Understanding Elderly Driver Accidents
Many of us have loved ones whose ability to drive has been affected by aging. It’s a common occurrence in life, but that does not make it any easier for elderly people to give up the freedom and mobility that come with driving.
Unfortunately, many motor vehicle accidents in the Atlanta area involve elderly drivers, and the factors that lead to senior citizen crashes often include physical and mental issues that come with aging. For example, weakened eyesight, slower reaction times, hearing impairments and dementia are all medical conditions that can diminish an elderly person’s ability to drive. If you suffered injuries in an accident with an elderly driver, our motor vehicle accident lawyers can help you file a claim and navigate the legal process.
When A Crash Involves A Senior Driver
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by an elderly driver, one of the most important things to understand is where your financial compensation will come from. Usually, when you seek compensation for your medical bills and other costs, you are not getting that money directly from the elderly individual who caused the crash. Instead, in most cases, you are getting that money from the elderly person’s insurance provider.
Even if the elderly person’s driver’s license was already suspended, and that person was driving in violation of the suspension, you are most likely seeking compensation from the insurance of whoever owns the car. If the elderly person didn’t have insurance, you may still have options through uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage in your own insurance policy.
The main thing to keep in mind is that you should not feel bad about seeking compensation after a crash with an elderly driver. Insurance exists for a reason, and you should seek the full amount of compensation to cover your injuries.
To learn more about what to do after a car accident, please see our Georgia Car Accident FAQ.
A Crash Can Be A Wake-Up Call For The Elderly Person’s Family
If you have an elderly loved one who is reluctant to give up their driving privileges, you are not alone. Many people worry about their aged parents and grandparents eventually hurting other people due to diminished driving abilities. Sometimes a serious conversation helps elderly people understand the risk, and in other cases, a crash is the wake-up call that driving is no longer an option.
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If you have any questions at all about car accidents and personal injury matters, don’t hesitate to call the Law Office of Perry Dean Ellis, P.C., at 404-692-7474 or complete our contact form. We are a personal injury law firm representing clients throughout the Atlanta area.