Elderly Injury Risks in Car Accidents
Anyone can be injured in a car accident, but the elderly face the highest risk. Older adults are at a significantly higher risk of serious injuries during car accidents due to physiological changes associated with aging. Even low-speed collisions that might leave younger drivers relatively unharmed can result in severe injuries for elderly people.
Why Age Matters in Crash Injuries
An older person faces greater fragility and severity in a crash. Physiological aging means that even collisions that might seem “minor” can produce serious trauma in older victims.
As people age, bones tend to become more brittle due to conditions like osteoporosis. This makes older adults more susceptible to fractures to hips, ribs, wrists, and arms. Chest wall injuries are especially common. These injuries often require surgery and longer recovery times.
Elderly people are more vulnerable to head injuries, including concussions and intracranial bleeding. Even with seat belts and airbags, the brain can be more easily damaged by sudden jolts.
Increased soft tissue vulnerability is also a concern. Aging muscles and ligaments are less elastic, making elderly drivers and passengers more prone to whiplash, spinal injuries, strains and sprains. These injuries can result in long-term mobility issues.
There is also a higher risk of complications and mortality. Older adults have elevated risk of death or severe complications after car accidents compared to younger victims. Existing comorbidities (such as heart disease, respiratory issues, reduced bone density, and slower healing) often worsen outcomes when injuries occur.
Preventive Measures for Elderly Drivers and Passengers
- Use properly adjusted seat belts and headrests. Seat belts are one of the most effective safety devices, but proper positioning is crucial, especially for older adults. The lap belt should rest across the pelvis, not the stomach, and the shoulder belt should cross the chest comfortably without cutting into the neck.
- Get regular medical checkups to monitor bone density and mobility. Aging bones become more fragile, and conditions like osteoporosis can dramatically increase the risk of fractures in even minor collisions. Routine medical evaluations help identify vulnerabilities before an accident occurs. Addressing vision, hearing, and reaction time issues during checkups contributes to safer driving.
- Avoid high-risk driving situations. Older drivers are more susceptible to crashes during certain conditions due to slower reaction times and reduced night vision. Elderly drivers should:
- Avoid night driving when visibility is limited.
- Reduce driving in bad weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog.
- Avoid high-traffic areas or rush-hour commuting if possible.
- Plan routes to minimize complex intersections, construction zones, or unfamiliar roads.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Car accident injuries can be especially serious in older people. Aging can lead to chest wall injuries and other medical issues.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can assist you. We understand the issues involved and can help you maximize the amount of compensation you recover. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247.
Source:
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2564127/
