According to the Federal Highway Administration, in 2020, about 7,500 older adults were killed in traffic crashes, and nearly 200,000 were treated in emergency departments for crash injuries. Age-related changes, such as vision and physical functioning, can affect older adults’ driving abilities. Elderly driving car accidents refer to traffic accidents involving older adults as drivers. These accidents can range from minor fender benders to more severe collisions resulting in injuries or fatalities. If you have been hurt in a car crash involving a vehicle driven by an elderly persona, speak with an Arlington elderly driving accident lawyer.
Why Elderly Drivers Need to Careful on Roads in Arlington
Elderly drivers need to be careful on the roads due to several factors that can impact their driving abilities:
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Declining Vision: As individuals age, their vision may deteriorate, resulting in reduced visual acuity, depth perception, and peripheral vision. This can make it challenging for elderly drivers to see road signs, pedestrians, or hazards.
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Decreased Physical Abilities: Aging can lead to a decline in physical abilities, such as reduced muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination. These changes can affect a driver’s ability to turn the steering wheel, brake quickly, or react to unexpected situations on the road.
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Cognitive Decline: Some elderly individuals may experience cognitive decline, including memory loss, decreased attention span, and slower information processing. These changes can impact a driver’s ability to concentrate, make quick decisions, and react appropriately to traffic situations.
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Increased Fragility: As people age, their bodies become more fragile, making them more susceptible to injuries in the event of a car accident. The risk of sustaining serious or life-threatening injuries is higher for elderly drivers compared to younger individuals.
By being aware of these challenges and taking proactive measures, such as regular vision and health check-ups, adapting driving habits to compensate for physical limitations, and staying updated on traffic rules and regulations, elderly drivers can help ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. It is also important for family members and healthcare professionals to provide support and guidance to elderly drivers to ensure their continued safety.
Texas Laws Governing Elderly Drivers in Arlington
Texas has specific laws and regulations in place regarding elderly drivers. Here are some key points:
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License Renewal Requirements: In Texas, drivers aged 79 and older must renew their driver’s license in person every six years, as opposed to the standard eight-year renewal period for younger drivers. This requirement ensures that older drivers undergo a more frequent evaluation of their driving abilities.
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Vision Testing: During the license renewal process, all drivers, regardless of age, must pass a vision test. If an individual’s vision does not meet the state’s minimum requirements, they may be required to undergo further vision testing or submit a vision specialist’s report.
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Medical Reporting: Medical professionals are mandated by law to report any patient aged 18 or older who has a condition that may impair their driving abilities. This includes conditions such as epilepsy, dementia, or any condition that causes loss of consciousness or physical control.
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Driver Education Courses: Texas offers driver education courses specifically designed for older drivers. These courses aim to refresh driving skills, update knowledge of traffic laws, and enhance awareness of the effects of aging on driving abilities.
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Restricted License: In certain cases, Texas may issue a restricted license to an elderly driver. This allows them to drive under specific conditions, such as during daylight hours or within a certain radius from their residence.
Elderly drivers need to stay informed about these laws and regulations to ensure their own safety and that of others on the road. Regular self-assessment of driving abilities and open communication with medical professionals can help older drivers make informed decisions about their continued fitness to drive.
Types of Elderly Driving Accidents in Arlington
Elderly driving accidents can occur in various ways, some of which include:
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Intersection accidents: Older drivers may have difficulty judging the speed and distance of other vehicles, leading to accidents at intersections.
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Lane departure accidents: Aging-related changes in vision or cognitive abilities can cause older drivers to unintentionally drift out of their lane, potentially resulting in collisions with other vehicles.
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Rear-end collisions: Older drivers may have slower reaction times, making them more susceptible to rear-ending the vehicle in front of them in situations where sudden braking is required.
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Parking lot accidents: Difficulty with depth perception and maneuvering can contribute to accidents in parking lots, such as hitting parked cars or pedestrians.
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Pedestrian accidents: Older drivers may have difficulty detecting pedestrians, especially in low-light conditions, leading to accidents involving pedestrians.
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Failure to yield accidents: Older drivers may have difficulty interpreting traffic signs or yielding right of way, contributing to accidents at intersections or when merging.
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Confusion with traffic signals: Older drivers may become confused or make errors at traffic lights or stop signs, increasing the risk of accidents.
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Accidents due to medical conditions: Some elderly driving accidents may be caused by medical conditions such as heart attacks, seizures, or fainting spells while driving.
Though older drivers may be involved in accidents, they are generally more cautious and have lower crash rates compared to other age groups. However, due to age-related changes, it is crucial for older drivers to regularly assess their driving abilities and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
How an Elderly Driving Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Innocent Victims
If an elderly driver gets injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, a car accident lawyer can help the victim file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages incurred. They can also ensure that the elderly driver’s insurance claims are properly handled, advocating for their best interests in negotiations or in court if necessary.
Additionally, a car accident lawyer can help the elderly driver understand any potential legal consequences of the accident, such as liability for damages or criminal charges, and provide the necessary legal advice to protect their rights. An Arlington elderly driving car accident lawyer can also provide emotional support and guidance throughout the process, understanding the unique challenges faced by elderly individuals involved in car accidents.
Speak with the Expert Team at Joel A. Gordon and Associates
Any individual who experiences harm as a result of someone else’s carelessness has the right to receive compensation. If you have sustained injuries due to someone else’s reckless behavior, an attorney specializing in elderly driving car accidents in Arlington can assist you in proving negligence in a court of law.
Our skilled team can handle paperwork, document injuries, and expenses, and communicate with insurance companies to protect the victim’s rights and best interests. They can help you pursue your case to its fullest extent.
Make an appointment today at the offices of Joel A. Gordon and Associates for a consultation to determine the value of your case. Contact us now to speak with our Arlington elderly driving car accident attorneys at no cost.