Anyone who finds themselves a victim of a car accident that wasn’t their fault has the right to claim compensation. Drivers who were at fault due to their negligence can pay and help cover the costs of their pain and suffering. Whether you end up with a short-term injury and a sizable medical bill or long-term anguish with a loss of earnings, you can get help. Experienced car accident lawyers in Florida can help you build a strong case.
Making a claim seems like the obvious approach when financial compensation is a strong possibility. You can work with these professional attorneys and get justice against dangerous drivers. However, there’s sometimes reluctance when the driver is a senior. It’s not the same as being the victim of a reckless 20-something with no regard for other people on the road. So, why should you still consider claiming against Florida’s elderly drivers, and why are they such a problem?
Why Are Elderly Drivers Such A Problem On Florida’s Roads?
There are all kinds of factors leading to car accidents in Florida, and the elderly population is far from being the only demographic at fault. Older drivers are more likely to get into accidents due to their age. There are also a significant number of older drivers still on the road in Florida. Those who pass the required periodic testing to retain their driver’s license can continue driving long into their 80s or 90s.
There will surely be drivers of this age who are perfectly competent. Many will openly give up driving at a certain age to stay safe. The problem is that far more continue to drive despite worsening health conditions. These drivers also continue to drive at night, during the worst of Florida’s best weather, and in rush hour traffic in major cities. It’s no surprise that so many end up causing accidents.
Cognitive impairments can easily affect concentration and perception while driving. Lapses in recognizing hazards or operating the car safely could be disastrous. At best, a case of drowsy or distracted driving could cause a minor rear-end collision at a light. At worst, vision issues or anxiety could cause drivers to misjudge junctions and cause fatalities through collisions.
What To Do In An Accident With Elderly Drivers?
Handling a case against an elderly negligent driver starts from the moment of the crash. You need to control the situation and the evidence from the start. The first thing you need to do is get everyone to safety after a collision. The other driver may require medical attention or help getting out of danger. Once everyone is accounted for and safe, you can contact the authorities. Call the police so they can create a formal report on the incident and record evidence. The police can determine whether to charge the other driver with any criminal charges based on what happened. While all that’s going on, you also need to gather.
Get everyone safe, contact the authorities, exchange information with the driver, get as much evidence from the crime scene as possible, and exchange insurance information. The more you have in your favor, the better. Evidence includes photos of the vehicles, the context of the accident, and weather conditions. You can also look into getting witness statements or dashcam footage from other drivers.
Next, you need to deal with your medical needs. Don’t hesitate to seek care at the hospital, and keep a record of all your injuries and expenses. Car accident claims rely on evidence related to financial loss, physical pain, and emotional suffering. You can use medical bills for treatment to prove your case, alongside photos, pain journals, and character statements.
Finally, you need to contact a local car accident lawyer to get started on your claim. Some skilled car accident attorneys in Florida have the experience and knowledge to handle delicate cases like this. Check out local firms to see where their specialties lie, how long they’ve defended local drivers in your area, and what previous clients have to say about them. You can contact them to discuss your situation and get started on your claim.
Making A Claim Against Elderly Drivers
A driver’s age doesn’t stop them from being liable for a car accident. If they are licensed to be on the road but unable to drive safely, they are responsible for any accidents they might cause. If they’re not in a position to know it’s time to give up driving, their loved one should find a way to get them off the road for the safety of others.
There may be some hesitation in making a car accident claim against someone in their 80s who doesn’t know any better. You might feel sympathetic toward them, especially if they suffered too. Still, does that mean you shouldn’t get the compensation you deserve? If you’re struggling with medical expenses and physical injuries because of that elderly driver, shouldn’t you get some help to deal with that?
Another way to look at this lawsuit is as a wake-up call to older drivers and their families. If they get away with running your car off the road because of guilt or pity, what’s stopping them from doing the same thing next week? If they’re faced with a lawsuit and made to pay compensation, it could be a catalyst for an intervention to get them off the road and make the streets safer.
File A Claim Whatever The Situation
The point here is that the demographic of the driver at fault shouldn’t make a difference when deciding to make a compensation claim. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are due financial support for damages, talk to a qualified car accident lawyer in Florida. Explain the circumstances, build up the evidence, and don’t let culprits get away with their actions just because they’re old.
