Accidents Involving Elderly Drivers in Ohio

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 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.

How Seniors Can Become Safer Drivers

Fortunately, there are a number of different ways senior citizens can become safer drivers and reduce their risk of causing an accident. The children and caregivers of a senior driver should educate their loved one on these driving tips:

Do Not Drive When Taking Certain Medications.

Some medications may make a senior feel tired or impair their driving abilities. Older adults should refrain from driving when they are taking these types of medications, or they should ask their doctor if there are alternative drugs they can try.

Avoid Nighttime Driving

If possible, seniors should only drive during the day. This is especially important if they have problems with night vision.

Check Your Eyes and Hearing Regularly

Seniors should visit the doctor on a regular basis to have their eyes and hearing checked.

Get Pplenty of Sleep.

In order to be alert at all times while behind the wheel, seniors should be well-rested. Seven to eight hours of sleep each evening is recommended.

Choose an Appropriate Vehicle

To make driving easier, older adults should choose a vehicle with power brakes, power steering, and automatic transmission.

Drive Defensively

Just like younger drivers, seniors should drive defensively by leaving adequate space for the car in front of them, paying extra attention at intersections, avoiding distractions, and allowing sufficient braking distances.

Stop Driving When Necessary

If driving makes a senior feel uncomfortable or they do not have the physical and mental abilities to drive safely, they should stop driving. There are a variety of transportation methods that can help them get around.

Our Elderly Driver Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

If your senior loved one has been hurt in an accident or you have suffered an injury because of an elderly-related accident call the Ohio senior driver accident lawyers of Kisling, Nestico & Redick today. Contact us at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule your free case consultation.