Accidents Involving Elderly Drivers in Chicago

Accidents involving elderly drivers occur more frequently than many people realize, both in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Although many older motorists are careful and conscientious drivers, not all have the physical and cognitive abilities to be safe on the road.

If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash caused by an elderly person’s unsafe driving, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. is here to help. A Chicago car accident attorney with our law firm can investigate the incident, pursue compensation through an insurance settlement, and even take the at-fault driver’s insurance company to court if necessary.

You only have a short time for legal action in a personal injury or wrongful death case so don’t delay. Let our award-winning team demand maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses.

Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today for a free consultation.

Seek Help from an Experienced Chicago Car Accident Lawyer If You Were Injured by an Unsafe Elderly Driver

Our Chicago car accident lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies. We understand the importance of gathering evidence, working with experts, and determining liability so we can pursue every cent of compensation you deserve.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we want to be your voice in dealing with the insurance company and their attorneys while you focus on rest and recovery.

Here are a few benefits from working with our award-winning firm:

  • Exceptional client support and service
  • Over $2.5 billion recovered in settlements and verdicts, including over 350 cases with a settlement or verdict greater than $1 million
  • Extensive resources to investigate and examine evidence
  • Multiple industry and service awards

What Makes Senior Drivers More Dangerous Than Other Drivers?

There are approximately 47 million licensed senior drivers (those age 65 and up) nationwide. Elderly drivers account for nearly 97 of every 1,000 people in crashes.

In a recent year, 62,000 individuals aged 60 to 70 were involved in crashes with injuries or fatalities in Illinois. During the same time, 17,000 individuals 75 and older were involved in Illinois car accidents with injuries or fatalities.

Several factors explain why elderly drivers are more prone to car crashes, particularly fatal collisions.

Cognitive Decline

Mild cognitive impairment is a natural part of aging. Still, any negative age-related changes in memory, processing, and attention can increase the risk of a crash for older drivers. Cognitive impairment can lead to mistakes behind the wheel, such as confusing the brake pedal and the gas pedal, making sudden lane changes, accelerating suddenly, and ignoring traffic signals or stop signs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals 75 and older have more accidents per mile than middle-aged drivers between 35 and 54. The increased risk is partly due to the effects of cognitive decline that can manifest in various ways, including:

  • Memory – Forgetting traffic rules, directions, and how to maneuver in certain instances, such as looking before backing up
  • Attention – Struggling to manage multiple tasks, such as checking rear-view mirrors while also monitoring oncoming traffic
  • Slower reaction time – Taking longer to react to sudden changes, which increases collision risk
  • Fatigue – Nodding off behind the wheel more easily

Vision and Hearing Problems

Our eyes and ears age along with the rest of our bodies. The American Optometric Association reports that people 60 and older have reduced color vision, making it harder to accurately see colors such as blue and green. Additionally, age-related macular degeneration, which affects central vision, can make spotting street signs or pedestrians more difficult. Elderly people have an increased risk for cataracts and glaucoma, too. Issues with peripheral vision can cause problems when changing lanes or pulling out into traffic.

Deafness and other hearing problems are a concern among elderly drivers. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) states that one-third of people ages 65 to 74 have some level of hearing loss. Drivers with trouble hearing could miss honks, sirens, train whistles, or other essential signals.

Medical Conditions

The number and complexity of health issues tend to increase with age. The National Council on Aging reports that nearly 95 percent of older adults have at least one chronic disease, while almost 80 percent have at least two. These conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can impair driving ability.

Older people are more likely to take medications, some with side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Moreover, medications can have adverse interactions with one another, and elderly adults are often prescribed several different pharmaceuticals. A study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety highlighted that drivers over 65 are more likely than younger groups to experience side effects and drug interactions that can impair driving ability.

How Can I Report an Unsafe Elderly Driver?

Driving is a privilege, not a right. Still, it is challenging to maintain independence in today’s car-dominant society without that privilege. Some older adult drivers do not realize they are unsafe to themselves or others on the road. If you see warning signs, there are several actions you can take to report an unsafe elderly driver:

  • Tell a doctor. A physician can evaluate an older person’s ability to drive safely and might recommend they stop driving. Doctors can download a form from the Illinois Driver Analysis Division to report a potentially dangerous elderly driver.
  • Call the police. If you witness a dangerous act on the road, report it to your local police or highway patrol.
  • Contact the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department. They can re-evaluate a person’s driving skills and determine if they should retain their license.

How Can I Prove the Elderly Driver Was at Fault for the Accident?

To prove that the elderly driver was to blame for the car crash, you will need evidence of their negligence, recklessness, or intentionally harmful behavior. Potential examples of evidence include:

  • Digital onboard data from the car’s black box
  • Photos and videos of the accident scene
  • Information from the police report
  • Witness statements
  • Medical and toxicology reports
  • Cell phone data
  • Testimony from accident reconstruction experts

A car accident lawyer in Chicago can gather this evidence, review it to determine fault, and pursue compensation for you.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Car Accident with an Older Driver?

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you could be owed money for your:

  • Current and future medical care
  • Lost wages
  • Decreased earning ability due to injuries
  • Disfigurement or disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

Contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer with Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Today

If you believe an elderly driver’s impaired driving abilities caused your injuries in a car crash, you deserve representation from proven litigators who fight for you. Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today for a free consultation and find out what we can do for you.