As individuals age, there is a greater chance that they will become involved in a car accident due to reasons such as misjudging a driver’s speed, failing to survey their surroundings, and failing to yield to other vehicles. However, sometimes a senior citizen is the victim of a car accident caused by another driver and they are now left with serious injuries as a result. Where should a senior citizen turn for financial help after they have been impacted by a collision in California?
Maison Law offers the representation seniors and their families need following a life-altering California car accident. We will compassionately handle every aspect of your claim so that you can focus on your physical recovery during one of the most difficult things that you have been dealt. Contact us for representation every step of the way.
Risks Associated with Car Accidents Involving Injured Senior Citizens
When a car accident involving a senior citizen takes place, it is more likely to cause serious injuries or a fatality to the elderly adult than anybody else involved. According to Health in Aging, male and females over age 85 have the highest fatality rate out of anybody involved in a car accident.
As an individual grows older, their bones and organs become more fragile than ever before. This means that, in the event of a car accident, a senior citizen is likely to experience the following:
- Increased medical costs associated with an accident
- Nursing home care following serious injuries
- Extended physical therapy
- Various types of medication
- Durable medical equipment
Injuries in senior citizens also tend to take longer to heal than those in healthy younger adults. In fact, some senior citizens never completely heal depending on the circumstances of the accident and the injuries they have sustained. This means that medical expenses could follow a senior citizen for the remainder of their life if the injuries are severe enough.
Senior Citizens and Receiving Damages After a Car Accident
A senior citizen, just as any other driver or passenger, is entitled to fair damages from the insurance company or at-fault party following a car accident. These include some of the following important damages that follow a collision:
- Medical expenses
- Nursing home care
- Home modifications and equipment
- Lost income or work-related benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage caused by the collision
Since many senior citizens receive Medicare insurance, they can turn to their insurance to help them with costs associated with the collision as well. However, it is not unheard of for Medicare to deny claims or only pay for a certain amount of time before they refuse to cover the rest. This is why elderly adults may benefit from bringing a personal injury claim.
How a Senior’s Age Can Impact Their Lawsuit
Insurance companies can be difficult to work with, at times. The insurance company is a business that looks to protect its own interests and, unfortunately, this means that a senior citizen might find it difficult to move forward with a claim. Because of the age of seniors, there are certain unique battles that an elderly person might face when dealing with the insurance company.
For instance, the insurance company might try to claim that an elderly person was experiencing some type of pre-existing condition before the accident that led to their injuries. They might do this to persuade the courts that an elderly person’s injuries were not caused by an accident but were, in fact, present before the accident even took place. This means that an insurance company could get out of paying a higher settlement amount.
On top of this, younger plaintiffs tend to be more likely to receive higher pain and suffering rewards when they bring a personal injury claim. This is due to the fact that insurers tend to claim that a young adult will be dealing with the pain associated with a car accident for a longer time than senior citizens.
No matter what injuries a senior citizen has experienced, they can increase their chances of receiving a better payout by speaking with an attorney after a car accident.
Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer
No matter the age of an individual who has been injured in a car accident, it is imperative to speak with a legal advocate who is familiar with California car accident claims. Having the resources necessary to move forward can make you more comfortable and confident when it comes to your claim.
At Maison Law, our trustworthy and knowledgeable California car accident lawyers are here for you every step of the way throughout the complex legal process. We offer you a free and completely confidential consultation. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on your claim.
