Unfortunately, elderly driving car accidents in Southaven are disproportionately high compared to other types and often lead to a substantial number of fatal collisions. This is true despite driving fewer miles than younger drivers, highlighting their vulnerability due to age-related cognitive and physical changes.
You have the right to seek compensation if you were in a collision caused by the negligence of another driver. An auto collision attorney from The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs can help after a collision.
What Are the Most Typical Causes?
Southaven elderly driver car wrecks occur for many reasons and can be severe or deadly. The most common causes include making improper left turns, such as turning without checking for oncoming traffic, and failing to yield the right of way in intersections. Nationally, older drivers are in fewer vehicle collisions because they drive less than younger drivers. However, they are more likely to sustain serious and life-altering injuries. Injured individuals should meet with David and Elissa for legal assistance and advice after a wreck.
Laws and Policies for Older Drivers
Mississippi does not impose broad age-based driving restrictions on older adults. However, drivers age 75 and older must renew their licenses in person, and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety may require vision, written, or road testing if there are concerns about a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
According to national and state agencies, car crashes involving older drivers in Southaven are more likely to be catastrophic due to increased susceptibility to bodily harm, age-related fragility, and medical complications.
A lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the collision, gather evidence, and work to establish liability.
Safety Tips for Elderly Drivers
Everyone should exercise caution on the road, but especially elderly drivers. Some safety tips for older motorists include the following:
- Understand how different medical conditions affect the ability to drive safely, including side effects caused by medications
- Stay active as much as possible to maintain the strength, flexibility, and reflexes needed for safely operating a vehicle
- Stay self-aware, including noticing changes in driving behaviors, such as getting lost, slower reflexes, or fear of driving because of loss of vision or cognitive abilities
- Choose a car with additional safety features, large dials, backup cameras, and other advanced safety technology
- Receive annual vision exams and medical check-ups, and make adjustments based on the outcomes
- Drive during daylight hours, stick to familiar roads, and avoid rush hour or unfamiliar areas whenever possible
- Avoid distractions by muting cell phones and refraining from eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio or temperature while driving
- Avoid driving during rain or other inclement weather conditions
Our experienced lawyers, David and Elissa, can answer any questions about elderly driving car collisions in Southaven and the legal process for obtaining compensation after a wreck.
Contact a Southaven Attorney About Your Auto Collision Involving an Older Driver
Older drivers, typically those aged over 70, face heightened risks of severe vehicle collisions. This is due to age-related declines in vision, reflexes, physical fitness, and cognitive abilities, as well as increased fragility, which can make injuries more serious, or in many cases, fatal.
Call The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs to learn more about elderly driving car accidents in Southaven. Schedule your free consultation if you need help after a collision.
