Raleigh Car Accidents Caused by Elderly Drivers
Raleigh’s roads are shared by drivers of all experience levels, including many seniors who drive safely and responsibly. However, with age comes certain physical and cognitive changes that can result in an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. When an elderly driver causes a collision because of these changes, the consequences can be severe and possibly even life-altering.
At Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers, we understand that elderly drivers causing accidents can make for delicate personal injury claims that require just as much humanity as they do legal skill. We always aim to pursue the compensation victims deserve while handling the matter respectfully for all parties involved. Contact us today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer to learn more.
Why Do Elderly Driver Accidents Happen in Raleigh?
Age alone does not make someone an unsafe driver. Many seniors remain capable and careful behind the wheel. However, certain age-related changes can significantly impair driving ability. Here are some of the most common factors that can make it dangerous for some older people to drive:
- Slower reaction times – The aging process can reduce the speed at which a driver can identify and respond to hazards.
- Declining vision or hearing – You need solid vision and hearing to drive safely, no matter how old you are. Conditions like cataracts or glaucoma and age-related hearing loss can impair an older driver’s ability to avoid accidents when they’re behind the wheel.
- Medication side effects – Many seniors take prescription medications that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired judgment.
- Cognitive decline – Dementia or mild cognitive impairment can affect decision-making, focus, and spatial awareness.
- Reduced physical mobility – Arthritis or other limiting conditions can prevent seniors from turning their head, checking blind spots, or reacting quickly in emergencies.
What Compensation Can I Get from an Elderly Driver Accident?
Raleigh residents injured in accidents caused by elderly drivers may be entitled to compensation for both the financial losses and the physical and emotional damage caused by the car crash. That compensation can include:
- Medical expenses – The responsible party may be liable for ambulance services, ER visits, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and future medical costs related to the accident.
- Lost wages – If you’ve missed time at work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost hourly wages or salary, commissions and tips, medical benefits, missed raises or promotions, lower earning capacity, and future lost wages.
- Pain and suffering – Car accidents are not just costly. They can be painful and traumatic, and they can severely impact your ability to go through and enjoy daily life. Pain and suffering compensation accounts for those losses.
- Property damage – If your vehicle or any other property was damaged in the crash, the responsible party may be liable for its repair or replacement.
Elderly Driver Accident Legal Process FAQ
There are many unique questions our clients tend to ask us when it comes to elderly drivers causing accidents. Here are a few of the most common:
Is it harder to prove fault against an elderly driver?
Not necessarily. Fault is based on evidence, not a driver’s age. Establishing liability will generally require police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, medical records, and expert testimony. However, your attorney will likely also look into age-related impairments when proving negligence.
What if the elderly driver has dementia or Alzheimer’s?
If a medical condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s caused unsafe driving, it can lend strong support to your negligence claim. When gathering evidence to prove this claim, your attorney may seek medical records, family statements, and the at-fault party’s driving history.
Can I sue the family if they knew the elderly driver was unsafe?
In some cases, yes. If a family member allows someone to operate their vehicle whom they knew or should have known was likely to cause harm, the family member could face liability under negligent entrustment laws when the driver causes an accident. Proving this can be challenging and will likely require experienced legal representation.
How do you handle elderly driver cases sensitively?
Accidents caused by elderly drivers make for challenging cases. More often than not, the at-fault party meant no harm, and their negligence was simply a product of the aging process. However, that doesn’t mean that victims shouldn’t be compensated fairly. At Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers, we balance strong advocacy with compassion for the senior driver and their family.
What if the elderly driver dies before my case settles?
Your claim can still proceed against the driver’s estate or insurance company if the driver passes before a settlement or verdict has been reached. The legal process will change slightly, but you can still seek compensation.
What Makes Elderly Driver Accident Cases Unique?
Elderly driver cases often require additional investigation beyond what’s expected in a typical car accident claim. Some of that additional investigation includes:
- Medical history review – Your attorney will need to look into the at-fault driver’s medical history to determine whether a health condition or medication may have contributed to the accident.
- Driving record analysis – If the at-fault driver has any prior collisions, traffic citations, or license restrictions, this suggests a pattern that can help establish liability.
- Negligent entrustment claims – If a family member knowingly allowed the unsafe driver to operate the vehicle, they may bear some responsibility for the accident.
- Sensitive communication – Cases like these can often be emotionally charged and challenging to navigate tactfully. Tactful communication is crucial for avoiding unnecessary conflict.
Compassionate Legal Representation for Elderly Driver Accident Victims
If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident caused by an elderly driver, you may feel conflicted and overwhelmed – but you deserve strong advocacy and understanding. The team at Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers takes special care to handle these sensitive cases respectfully while still fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Our team offers over 40 years of experience representing Raleigh clients as they seek justice for their injuries. Although each case is unique and past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, we have secured many substantial settlements and verdicts for injury victims throughout North Carolina. We treat clients with the respect, compassion, and understanding they deserve. In turn, they often share kind words about the services we provide.
If you’re ready to pursue your claim, we’re ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today for your free consultation.
