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How Old Is Too Old To Drive In California?

For older drivers, even the most fundamental tasks can become difficult. Not only that, but the skills needed for safe driving–reaction time, vision, awareness–decline in older age. Of California’s 39.2 million people, 15% are over the age of 65 according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. This means that there are a substantial number of elderly people in our state, many of whom continue to get behind the wheel of a car.

There is no law in our state that places an age limit on being able to drive, but the fact is, drivers of a certain age are more prone to making mistakes when driving. This, unfortunately, leads to accidents. While the various rules and regulations in place apply to drivers of all ages, the California Department of Motor Vehicles does have certain requirements that older drivers have to meet in order to keep their driver’s licenses.

Free Consultations For California Car Accident Victims

When you’re in a car accident, no matter the age of the driver that caused it, you have the ability to recover support and benefits from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. At Maison Law, our team of experienced California car accident lawyers can help you through the day-to-day responsibilities of any claim you make, which will allow you to focus on your recovery.

Contact us for a free consultation to learn more.

How Old is Too Old To Drive in California?

Notwithstanding the high number of car accidents that are caused by age-related factors, California does not have a maximum age at which a person is no longer allowed to drive. That said, the DMV does have a certain set of requirements for drivers over the age of 70, which includes:

  • Renewing their driver’s license in person.
  • Taking both a vision test and written test when renewing their license.
  • Accepting requests from family members and others for the DMV to conduct unsafe driver investigations.
  • Requiring doctors who diagnose patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions that may make the

The DMV’s unsafe driver investigations can impose further restrictions on older drivers, such as:

  • Requiring eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Prohibiting driving on highways
  • Requiring an additional right-side mirror on a vehicle
  • Prohibiting driving at night
  • Restricting driving at certain times of the day, such as morning or afternoon rush hour
  • Restricting driving in certain high-traffic areas
  • Requiring seat modifications to ensure a proper driving position

Regardless of the age of the other driver, it is extremely important that, if you have been injured in a car crash, you seek the advice of an experienced attorney as soon as possible to help you protect your rights and receive compensation for your injuries.

When Should Older Drivers Stop Driving?

Trying to broach the topic of no longer driving could be difficult for some older people, especially if they live alone and value their sense of independence. Still, there are certain warning signs that driving may no longer be feasible and even dangerous:

  • Not being able to read the traffic signals or signs.
  • Driving too fast or too slow for the situation.
  • Diminishing confidence while behind the wheel.
  • Side-swiping other cars and causing other minor accidents.
  • Finding yourself lost in areas you are familiar with.
  • Not being able to remember directions or depending solely on GPS to navigate.
  • Having those close to you tell you that you should drive less often.
  • Suffering from conditions like dementia.
  • Frequently tailgating other cars.
  • Forgetting to give the signal when changing lanes.

Again, these factors are common for older drivers, but every person ages differently. Ultimately, the decision of whether a person is too old to drive safely should be based on their individual abilities and any potential risks they may pose to themselves and others on the road.

Benefits and Support Available After a California Car Accident

Unfortunately, when an older driver causes a car accident, injuries often occur. Even worse, older drivers are themselves more prone to injuries in car accidents because of their diminished physical state.

That said, injuries and other damage in a car accident can quickly begin to add up–to the point of becoming overwhelming. Luckily, California law allows injured victims to recover benefits and support from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Usually, this can include:

  • Medical expenses, including ambulance and emergency services, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, surgery, follow-up care, and prescription medication.
  • Estimated future medical expenses when you suffer permanent injuries that require ongoing treatment, sometimes in a long-term care facility.
  • Costs for assistive devices such as wheelchairs, artificial limbs, crutches, and canes.
  • Loss of income from missing work due to pedestrian accident injuries.
  • Lost earning capacity when a pedestrian accident leads to a catastrophic injury that makes it impossible for a victim to return to their job or work in the future
  • Physical pain and suffering.
  • Emotional distress.
  • Loss of consortium with a spouse.
  • Diminished quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Scarring and disfigurement.

There is a delicate balance between asking an older person to stop driving and respecting their independence. However, when an older driver causes a car accident where injuries occur, it’s likely in the best interest of everyone that the older person no longer gets behind the wheel. At the same time, our team can help you collect any evidence relating to your claim. The bottom line is that an older driver is no different than any other at-fault driver during a car accident.

Maison Law Stands With California Car Accident Victims

At Maison Law, our team of experienced, dedicated California car accident lawyers has developed a proven system of success in recovering the support and benefits our clients need after a car accident. When an at-fault driver causes an accident that injures you or a loved one, we will stand with you throughout the entire claims process. Our firm takes any car accident claim on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning you pay nothing up-front for our services. We take a client-specific approach to each case, allowing you to focus on your recovery and health first.

To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.

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