonies, photos of the damage to your vehicle, and hospital records indicating the extent of your injuries.
Are you seeking restitution after an auto accident caused by an elderly driver? You might want to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who has your best interests in mind. No need to panic because Sahadi Legal Group is here to fight for you! Contact our trusted firm today for an initial consultation.
