Louisiana residents are living longer, and their chances of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident increases as they age. Data from the Federal Highway Administration reveals that 36 million retirement age Americans had a driver’s license in 2012, and an average of almost 600 of them were injured in crashes on the nation’s roads every day that year. The number of elderly drivers rose by 34 percent between 1999 and 2012, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
The increased risk of injury or death among elderly drivers is attributed to their declining cognitive capabilities and failing eyesight. Older drivers are also less likely to recover after being involved in a serious accident, and many of them suffer from medical conditions that would make recovery even more unlikely.
While older drivers may be injured or killed more often than their younger counterparts, the data indicates that they are actually involved in fewer car accidents. Figures from the National Highway Traffic Administration reveal that elderly drivers are more likely to fasten their safety belts and less likely to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Older motorists also tend to stay off the roads when weather conditions make driving treacherous.
Older motorists may pursue civil remedies when they suffer injury, loss or damage in a car accident caused by the negligent actions of others. When the accident reports provided by law enforcement are inconclusive, personal injury attorneys may conduct their own investigations to establish liability and provide a clear understanding of the chain of events. These investigations could include interviewing individuals who live or work near the accident site as well as viewing surveillance footage recorded by nearby security cameras.
