I have been hired in two new cases in the last week where the at fault drivers are old. Seriously old. An 87 year old man just crashed into my client’s car downtown and seriously injured him. He said he didn’t see him. And a 93 year old man ran over a woman in a wheel chair near Hulen Mall. He also said he didn’t see her. Wow, what’s going on out there?
Why doesn’t Texas have any laws limiting the ability of elderly citizens to drive? Why is “Mr. Magoo” (remember that cartoon show?) even allowed to drive?
Obviously as people age, their physical abilities deteriorate and their ability to drive decreases. Vision, hearing, reflexes, and strength decline. More medicines are taken. But most continue to drive, putting the rest of us at risk of serious injury or death.
In Texas, drivers 85 or older can keep renewing their licenses every two years (not every six years), but drivers can renew by mail or online until they turn 79. No road, vision, or written test is required.
By comparison, Maryland requires senior to have eye exams at age 40, and shorter license renewals start at age 59 in Georgia (ok, that would be me in about a year).
Obviously as people age, their physical abilities deteriorate and their ability to drive decreases. Vision, hearing, reflexes, and strength decline. More medicines are taken. But most continue to drive, putting the rest of us at risk of serious injury or death.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently proposed national guidelines for older driver safety that recommend that every state implement older-driver safety law and require in person examinations at early ages.
The crash rate of older drivers begins to climb in the 70s, with a sharper jump at age 80, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Only teens and 20-somethings cause more crashes. Yes, I have represented a lot of people hit by those two groups too.
If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by an elderly driver, it is important that you have strong representation from an experienced Dallas Fort Worth personal injury lawyer.
At the Law Offices of William K. Berenson, we represent clients in a broad range of car and truck accident cases. We work tirelessly to see that you receive fair compensation for the injuries you have suffered.
Serious car accidents frequently involve broken bones, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and many others. Our experience in these matters allows us to be much more proactive in seeking the compensation and medical care you need to recover from your injuries. We will work with you to determine the full extent of your injuries and do our best to time the filing of your lawsuit in order to maximize your recovery.
Contact our office today to discuss your auto or truck accident injuries. Initial consultations are free so it won’t cost you anything to get your questions answered. You can reach us by phone at 817-885-8000 locally or 888-801-8585 or via e-mail. Initial consultations are free and confidential.