Florida Leads Nation In Highest Elderly Fatal Car Crashes
Countless aging senior citizens in South Florida strive to protect their need for independence. Often times, the freedom and right to drive one’s own car are guarded fiercely by elderly citizens. Rightfully so, as the DMV shows that many seniors are still well-equipped to drive well into their 80’s and beyond. However, despite one’s driving aptitude lies the evidence staring out straight in the face regarding elderly drivers and accident rates.
Baby boomers are living longer and are expected to retain their driving privileges longer than have previous aging populations. Currently, the Sunshine State has over 3 million elderly drivers, more than any other state. Our state has over 2.7 million licensed senior citizen drivers, which at this time is only 20% of our population. However, within the next 20 years, Florida is expected to have more than 50% of our state over the age of 65.
Do you know that the risk of being injured or killed in an auto accident radically increases as you age? Broward County drivers over the age of 65 are at a much higher risk of sustaining serious injuries, many of which result in death from a South Florida car crash. According to a recent study published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day over 500 older adults are injured in car accidents, while 15 die.
Florida Elderly Drivers and Auto Accident Stats
- 271 Florida senior citizens died in fatal car crash in 2010
- 503 Florida fatal crashes also involved a senior
- 33 million drivers over age 65 in 2009 (a 10% increase from 10 yrs ago)
- 5,500 older adults in auto accidents every year
- 1,800 older adults injured from auto accidents every year
- One out of every 9 drivers is over age 65
- Drivers over age 85 are four times more likely in fatal car crash than teens
Elderly drivers in South Florida are more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries than younger drivers for multiple reasons. Chronic health conditions, weakened vision, declining motor and cognitive skills, and loss of physical agility are integral factors that play a part in a senior citizen surviving a serious car crash. With that being said, some elderly drivers are poorly compensated for their auto accident damages because insurance companies try to explain away the injuries as a preexisting condition.
If you have been involved in an auto accident involving a senior citizen in South Florida, it is highly likely that you sustained serious injuries from a life-threatening experience. It is important to talk with an experienced South Florida Elderly Accident Attorney that understands specific injuries sustained from accidents. Contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld to find out what your legal rights are and how to receive help. Call: 954-677-0155 to meet with a skilled Auto Accident Attorney.
