Young drivers are the group most often involved and/or injured in auto accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA furthers reports that another high-risk demographic group for auto accidents is adults over the age of 65 years. As people age, they may develop mental or physical impairments they did not previously experience, and many of these impairments may make it difficult to safely operate a motor vehicle. If elderly adults are unsafe on the roads and cause an accident, they may be held liable for any injuries or damage that results. If you have been injured in an accident because of an unsafe or incompetent elderly driver, you should contact an experienced auto accident attorney in Fayette County as soon as possible to find out how you can recover.
Confronting an elderly loved one about potential driving difficulties can be uncomfortable and difficult. Many family members avoid this discussion, only to later regret it because they could have avoided an accident. It is important to address potential concerns early, and simply advise your loved one that they should be aware of their own changing limitations. It also helps to get their doctor involved, as he may serve as a more objective voice in judging driving ability based on medical conditions. Elderly adults should not be driving if they are having significant trouble with any of the following:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Dementia or other memory loss or confusion
- Arthritis or other trouble with joints, making it difficult to grasp the wheel or press pedals
- Muscle strength
If your loved one is experiencing any of the above issues, it may be time to evaluate their ability to continue driving.
Contact a Fayette County personal injury attorney for a free consultation
If you have been injured because an elderly driver should not have been on the road, you should contact Shane Smith Law for assistance. Call today at (980) 246-2656 to schedule a free consultation with an auto accident lawyer today.