Elderly Driving Car Accidents in Hutto
Accidents involving an elderly driver can be extremely dangerous and may lead to catastrophic injuries. Elderly drivers face higher rates of fatalities in car accidents compared to younger adults.
In addition, since physical and mental abilities change with age, elderly drivers may pose a greater risk of causing a car accident. If you or a loved one were injured by elderly driving car accidents in Hutto, it is important to contact an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible.
Elderly Drivers Have a Higher Risk of Fatalities
Car crashes involving senior drivers in Hutto are caused by a range of factors. Driving can become more hazardous with age, due to physical limitations such as vision loss, diminished hearing, reduced motor functioning, and slower reaction time.
Elderly adults also experience reduced cognitive abilities, which can negatively impact their:
- Decision-making ability
- Memory
- Depth perception
- Attention span
- Overall judgment
These risks can be exacerbated by external factors, such as medical conditions, prescription medication usage, bad weather conditions that cause poor visibility, poorly designed roadways, and poor road conditions (such as potholes).
Injured Victims Can Take Legal Action
Many elderly car crashes in Hutto result from a driver’s negligent actions. If someone has suffered injuries from a crash involving a senior driver, they can pursue a legal claim for negligence. Examples of negligent actions that can lead to elderly car accidents include:
- Driving at an excessively fast or slow speed
- Failing to yield
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while fatigued
- Making illegal lane changes
To prove negligence in a lawsuit, a plaintiff must show that a driver violated a duty of reasonable care. Evidence of these actions can help prove that a driver took unreasonable actions behind the wheel. Consulting with an attorney can help injured victims determine whether they have an eligible legal claim.
It is important to note that time is critical when filing a legal claim. According to Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, the state has a two-year statute of limitations for filing claims, which begins from the date of the crash. Filing a lawsuit outside this window will result in a court dismissing the lawsuit.
Wrongful Death Claims From Elderly Driver Collisions
Unfortunately, elderly car collisions in Hutto have a higher risk of causing fatalities. The state’s wrongful death statute, Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 71.002, allows a deceased accident victim’s surviving family to recover compensation against the responsible party. The statute states that the cause of action remains after the accident victim’s death. Family members eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim include the surviving spouse, descendants, parents, or siblings.
If no family member has brought a wrongful death claim within three months, the executor of the decedent’s estate can file the lawsuit. The wrongful death statute also applies to accidents that cause the death of an unborn child, regardless of the stage of pregnancy (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 71.001).
Consult With a Hutto Attorney About Elderly Driver Collisions
Car accidents can lead to devastating injuries that permanently impact the lives of victims and their families. To make a full recovery, injured victims can face costly medical bills and extensive physical therapy.
If you were involved in elderly driving car accidents in Hutto, contact Felix Gonzalez Law immediately. Their professional and compassionate legal team will fight hard on your behalf to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your out-of-pocket expenses and pain and suffering.
