Getting older happens to everyone. Aging brings a myriad of benefits and joys, but it also has its drawbacks. Natural deterioration of the eyes and hearing can lead to a range of difficulties. Sarasota, Florida, is home to a large aged population. The sun and warm climate paired with the beautiful beaches and mass of retirement homes make it an ideal place for retirees.
However, Sarasota and Florida lay claim to having some of the highest car accident rates in the entire country. Every year, according to data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), over 400,000 car accident incidents happen in Florida alone. Of these 400,000, over 200,000 are hit, and runs and over 3,000 people tragically lose their life.
It is extremely common for accidents to involve elderly drivers in Sarasota. Many of these accidents lead to terrible injuries and even death. Although accidents are often due to a lapse in concentration and other normal factors, sometimes the accident happens due to the age of the driver.
If you have suffered injuries or you have lost a loved one due to an accident involving an elderly driver, contact the Sarasota personal injury lawyers at The Law Place today on (941) 444-4444 for a free case review. We can help and discuss the details of your case and help you decide what your best course of action is. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, and our personal injury accident team is skilled and knowledgeable in Sarasota County law.
Older Driver Facts and Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that over 47 million of the drivers on our roads are aged 65 or older. Of these 47 million, they caused 6,185 fatalities, which is around 18% of the total fatalities.
Older Driver Accident Lawyers in Florida
When you are in an accident in the Sarasota area and you or a loved one are injured or killed by an elderly driver, they can often react in unpredictable ways. Sometimes they may be apologetic. Sometimes they may get angry or come up with other reasons for the accident. Sometimes they may even accuse you of causing the accident yourself.
Disputes about car accident liability are extremely common when it comes to Sarasota, Fl car accidents. Often it can feel uncomfortable pressuring an elderly person into giving you their details or accepting liability, and this can lead to some uncomfortable situations.
When the other party does not accept their fault in the accident, you will run into the same problems that you would with any younger driver. The insurance company defending the elderly driver will be trying to lower their liability and shift the blame wherever possible.
This is common with insurance companies. They like to throw their weight around and use aggressive legal teams to devalue the claim of victims. This is where it becomes extremely important to, at a minimum, take action and speak to a Sarasota car accident lawyer. They will give you unbiased and honest advice in regards to your claim. Insurance companies are known for using underhanded tactics like calling you soon after the accident injury and offering low settlements. Insurance adjusters may also record your conversation and use sneakily worded questions to get you to admit liability or at least partial liability.
No matter how certain you are that it was, in fact, the other elderly driver’s fault, try and avoid speaking to their insurance company until you have secured legal representation. No matter how nice these insurance companies sound on the phone, they only have their companies’ best interests at heart. And it is in their best interest to pay out as little as possible.
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Common Causes of Car Accidents With Older Drivers
Older drivers are more at risk of making mistakes in general due to the high probability that they may be suffering from age-related impairments. Some may have arthritis or bad vision, and some may be on new medications that impair their judgment. These may not be prominent enough to cause a noticeable change in their behavior, but in a car accident, every second counts when it comes to your reaction time.
These are the most common accidents that we see in the State of Florida:
- Turning improperly.
- Failing to yield.
- Driving down a one-way road.
- Driving while distracted.
- Pressing the wrong pedal.
- Speeding.
- Lack of signaling.
- Driving erratically.
- Road rage.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
What Will a Law Firm Do for Me?
Once you have decided to contact The Law Place, you will start with a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Our accident attorneys will ask you some simple questions and give you some unbiased and honest advice on where they think you stand in terms of your case. Florida law surrounding car accident cases can be tricky to navigate, and our car accident attorneys have the knowledge necessary to offer you some immediate and helpful advice.
Once we have explained our fee structure and you have agreed to representation, you will sign on the dotted line. At this point, you can relax, your injury lawyers will take over at this point. They will liaise with all of the relevant parties and do all of your paperwork. They will begin their investigations, speak to all the witnesses they can, collecting reports from the police, and from the first responders. They will begin to build your case and negotiate on your behalf.
After working out your damages and predicting what your claim is worth, your law firm will then negotiate with the other insurance company for a fair settlement. If they cannot come to a settlement that is pleasing to you or they refuse your claim entirely, you will then have to enter the trial phase. In the trial phase, your accident lawyers will use their case that they have built to convince a judge and jury that you are entitled to what you say you are.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Contact Us at The Law Place Today for a Free Consultation in Florida
Here at The Law Place, we have over 75 years of combined experience in dealing with car accident cases just like yours in the Florida area. Don’t let a car accident that isn’t your fault cause you stress and money. Call us today for a free consultation on (941) 444-4444.
