The Dangers of Elderly Driver Accidents in Seattle
Elderly drivers typically have years of driving experience. For many reasons, they deserve the same opportunity to be independent respected drivers just like their younger counterparts. Unfortunately however, elderly driver accidents in Seattle are on the rise.
Older drivers represent 20% of all drivers on the roads today. They also have a startling 19% of all the traffic fatalities in our nation. This is particularly true for elderly drivers age 85 and up. Elderly drivers can have slower reflexes, poorer vision, and be distracted while driving. And many older drivers have major health issues that make them a safety risk to the driving public.
If you or someone you love is involved in an elderly driver accident, it is important that you consult with an expert Seattle car accident lawyer. Premier Law Group is ready to help! Call us today at 206.285.1743 for a Free Consultation! We want to help you get the settlement you deserve.
Elderly Driver Accidents in Washington State
As a rule, adults are healthier, living and working longer and leading independent lives including continuing to drive. The CDC 2018 drivers’ statistics shows that older drivers are much more likely to be involved in accidents.
Consider these facts:
- In 2018, 6,907 senior citizens were killed in car crashes, and an additional 276,000 received injuries
- In the United States 15 elderly citizens die while 586 others end up with injuries every day
- Fatal crash rates increase noticeably between ages 70-74, and are highest amongst elderly drivers age 85 and up
Many victims feel sympathy and respect for older drivers. So much so, that they do not want to file a claim against them. Truthfully, it is important that victims of an elderly driver accident do pursue a claim against the driver. It is important to treat this accident, just as you would any other vehicle accident. You may help prevent potential future accidents for others like you. Contact our elderly driver accident lawyer in Seattle, WA for legal help!
What To Do After a Car Accident
Most importantly, it is imperative to collect all the details at the scene of the older driver’s accident. These include:
- Copy of the Police Report
- Contact information for the other driver – name, address, phone number, and insurance information
- Contact information for accident witnesses – name, address, phone number, email address
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
To sum up – treat this accident as you would any other vehicle accident that you are involved in. If you or a loved one were injured due to an elderly drive accident, contact our elderly car accident attorneys for help.
Liability and Fault for Elder Driver Accidents
One of the differences for victims involved in an older driver accident is determining fault, liability, and underlying health issues.
Namely – was the elderly driver driving his/her own vehicle during the accident? If yes, then he/she is liable for personal injury claims and losses.
Some older citizens drive other people’s vehicles and, in this case, the vehicle’s owner is liable. The law views this as “negligently entrusting” their vehicle to someone who may not be safe on the road.
Perhaps the elderly driver has a heart condition or other medical condition that contributed to the accident.
There can be many factors that will need investigating, in addition to the scene of accident reports. Determining liability in an older driver accident is not easy. That’s why victims need the expertise of an experience elderly driver accident attorney in Seattle.
License Restrictions for Senior Citizens
In our state, all drivers age 65 and older must renew their license in person and take a vision test. Depending on the vision test results plus any underlying medical condition, a written and/or road test will also be given. These restrictions help ensure that senior citizen can safely drive.
Contact an Experienced Seattle Elderly Driver Accident Lawyer for Help
It is easy to think “this driver is older, deserves my respect, and I don’t want to get them in trouble.” Please remember – ALL drivers on the roads have to be capable and competent to safely drive. And you are in charge of YOU, and the health/safety of your loved ones.
If you or a loved one has been in an elderly driver accident, it is important to get the help you need. Our expert Seattle car accident attorneys will fight for YOUR successful and fair settlement in an older driver case.
Our experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys at Premier Law Group are Here to Help! You pay NO FEES, unless we win the case. As always, we offer FREE Consultation for Victims of Driverless Car Accidents with our Expert Accident Attorneys!
Call: 206.285.1743 and schedule a FREE Accident Case Review today!