While living longer is undoubtedly a good thing, the further on we get in life, the harder many of the daily tasks we take for granted become. As our vision and hearing begin to fail and our reflexes slow down, we lose the ability to react and move quickly. These issues can lead to serious problems when an elderly person gets behind the wheel of a car, especially on busy Newport Beach roadways where car accidents involving elderly drivers are not uncommon. They can also cause serious injuries and costly medical bills, both of which may require victims to work with a lawyer to receive the compensation they are entitled to. To make sure that you recover the damages you deserve, get in touch with the experienced team at Jamal Injury Law P.C.
A Growing Problem in Newport BeachIt has become increasingly common to see news stories about car accidents involving elderly drivers. In 2003 an 86-year-old man drove his car through a farmer’s market in Santa Monica, killing 10 people and injuring 70 others. Additionally, in 2012, a 100-year-old man backed his Cadillac onto a sidewalk in Los Angeles, injuring 11 people, nine of whom were elementary school children.
The “Baby Boomers” have begun reaching the age of retirement, and their children will one day reach this age as well. This means that over the next 20 years, the number of drivers who are 70 years of age or older is expected to triple. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that in 15 years, there will be 9.6 million people age 85 and older. Road safety analysts predict that by 2030, when all baby boomers are at least 65, they will be responsible for 25% of all fatal crashes. Since the warm weather of California, including Newport Beach, makes the area a popular place to retire, the numbers here may be even higher.
The fact is that with more and more drivers reaching their latter years, there is an increased likelihood that you or someone you know could be in a car accident involving an elderly driver. This could potentially be a serious road hazard, as an NHTSA study found that on the basis of estimated annual travel, the fatality rate for drivers 85 and over is nine times as high as the rate for drivers 25 through 69 years old. As you can see from these statistics, victims of car accidents involving elderly drivers often need a lawyer to ensure that they recover damages for their medical care.
No Age Limit on DrivingWhile California does have a minimum required age that a person must reach before he or she is allowed to have a driver’s license, there is no equivalent at the other end of life. In fact, California Vehicle Code section 12814 forbids selective testing based solely on a person’s age. This means that age alone cannot be the reason that an elderly driver has his or her driving privileges suspended or revoked. However, California does require that a person age 70 or older, who has been involved in two or more accidents in a single year, take a driving test in order to keep their license.
Contact Jamal Injury Law P.C. for Help With Your CaseCar accidents involving elderly drivers can cause serious expenses and disability. As drivers, we have a shared responsibility to make sure that we do not endanger each other on the roads, and with an ever-increasing population of older drivers, we have to be more vigilant when we drive. Despite your best efforts, and despite the best intentions of the other driver, someday you may find yourself as the victim of a car accident caused by an elderly driver and need the help of a lawyer. If you are injured in this type of accident on a Newport Beach road or highway, you deserve to work with a knowledgeable and caring attorney who can help you recover fair compensation.
To receive a free case evaluation from an experienced Newport Beach car accident attorney, contact Jamal Injury Law P.C. at 714-907-1021. You can also complete our “Contact Form” and an attorney from our office will contact you directly.
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