Call Us atAs the population across the country ages, elderly driving car accidents in Bothell will continue to occur. If you believe that a negligent elderly motorist’s negligence caused an accident and subsequent damages, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the liable party. A reliable car accident attorney could help you build a case and recover total compensation.
Why Elderly People May Be More Likely to Cause an Accident
Aging drivers are more likely to develop various health conditions that could negatively impact their ability to safely operate cars and other motor vehicles. As a result, they often put themselves and others at risk on the road.
The following are some specific reasons why elderly drivers might be responsible for an accident in Bothell:
Deteriorating Vision
Elderly drivers often experience certain eye conditions that could reduce visibility while driving. For example, they may suffer from cataracts, myopia progression, macular degeneration, glaucoma, or other conditions that make it harder to see.
Slowed Reaction Times
Aging also impacts people’s reaction times while performing various tasks, including driving. They may struggle to react in time to certain situations on the road, causing an accident.
Hearing Loss
Over time, aging motorists could experience gradual hearing loss, which could further decrease a driver’s awareness and reaction time.
Cognitive Decline
Psychologically, as the brain ages, drivers may experience anxiety, confusion, and generally slower mental processing, all of which could contribute to an accident.
Other Types of Health Conditions
Certain injuries or illnesses could compound or supplement other effects of aging, making elderly drivers even more dangerous on the road.
Who Could Be Liable in Elderly Driver Accidents
Many parties might be responsible for elderly driving accidents in Bothell, including elderly motorists and others involved in the accident.
While it may seem obvious that an elderly driver was liable, there are some circumstances when others might be responsible. Because Washington state operates under comparative negligence laws, elderly drivers could share a percentage of liability with others, such as:
- Bicyclists
- Mechanics
- Pedestrians
- Other motorists
- Maintenance workers
- Local or state governments
- Vehicle or part manufacturers
Another liable party could be someone who allowed the elderly person to operate their vehicle while aware of the person’s impairment.
Proving Liability in Elderly Driving Car Accidents
To prove whether an elderly driver or another person was responsible for an accident in Bothell and the resulting damages, plaintiffs in accident cases would need plenty of evidence to support their claims.
They will need to prove that the liable party owed a duty of care, breached that duty of care, and that the breach led to the accident and calculable damages.
To prove these factors, individuals may collect evidence such as medical records, police reports, proof of lost wages, and other documentation. Attorneys could also reconstruct accidents to confirm how they occurred in some cases.
Speak With a Lawyer If You Were in a Car Accident With an Elderly Driver
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident involving an elderly driver, it is important to understand your legal options. Cases involving elderly driving car accidents in Bothell often raise complex questions about liability and negligence.
Our knowledgeable car accident attorneys could review your case, help gather the necessary evidence, and work to secure fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to discuss your next steps during a free consultation.
