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Ohio Elderly Driver Accident Lawyers
Driving allows seniors to live an independent lifestyle because they don’t have to depend on family, friends, or caregivers to get them from point A to point B. While some older adults are able to drive safely, others do not have the physical and mental abilities to do so and cause serious accidents as a result.
If you are involved in a car accident with an elderly driver, you should contact the elderly driver accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick right away. We can ensure your rights are protected and represent you in a personal injury lawsuit. Contact us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule an initial case consultation with an Ohio car accident attorney.
The Effect of Aging on Driving
Although senior drivers have more experience than younger drivers, there are a variety of age-related health conditions that can negatively impact their ability to drive safely. Some of the most common elderly health issues that may cause elderly-related accidents include:
- Arthritis and joint stiffness and pain
- Poor eyesight
- Eye diseases
- Hearing impairments
- Slower reflexes and reaction times
- Medications side effects
- Dementia and confusion
Why Do Elderly Drivers Cause Accidents?
Younger drivers often cause accidents because they drive recklessly, drive drunk, or engage in distractions such as texting and fumbling with radio controls. Senior drivers, however, are likely to cause accidents for the following reasons:
- Braking abruptly
- Driving below the speed limit
- Driving the wrong way on roads and highways
- Driving through red lights or stop signs
- Making illegal left turns
- Driving at night or during inclement weather conditions
- Failing to yield at intersections
Proving Negligence in an Elderly Driver Accident
Senior drivers owe the same duty of care that all other Ohio drivers owe. They are legally obligated to pass a vision and hearing test and adhere to all traffic laws. If they do not fulfill this obligation and cause an accident as a result, they may be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit.
When someone was injured in a car accident caused by a senior driver, they must prove that the older driver was negligent in order to recover compensation. Proving the negligence of an elderly driver may involve showing the following:
- The senior driver did not have a valid driver’s license because they were unable to pass a current driver’s test.
- The older driver had a restricted driver’s license and is only allowed to drive during certain hours or in certain areas.
- The senior driver is not physically or mentally capable of driving safely.
If your senior loved one was involved in an accident or you were struck by an elderly driver, it’s essential to seek legal representation from the elderly driver accident lawyers of Kisling, Nestico & Redick. We can collect evidence, determine liability, handle conversations with insurance companies, and help fight for you to receive fair compensation.
