Our Los Angeles Elderly Driving Accident Attorney Can Help You

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), drivers aged 65 and older make up about 15% of all licensed drivers in the state, but they are involved in a higher proportion of fatal accidents than any other age group except teenagers. They are also the ones involved in an accident because of their age factors. If you or your loved one, who is a senior citizen, has been in a driving accident, contact a specialized Los Angeles elderly driving accident lawyer who looks after cases for senior citizens. They will know all the details and can help you out efficiently. 

The Seriousness of the Injury

Seniors may differ in various ways when they are injured in accidents compared to younger adults due to physical and physiological changes that occur with aging. Here are some of the ways that seniors may differ when they are injured in accidents:

• Increased Risk of Fractures: Older adults have decreased bone density, which makes them more prone to fractures in the event of an accident.
• Slower Healing: As we age, our body’s ability to heal itself decreases. This means that older adults may take longer to recover from injuries sustained in accidents.
• Increased Risk of Complications: Seniors may have pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, which can increase the risk of complications from injuries sustained in an accident.
• Higher Risk of Falls: Older adults are more likely to suffer from balance and coordination issues, which increases their risk of falls. This means that they may be more likely to suffer from injuries such as head trauma or fractures in the event of an accident.
• Increased Risk of Cognitive Impairment: As we age, our cognitive function may decline. This can affect our ability to remember important information about an accident or to communicate effectively with healthcare providers.
• Increased Risk of Depression: Seniors may experience depression or anxiety after an accident due to the stress and trauma of the event, as well as the physical and emotional challenges of recovery.

What is an Eggshell Plaintiff in Los Angeles?

 An Eggshell Plaintiff in Los Angeles is the same as an Eggshell Plaintiff in any other part of California. It is a legal term used to describe a plaintiff who has a pre-existing physical condition or vulnerability that makes them more susceptible to injury than an average person.

In Los Angeles, an Eggshell Plaintiff is entitled to the same legal protections as any other plaintiff, and the defendant can be held liable for the full extent of the damages caused, even if the injuries are more severe due to the plaintiff’s pre-existing condition.

For example, if a person with a pre-existing heart condition is injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, and the injury aggravates their pre-existing condition, they may be considered an Eggshell Plaintiff. The other driver would be held liable for the damages caused by the accident, including the aggravation of the plaintiff’s pre-existing condition.

It is important to note that an Eggshell Plaintiff must prove that their injuries were caused by the defendant’s negligence and not solely by their pre-existing condition. In other words, the defendant is still responsible for the harm they cause, even if the plaintiff’s injuries are more severe due to their pre-existing condition.

The Senior Citizen at Fault

If the elderly driver is at fault for the accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against them. A personal injury claim seeks compensation for the damages you suffered as a result of the accident.

If you decide to file a personal injury claim, a Los Angeles elderly driver lawyer can help you through the process. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and establish liability. They can also help you assess the damages you have suffered and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit and represent you in court. They can present evidence and argue your case on your behalf.

It’s important to note that Los Angeles has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The statute states that victims have a certain amount of time to file a claim after an accident. The statute of limitations is two years from the time of the accident. If you do not file a claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

The Senior Citizen as Victim

If another driver caused harm to the elderly driver, the elderly driver may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. In this case, the elderly driver would be the plaintiff, seeking compensation from the at-fault driver for the damages they suffered as a result of the accident.

A Los Angeles, elderly driver lawyer, can help the elderly driver through the process of filing a personal injury claim. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and establish liability. They can also help the elderly driver assess the damages they have suffered and negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company on their behalf.

If an elderly driver has been involved in an accident caused by another driver and has suffered damages, it’s important to speak with a Los Angeles elderly driver lawyer as quickly as possible to protect their rights and ensure that they receive fair compensation for their damages.

How Los Angeles Elderly Driving Accident Lawyers Can an Attorney Help If You Are the Victim of an Elder Driving Accident

A Los Angeles elderly driving accident lawyer can help you seek justice if you have been injured in an accident caused by an elderly driver. Here are some ways that a lawyer can assist you:

• Investigate the Accident: A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to decide the reason for the accident and who is at fault. They will collect evidence such as statements of witnesses at the scene, police files or reports, and medical records to create or draft a good case.
• Establish Liability: If the elderly driver was at fault for the accident, a lawyer can help you establish liability and hold them accountable for their actions. This may involve negotiating a settlement or taking the case to court.
• Assess Damages: A lawyer can assess the damages you have suffered as a result of the accident, including medical expenses, salary loss, and non-economic factors. They can work with medical experts to determine the long-term impact of your injuries and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
• Deal with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize the amount they pay out to you for your damages. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
• Provide Legal Representation: A Los Angeles Elderly Driving Accident Lawyer can provide you with legal representation throughout the process, including court appearances, mediation, and negotiations. They can also answer any legal questions you may have and ensure that your rights are protected.

How Los Angeles Elderly Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help If  the Elderly Is a Victim

If an elderly driver is a victim of an accident caused by another driver, a lawyer can help them seek compensation for their damages. The lawyer can assist the elderly driver by:

• Investigating the Accident: A lawyer can investigate the accident and gather evidence to establish liability. They can interview witnesses, review police reports, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine who was at fault for the accident.
• Assessing Damages: A lawyer can help the elderly driver assess the damages they suffered as a result of the accident. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
• Filing an Insurance Claim: A lawyer can help the elderly driver file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They can handle negotiations with the insurance company to ensure that the elderly driver receives a fair settlement.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a lawyer can help the elderly driver file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. The lawyer can represent the elderly driver in court and argue their case on their behalf.
• Protecting Their Rights: A lawyer can help elderly driver protect their legal rights throughout the process. They can ensure that the elderly driver is treated fairly by the insurance company and the legal system.

Verdicts and Settlements Involving Elderly Drivers

Verdicts and settlements involving elderly drivers can vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of each case. Factors such as the severity of the accident, the extent of injuries or damages, the insurance coverage of the parties involved, and the jurisdiction where the case is tried can all influence the outcomes of such cases.

Injury Severity: Cases involving elderly drivers may result in substantial settlements or verdicts if the accident caused significant injuries or fatalities to other parties involved.

Negligence: If it can be demonstrated that the elderly driver was negligent or unfit to drive, this could impact the outcome of the case, potentially leading to higher settlements or verdicts.

Insurance Coverage: The insurance coverage of the elderly driver and the other parties involved can also play a significant role in determining the size of settlements or verdicts.

It’s important to note that each case is unique, and the outcomes can vary. Consulting with a qualified Los Angeles elderly driving accident lawyer who has experience in handling cases involving elderly drivers can provide valuable insight into the potential verdicts and settlements that may be pursued in a specific situation.

How Can the Los Angeles Elderly Driving Accident Lawyer Help in Both Cases

The Pacific Attorney Group is a personal injury law firm that specializes in helping victims of accidents, including elderly drivers. The firm can provide legal assistance in both cases where an elderly driver is at fault for an accident or where an elderly driver is a victim of an accident.

Los Angeles elderly driving accident lawyer at the Pacific Attorney Group can help the victims of the accident seek compensation for their damages. We will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and establish liability. Our team will also help the victims assess the damages they have suffered and negotiate with the insurance company on their behalf. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, we will file a lawsuit and represent the victims in court.

The Pacific Attorney Group can provide valuable legal assistance in both cases, helping victims of accidents seek fair compensation for their damages. We have experience handling personal injury cases involving elderly drivers, and we will ensure that victims’ legal rights are protected throughout the process.

You can contact us for a free consultation at any time, and we will take you through all the details of how we can win the case or settlement.