How Are Elderly Drivers Handled in Car Accident Claims?
You may think that elderly drivers are handled differently in car accident claims than younger drivers. However, you should know that age alone doesn’t determine liability in car accident claims. Whether someone is 18 or 65, they are held to the same legal standard. Drivers are legally required to drive their vehicles safely and follow the traffic rules. If an older driver causes an accident, they can still be held liable.
That being said, crashes involving older drivers can bring added complexities, such as medical conditions, questions of competency, and sensitive family dynamics. If you were injured by an elderly driver, our skilled Reading car accident attorney at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C. can help you navigate the legal process with compassion and clarity while making sure your rights are protected.
What The Data Show About Elderly Drivers in Reading and Crash Risk
Based on PennDOT data, older drivers, those 65 and above, were involved in 77.4% or 6,716 motor vehicle crashes in a recent year. Common crash factors involving elderly drivers include failing to yield, making unsafe turns, and slower reaction times in sudden situations.
In addition, senior drivers tend to be involved in more intersection crashes than younger drivers. That’s because intersections often require quick decisions, complex maneuvers, and the ability to process multiple moving parts at once, which can be especially challenging as reaction times slow with age.
Fortunately, even when age-related conditions like diminished vision, hearing loss, or slower reflexes contribute to a crash, the law focuses on actions, not age. In other words, if someone caused your injuries due to negligence, they must be held liable for your losses, regardless of how old they are.
What a Reading Car Accident Lawyer Can Do If You’re Injured by an Elderly Driver
If you’re hurt in a crash caused by an older driver, you may be facing a long recovery, medical bills, lost income, and insurance headaches. A Reading car accident lawyer can help by:
- Proving fault: Even if the crash seems straightforward, insurance companies may downplay the driver’s responsibility or blame your actions. Your lawyer will collect the evidence, including police reports, eyewitness statements, and medical records, to build a clear and compelling case.
- Handling sensitive negotiations: Older drivers or their families may try to resolve things privately or avoid insurance involvement. Your Reading car accident attorney will ensure your rights and recovery are prioritized, not just the other party’s comfort.
- Maximizing your compensation: From emergency room bills to follow-up care and lost wages to pain and suffering, your attorney will calculate the full scope of your losses and fight to recover them.
- Meeting legal deadlines: You have two years from the date of the crash to file your claim. Your lawyer can ensure you meet this deadline and preserve your claim.
Our Dedicated Reading Car Accident Lawyers Will Not Let Age Get in The Way of Your Rightful Compensation
Car accident claims involving older drivers are often more complicated than they appear. You may feel unsure about pursuing a claim, especially if the driver reminds you of a parent or grandparent. However, accountability matters because your health, finances, and future are on the line. To learn how our Reading car accident attorneys can help and arrange your free case evaluation, reach Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C. at 484-869-2113 or online.