Car Accident Concerns For Seniors In Buffalo, New York

Jed Dietrich, Esq., Acclaimed as a New York Super Lawyer, and His Team of Aggressive, Tenacious, and Hardworking Attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., Highly Praised as an American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Personal Injury Law Firm, Aggressively Litigate Cases to Secure the Best Result for Elderly Victims of Car Crashes in Buffalo, New York.

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In the United States, senior citizens make up a larger percentage of the population than ever before and are more likely to keep their licenses longer. As a result, between 1997 and 2019, the number of senior drivers dramatically increased by 70%. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in a single recent year, there were roughly 30 million licensed drivers 70 or older. Driving helps seniors to maintain their independence and stay mobile. Nevertheless, with age often comes a deterioration in hearing, vision, and other senses necessary for safe driving. Data from the Longitudinal Prevalence of Major Eye Disease study revealed 6.5 million Americans over age 65 suffer from severe visual impairments. Additionally, mobility issues, such as arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, and diminished brain functioning, due to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can make it dangerous for older adults to drive.

The risk of being injured or worse in a car accident significantly increases as we age. This is primarily due to less resistance to trauma, existing medical conditions, and increased overall vulnerability. Although those 70 and older drive fewer miles, they have higher fatality rates per mile traveled than middle-aged motorists. In 2018 alone, nearly 7,700 elderly adults suffered fatalities, and over 250,000 were treated in hospitals for crash-related injuries. On average, every day, almost 700 seniors are injured, and over 20 are killed in accidents. If you, or an elderly loved one, were unfortunate enough to be acutely injured in a car collision, it is imperative to contact a highly skilled personal injury lawyer. After suffering catastrophic injuries, it can be problematic for elderly accident victims to get back on their feet. Regretfully, many older car accident victims suffer the loss of mobility and lose their independence. While seniors are forced to struggle with their agonizing and debilitating injuries, family members often strain to pay increased medical costs.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested team has assisted numerous elderly victims and their families seek justice after devastating accidents. Throughout the years, our veteran attorneys have developed the expertise and knowledge required to investigate cases and demand the highest possible monetary compensation for your injuries. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has successfully campaigned to obtain over $175 Million in judgments and settlements for victims who were injured in Buffalo, New York, and beyond. Our remarkable devotion to going far beyond your expectations and rendering an exceptional outcome is what differentiates us from other personal injury law firms. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s seasoned team offers free lawsuit assessments and consultations. It would be our honor to discuss your potential claim in further detail. Our compassionate lawyers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (716) 839-3939, or by filling out the online consultation form.

Crucial Safety Tips For Elderly Drivers

Taking the necessary precautions can help all drivers, especially older adults, remain accident-free. We have put together a list to help prepare you for staying safe behind the wheel, which includes:

1. Always Wear Your Seat Belt: Seat belt use for both drivers and passengers is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of injury and death in an accident.

2. Know Your Medications: Ask a doctor or pharmacist to review your over-the-counter medicines, prescription medications, and dietary supplements for any potential side effects that could negatively impact your driving. Be particularly careful with medicines that cause changes in vision, fainting, passing out, slow reaction times, loss of balance, changes in awareness, sleepiness, or lack of muscle coordination.

3. Get an Eye Exam: Have your eyes checked by an optometrist at least once per year. When required, wearing glasses or contact lenses is just as important for your safety as wearing a seat belt. Clear vision is vital for every driver on the road. Additionally, the right glasses can help reduce glare and protect your eyes from debris.

4. Drive When Conditions are Safest: Inclement weather and driving at night increase the risk of crashing. If possible, drive in good weather and during the daytime.

5. Plan Your Route: Planning your trip before driving can help you find the safest course. When possible, look for well-lit streets, be mindful of rush hour and other busy travel times, use a global positioning system (GPS), avoid dangerous intersections, and search for easy parking.

6. Avoid Distractions: Avoid all unnecessary distractions while driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, listening to a loud radio, or eating. Always keep your eyes on the road.

7. Have your Vehicle Inspected: A certified mechanic should regularly check to ensure your car is in good shape and working properly.

8. Never Tailgate: Always leave a sufficient following distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Giving cars in front of you extra space will provide you with more reaction time and longer stopping distances.

9. Do not Drive too Slowly: Driving slowly can create needless hazards for other motorists and increase the risk of being rear-ended.

10. Avoid Slamming on the Brakes: Gradually slowing down instead of slamming on the brakes can help you avoid losing control.

Important Steps to Take After Being Involved in an Accident

Being involved in any type of car accident can be a traumatic experience. If you were unfortunate enough to be the victim of a crash, you are most likely feeling overwhelmed. The below recommendation can assist you in handling the situation competently as well as supporting your case:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your top priority should be obtaining immediate medical care for any injuries. If your injuries are serious, have someone call an ambulance. Even if you do not feel hurt, we recommend being examined by a doctor. When it comes to your health, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

2. Call the Police: Call 911 before leaving the scene of the accident. It is important to request the officers to file an accident report and obtain a copy. Accident reports can help your personal injury lawyer determine who is liable.

3. Take Pictures: If possible, try to take pictures and capture videos of the scene of the accident, any damage to the vehicles, and all injuries sustained. This can help confirm the cause of the accident, document your claim, and authenticate damages.

4. Talk to Potential Witnesses: Bystanders in the area may have seen your accident. Write down the names and contact details of any witnesses that will verify your version of events.

5. Exchange Contact Information: Get the other motorist’s license plate number, contact information, and insurance details. This includes jotting down both the name and address of his or her driver’s license as well as all the data on their insurance card.

6. Call Jed Dietrich, Esq.: Our highly experienced personal injury lawyers can report your accident, file an insurance claim, and handle all necessary communications. Additionally, our veteran team will work to build the strongest possible case.

Just because someone is an attorney does not imply that they have what it takes to handle your car accident claim. After your crash, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. will aggressively fight for you every step of the way. We understand that even minor injuries can have a profound impact on the lives of older adults. After accidents, elderly victims generally require more extensive medical care and monitoring. The combination of emotional and physical pain, as well as immobility, can make life depressing. Our elite team, proudly recognized by Expertise LLC as Best Car Accident Lawyers in Buffalo, New York, understands how to properly and assertively pursue your car collision case. Practicing law the Dietrich way, we are determined, disciplined, and dedicated to helping you recover so that you can enjoy the rest of your golden years. Call Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his top rated team of elderly car accident injury attorneys today at (716) 839-3939 so that we can help you!

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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