Why Even a Minor Car Accident Can Be Especially Dangerous for Seniors

Society has the duty to ensure that the elderly are protected, that they have the right to carry their activities as they please, in a safe environment.

Seniors have the right to lead a normal life, even if a health condition might make some aspects of their life more difficult. Society has the duty to ensure that the elderly are protected, that they have the right to carry their activities as they please, in a safe environment. Many senior citizens are keeping active and lead fulfilling lives, some working or having hobbies, helping their families with the grandkids, and so on. 

Driving is often part of their life just as it is for younger age groups. Unfortunately, seniors are more vulnerable in case of accidents and injuries. 

Here is what you need to know about the risks seniors are facing when they are involved in a St. Louis car accident. 

Why Are Seniors More Vulnerable to Injuries?

The single, most important reason why seniors face greater risks of injury is that their bodies are going through changes that are unavoidable. With age, our bones become more brittle, our reactions slow down, our vision and hearing become more impaired and we are more likely to suffer from health conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc. 

Even when leading very active lifestyles, with great care to how they maintain their health, seniors are still subject to these changes. Of course, some individuals are more prone to disease than others. 

Some of the most common injuries that seniors suffer in car accidents are:

• Back and neck injuries
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Concussions 
• Sprains, tears of muscles
• Chest injuries (rib fractures, sternum fractures)

Seniors Should and Do Drive More Carefully

Fortunately, statistics show that the elderly are driving much more cautiously than other age groups. They drive more carefully and are more likely to follow traffic rules. They maintain their cars better and don’t use their vehicles so often. 

The problem is that one’s driving is not the only factor that will influence the risk of an accident. Other drivers on the road can be negligent anytime, causing accidents with cautious drivers. 

Eggshell Plaintiff Rule

Missouri, like many other states, works by the “eggshell skull” rule, which states that you take your plaintiff as you find him or her. In other words, even if a senior citizen is, indeed, more prone to injuries than others, that does not cancel their right to fair compensation. 

What Should Senior Citizens Do If They Are Involved in a St. Louis Car Accident?

Speaking with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer is always a good idea regardless if you are a teen or a senior citizen. Insurance companies tend to look in a patient’s medical history and state that their injuries are actually pre-existing conditions. 

To make sure the insurance company will pay the just amount to a senior victim, your lawyer will investigate the case thoroughly and will work to protect your right to fair compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer.