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History of Falling Increases Risk of Auto Accidents for Older Drivers

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
falls increase risk of accidentA new study shows that elderly drivers who have had one or more recent falls are significantly more likely to be involved in an automobile accident, as opposed to elderly individuals who have no history of falling. This information comes from research released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (“LongROAD”) project, which focuses on creating an extensive database of information regarding older drivers. The information will be collected over a period of several years and will track the most common driving trends seen in the elderly. By observing and recording this information, researchers involved with the LongROAD project will pave the way for additional in-depth studies that also target potential risks and possible preventative actions aimed at keeping senior citizens and other drivers safe on America’s roadways. The project concluded that elderly drivers who are susceptible to falling were 40 percent more likely to be involved in, or be the cause of, a motor vehicle accident. Researchers determined that experiencing a fall can be detrimental to an older driver in more than one way. Debilitating injuries, long recovery times and avoidance of activities can all increase an elderly driver’s risk of being involved in a crash. For example, falling unexpectedly may result in serious injuries that limit the driver’s ability to steer effectively or brake in time to avoid collisions. Additionally, a fall that does not leave a driver injured can create apprehensive feelings about falling again. This fear can cause a driver to avoid activities that promote good balance and muscle strength, both of which are beneficial to maintaining acceptable driving skills. With drivers over the age of 60 being involved in more than 400,000 crashes annually, it is clear that not all seniors are receiving the guidance needed to keep themselves and others safe on the roads. The LongROAD project recommends that elderly individuals who have experienced one or more falls become aware that falling may be an early indicator of physical fitness deterioration. This could result in an elderly driver being involved in an auto accident, as adequate physical fitness is needed to operate a vehicle safely. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident that could have been prevented, the experienced Sacramento auto accident lawyers at Arnold Law Firm have the resources and knowledge necessary to assist you in your time of need. Please contact our offices today for a free case review and let a Sacramento personal injury lawyer from our legal team help you seek the justice you deserve.

Call (916) 777-7777 or fill out our FREE Case Review Form.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.