Miami car crashes claim many lives and cause a devastating array in injuries, including many permanent and life-threatening injuries. As the percentage of elderly persons grows, senior citizens are more likely to be affected by the high numbers of Miami car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13% of the total US population in 2009 were aged 65 years or older. Senior citizens comprised 16% of car accident fatalities and 8% of injury victims in car accidents in 2009. According to the NHTSA, senior drivers are less likely than the rest of the population to be involved in drunk driving accidents and are more likely to the be the struck vehicle in a car accident. Despite this, there are still some reasons why car accidents claim so many senior citizens’ lives:
1) The growing number of senior citizens. With improved quality of life and medical care, more Americans are living longer. This is a great thing, but it can also mean more people who are seniors – and a growing demographic at risk. In Florida, especially, there are many senior citizens, attracted by the state’s climate and lifestyle. This is one reason why a number of Miami car collisions involve senior citizens.
2) The changing nature of the roads. Over the past few decades, a number of initiatives have been designed to make roadways safer than ever before. At the same time, however, the roads are increasingly complex and congested, increasing the risk of accidents.
3) Medical issues. Any driver can suddenly develop medical problems that can affect driving ability. However, elderly drivers are especially prone to some medical problems, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dementia, which have subtle symptoms but which can significantly impact driving safety. Conditions such as these can be hard to detect at first, even as they affect a patient’s ability to drive safely.
4) Senior citizens may be more likely to walk. In many cities, senior citizens are more likely to be injured in a pedestrian accident than other adults. Part of the reason why seniors are at risk for Miami pedestrian accidents is because seniors often take part in walks for fitness or may rely on walking as a mode of transportation, potentially putting them more at risk. Seniors who have mobility problems are especially at risk for pedestrian accidents and Miami slip and fall accidents while walking.
Unfortunately, seniors may suffer more serious injuries as a result of traffic accidents. Since seniors are more likely to suffer from conditions such as osteoporosis, bone breakage caused by a car accident may be more likely in the senior population. As well, the elderly may be more vulnerable to complications as a result of their injuries and may take longer to heal from brain injuries and other injuries sustained in car accidents. Underlying conditions and overall condition can mean that healing simply takes a long time.
If an elderly member of your family has been injured in a Miami car accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group. You will want to ensure that your loved one has the resources to pay for the best medical care possible, and ensuring that starts with knowing your rights and options. The Flaxman Law Group can arrange for a free accident consultation with you, your injured family member, and a qualified Miami attorney. This is your opportunity to discuss your case and to determine what can best be done to protect your loved one’s recovery.