The Challenges of Elderly Drivers & Car Accidents: Information from Tampa Automobile Accidents Lawyer Dale Appell, P.A.

In the Tampa Bay area and the state of Florida, the subject of elderly drivers has been a hot-button issue for decades. Whether you notice a driver angrily passing a senior citizen on U.S. 19 in Clearwater or you are taking care of an elderly person who has been hurt in a Tampa car accident, senior drivers attract considerable attention in our state. While much of this attention is negative toward senior drivers and claims they are the cause of accidents, an experienced Tampa automobile accidents lawyer will tell you that seniors are often the victims of negligent drivers, too.

Tampa, Florida has long been known as a place where people go to enjoy their retirement years. Our state ranks first in nation for the percentage of the population age 65 and older, and ranks fourth for the total number of people age 65 and older. These statistics show no signs of slowing down. The number of retirees moving to Florida from other states, coupled with the number of existing younger people who plan to stay in Florida for their retirement years, suggest that Florida will probably remain a relatively older population when compared to the rest of the country.

According to the National Safety Council, the amount of senior drivers will increase 70 percent over the next 20 years. This statistic tends to make people nervous, as there have been numerous well-publicized cases in which a senior citizen's impaired driving skills were blamed for a deadly accident. These cases do not necessarily mean, however, that a person's driving privileges should be taken away at a certain age. As a matter of fact, several studies have shown that teenage drivers pose a greater risk than elderly drivers to the roadways of Tampa, Florida and beyond. Many people believe that a more sensible approach to the issue of elderly driving is:

• More frequent testing of these drivers
• Roadway improvements that increase visibility and offer more protection for pedestrians
• Better communication between senior drivers and their families
• Better access to public transportation for seniors

All in all, senior drivers are more cautious than most other drivers in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. Auto accidents caused by seniors are typically not the result of high speed, reckless driving, or alcohol. On the contrary, auto accidents caused by elderly drivers are usually rooted in the indecision and limitations of old age such as slower reaction times, loss of vision, decreased strength, more limited motor skills, and the increased use of medications.

Another factor to consider with senior drivers and auto accidents is the fact that senior drivers are more susceptible to injuries. Generally speaking, senior citizens are frailer than younger drivers. In an automobile accident, seniors and the elderly experience a higher risk of serious injuries and death.

Tampa automobile accidents lawyer Dale Appell, P.A. is committed to justice for drivers of all ages. Whether you are a senior citizen who was injured by another driver, or you were injured in an auto accident caused by an elderly driver, you deserve to consult with an experienced attorney who will fight for your right to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, lost ability to work, pain, and suffering.

Please contact Tampa automobile accidents lawyer Dale Appell, P.A. for a free assessment of your personal injury case. We serve injury victims throughout West Central Florida including Odessa, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Hudson, Hillsborough, St Petersburg, Largo, Lutz, New Port Richey, Oldsmar, and beyond.