A recent study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health established a link between adults with ADHD and car crashes. The study concluded that older adults with ADHD were 74% more likely to be in a collision and 102% more likely to get traffic tickets than non-neurodivergent drivers of the same age (65 to 79).
More research is needed to uncover the link between medical conditions such as ADHD and the risk of car accident. The more research is available, the more we can support drivers in staying safe and support injured plaintiffs in getting the financial recovery they need. The team at Flaxman Law Group has put together this guide to help you understand the latest research. If you find yourself injured in a car accident and need more help, contact our Miami, Hollywood, and Homestead offices for a free accident consultation with a Florida car accident attorney.
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition affecting the mind. People with ADHD have different brain activity and differences in their brains that can affect their self-control, impulsivity, and attention. This condition is usually diagnosed in children, but a growing number of patients are being diagnosed as adults.
ADHD can lead to:
- Difficulty paying attention and staying still.
- Daydreaming and difficulty paying attention to details.
- Restlessness.
- Difficulty regulating emotions.
Today, there are many treatments for this condition, including behavioral therapy and medications.
How Big of a Worry Is it?
In addition to the latest study, linking car crashes with older drivers with ADHD, a number of studies over the years have established that ADHD can increase the risk of distracted driving and impulsivity, which are associated with a higher risk of car crashes.
For example, a 2020 study found that adults with ADHD had a 1.81 times greater risk of car collisions when compared with adults who didn’t have the condition.
The non-profit organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) notes that young adults and adults with ADHD do have a higher risk of car accidents. They recommend that patients follow their treatment plan and consciously put away distractions such as cell phones before stepping in the car to stay safer.
What Should I Do If I’m in a Hollywood Car Accident?
No one can control whether they have a medical condition such as ADHD, but patients with any condition that could impact their driving have an obligation to be safe motorists. This may mean taking extra precautions or working with their doctors to reduce the symptoms.
If you’re injured in a Hollywood car accident, you may not know whether the at-fault driver was distracted or was driving recklessly. That’s why you may want a consultation with a Hollywood car accident lawyer. When you work with an attorney, he or she can investigate the cause of the accident, which can mean looking into a driver’s past driving record for other crashes. An attorney can determine whether any cause—including a medical diagnosis—contributed to your crash. With this information in hand, your attorney can start building a case to secure financial recovery for you.
To talk to a Hollywood car accident attorney, reach out to Flaxman Law Group today for your free accident consultation. If you’ve been injured, our family-based team is happy to discuss your case to make sure you understand your rights. We bring more than 60 years of combined experience to the table, as well as a track record of securing more than $100 million for our clients. That’s experience that we can put to work on Hollywood car accident cases.