blog home Auto Accidents Common Injuries Suffered by Older Drivers

Common Injuries Suffered by Older Drivers

By Jill Bracken-Emerson on September 13, 2021

Anyone can be seriously injured in a wreck, but older drivers face an even greater risk. Senior citizens involved in traffic accidents are more likely to suffer serious injuries or have chronic pain caused by the accident. Although seniors tend to drive less than other age groups and are more likely to wear seat belts, obey speed limits, and drive safely, they have a higher risk of injury or death behind the wheel.

What Common Injuries Are Sustained by Older Drivers in Car Accidents?

Older adults are more likely to be seriously injured in a traffic crash than younger people. They may have prior conditions that are exacerbated by injuries suffered in a crash. Many people aged 65 and older suffer from some degree of arthritis or back problems. The impact of collision can make prior conditions worse and leave an older person with chronic pain and reduced mobility. Even with no prior health conditions, a crash that causes a fractured bone or a broken hip can result in significant loss of enjoyment of life for a retired, older person. Common car accident injuries for seniors include:

• Fractured bones
• Back and neck injuries
• Head trauma and traumatic brain injury
• Whiplash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Bruising
• Strains and sprains
• Internal injuries
• Facial injuries and scarring

How Many Older Drivers Are Hurt or Killed in Motor Vehicle Accidents?

In 2018, nearly 7,700 adults ages 65 and older were killed in traffic crashes, and more than 250,000 were injured, as reported by CDC. In 2019, the number of traffic fatalities among older drivers totaled nearly 8,500, (including non-traffic crashes) as stated by the National Safety Council (NSC). These motor vehicle fatalities among older adults included:

• 155 bicyclist traffic deaths
• 464 non-traffic deaths
• 507 motorcyclist traffic deaths
• 1,477 pedestrian traffic fatalities
• 2,021 vehicle occupant traffic deaths
• 3,873 other unspecified traffic deaths

What Are the Costs of Recovery When an Older Driver Is Injured in a Crash?

Costs of recovery can be substantial when older people are injured. Senior citizens are more vulnerable to serious injury and may take longer to heal. A severe injury, such as a broken hip, sustained in a pedestrian or motor vehicle accident could mean a long recovery, loss of mobility, and a host of related health issues for a senior citizen. Lifetime healthcare expenses could increase significantly for an older adult injured in a traffic crash.

How Can Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Help?

When an older person has been seriously hurt in a traffic crash caused by someone else’s negligence, it is important to aggressively pursue full compensation. Medical expenses and other losses are likely to be substantial. Your best chance of recovering full compensation is to hire experienced Indiana personal injury lawyers to represent you. Your attorneys can investigate your accident to determine fault and liability and secure evidence to support your claim, assess the full extent of your losses, deal with the insurance companies on your behalf, and take your case to trial if necessary to recover the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Emerson Law LLC?

Our Indianapolis personal injury lawyers are skilled litigators who are passionate about getting the results you deserve. We are committed to providing the best possible legal counsel to every client. Our legal team at Emerson Law LLC includes a former defense attorney for insurance companies who knows the tricks opposing counsel is likely to use. If you or your loved one is an older driver who was hurt in a traffic crash caused by someone else, call us at (317) 969-8000 to find out how we can help.