Seniors drive less frequently but experience more car accidents per mile as compared to other demographics. Each year, more than 7,000 elderly individuals are killed in motor vehicle accidents across the country.
You need strong legal representation from a capable car accident attorney in Mississippi if you suffered serious injuries in a car accident or someone you love was killed in a wrongful death accident. A dedicated car accident attorney will answer any questions you may have and help you maximize your financial compensation from the liable parties.
Physical Impact of Car Accidents on Elderly Drivers in MS
Every organ and tissue in the body undergoes age-related changes over time. Many of these changes impact the way you drive. Arthritic changes in body joints are a common concern among middle-aged and elderly people. Joints get stiffer and the muscles become weaker, which can have a negative impact on the ability to press the clutch and brake or to turn the steering wheel.
Medications are another consideration since side effects can influence a person’s ability to drive. It also has an impact on the reaction time required to prevent an accident. Where car accidents are concerned among the elderly, every third individual experiences a neck or a head injury. This is typically followed by injuries to the upper and lower extremities.
These are a few types of common physical injuries among the elderly in auto accidents:
Head injuries
Direct blows to the head are common in car accidents from steering wheel impact. The severity of the injury suffered typically depends on the type and amount of force applied. Blood vessels in the brain don’t have the same elasticity in elderly people as in younger people. This makes them more vulnerable to injuries. The smallest force can cause tissue ruptures and bleeding, which can lead to serious consequences, including death.
Spine injuries
Spinal injuries are common among the elderly if they have been in a car accident. Spinal strain, sprain, and whiplash usually occur in younger people when they meet with an accident. In relation to this, the spine is not as elastic in the elderly and cannot resist the force applied during an accident. Increased tension during extension and hyperflexion can result in more severe injuries. Joint capsules, muscles, and ligaments are fragile and can be easily injured.
Osteoporosis
Seniors with osteoporosis are at significant risk of getting fractured. This disease affects the human body. The primary characteristic of osteoporosis is reduced bone mineralization which results in loss of bone strength. Osteoporosis is common among older people with over 75 million individuals suffering from it in Europe, Japan, and the US. Women are at a higher risk of getting osteoporosis than men.
Fractures
Significant force gets applied to different parts of the body in a car accident. A healthy young person may be able to bear the brunt of the force without any serious injuries. Moreover, where seniors are concerned, their bones and body are more fragile and susceptible to getting hurt. Elderly people are at a higher risk of developing fractures.
Fractures of the upper and lower extremities are among the most common injuries in car accidents among the elderly. These injuries can be caused by minor trauma as well. The high-intensity impact can result in severe fractures to the extremities. Fractures that are non-displaced tend to heal well in the elderly. Taking this into account, if a fracture affects the joint or is comminuted, it may have delayed healing.
Mississippi Law on Filing a Car Accident Claim
Mississippi statute § 15-1-49 allows individuals a limited period of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. As per the statute, an injured elderly gets three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This is applicable to all Mississippi cities and towns. You may lose your right to file a lawsuit if you miss this deadline.
You should contact a capable car accident attorney as soon as possible. They will help you gather the necessary evidence required to file a claim with the insurance company. Your attorney will also handle negotiations with the insurer to help you get the maximum possible compensation.
There is no limit on economic damages where car accident claims are concerned. Victims can pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket expense related to the injury. By partnering with a Mississippi car accident attorney with a track record of success, you can get the maximum amount of economic damages. Mississippi has capped noneconomic damages for car accident lawsuits at $1 million.
Get Strong Legal Representation to Fight for Your Rights.
The experienced car accident attorneys at Boyce Holleman & Associates possess battle-tested skills as personal injury litigators. Our attorneys have decades of experience and available resources to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. We have helped numerous injured victims and their families recover the largest possible damages following a catastrophic and life-altering accident.
Schedule your free and confidential consultation with us today. Call 228.863.3142 or write to us online.
