Practice Areas

Senior Citizen and Auto Accidents

Serving clients in Orlando and across Florida

At the law offices of Orlando auto accident attorney, Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., we understand that senior citizens in today's world are healthier and more active than ever before. Advancements in medicine coupled with healthier diets and regular exercise help to prolong and enhance their quality of life.
 
Regardless of these advances, as senior citizens continue to age, their sight, hearing, alertness and judgment begin to diminish leaving them more prone to causing auto accidents while behind the wheel. We represent victims who have suffered medical and financial damages resulting from accidents caused by impaired seniors. Active seniors who are still healthy are very reluctant to give up their independence. But, at what point does this resistance result in endangering the lives of others?

Signs of Impaired Driving Skills

At some point in time, family members and even friends of elderly citizens must take on the responsibility of keeping them safe and preventing them from accidentally harming themselves or others. If you find yourself questioning the ability of an elderly loved one to continue exercising their driving privileges, watch for the following behaviors and signs:

• Slower driving
• Erratic driving
• Poor reaction times when encountering lights, signs and other vehicles
• Reluctance to drive at higher speeds
• Timid during interaction with other vehicles
• Hearing impairment
• Impaired eyesight
• Lethargy

Injuries to Elderly Vehicle Occupants

Senior citizens who continue to drive beyond the point where they can safely maneuver an automobile also place themselves and other seniors at the risk of more severe injury and longer healing periods. Elderly drivers and passengers who have been injured in an automobile accident may suffer from the following additional injuries:

• Lengthier healing periods from hip and bone fractures
• Incapacitating burn injuries
• Incapacitating brain injuries
• Impaired immune systems which prolong healing
• Greater likelihood of injuries resulting in death

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of an accident involving a senior driver, please contact Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., Florida auto injury lawyer, to learn how he can help you in your time of need.