Car Accidents Involving Seniors
Most people drive on the road knowing that there is always a risk of an auto accident occurring. Car accidents can result in serious, or even catastrophic, damages, including physical injuries, costly expenses, and emotional trauma. While we all hope to avoid being involved in a collision, the unfortunate truth is that three to four car accidents can occur within your lifetime.
Anyone is at risk for an accident, but the risks associated with car accidents are particularly high for certain factions of the population. For instance, senior citizens face high risks of being involved in an accident and are more likely to suffer from serious injuries or death when an accident occurs.
At Quick Law Group, PLLC, our experienced attorneys have dealt with car accidents involving seniors in Kirkland, WA, Redmond, WA, Renton, WA, and surrounding areas. We are happy to provide legal advice or representation to anyone who has been injured in an accident.
Senior Accident Statistics
When compiling car accident statistics, data is often broken down to look for any concerning patterns. One-way accident data is commonly categorized is by the age group of those involved in the accident. Looking at car accident statistics related to senior drivers, there are some startling facts to consider. Below are some of the most noticeable senior accident statistics:
- Seniors have the second highest crash death rate per mile driven
- Per mile driven, the crash death rate begins to increase at the age of 75, and jumps dramatically at the age of 80
- The fatality rate of senior drivers is 17 times higher than that of drivers aged 25 to 64
- A study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine found that car accidents were the second leading cause of injuries to seniors
Senior Injury Risks
While seniors are among the most likely to be seriously injured in a car accident, studies have found that they are actually recognized as one of the safest groups of drivers. Senior citizens are more likely to wear a seatbelt, have fewer instances of driving under the influence, and tend to avoid hazardous driving conditions, including night driving and traveling in bad weather.
Unfortunately, there are other factors that increase the risk of injuries or death for seniors in a car accident, including the following:
- Seniors tend to have weaker bones and muscles that are more susceptible to injury
- Many seniors suffer from medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses that can impede with the recovery process following an injury
- As a person ages, the risk of medical complications following an injury increases significantly
Seeking Legal Representation
Any person who has been injured in a car accident should seek legal representation as soon as possible. Injuries can result in extensive damages, including pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and financial losses. Our legal team will work hard on behalf of our clients to gather necessary evidence and build a strong case of liability to ensure our clients are justly compensated for the full extent of their damages.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in an auto accident, our attorneys can represent you through any legal proceedings to ensure your rights are protected. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of your case and find out your best course of legal action.