SANTA CLARITA ELDERLY DRIVER ACCIDENTS

If you've been injured in an accident involving an elderly driver, you may be entitled to compensation just as you would in any other car accident case. Call or text today for a free consultation.

The Same Negligence Standard Applies, Regardless of Age

California law does not give elderly drivers a reduced standard of care. Every driver — regardless of age — is held to the same "reasonable person" standard of care under California negligence law. If an elderly driver's negligence caused your injuries, age itself is not a defense, and the same rules that would apply to any other driver apply here as well.

Common Types of Accidents Involving Elderly Drivers

• Intersection accidents: failure to yield, running red lights, or misjudging distances
• Parking lot accidents: collisions while backing out of spaces or navigating crowded areas
• Pedestrian accidents: difficulty seeing or reacting to pedestrians in crosswalks or pedestrian-heavy areas
• Lane departure accidents: drifting out of a lane due to decreased vision, attention, or reaction time
• Backing accidents: difficulty checking blind spots or turning to look while reversing

Reporting a Potentially Unsafe Driver to the DMV

California allows physicians, family members, law enforcement, and even private citizens to request that the DMV conduct a reexamination of a driver whose ability to drive safely is in question, under California Vehicle Code Sections 1800 and 13801. Physicians are, in some circumstances, required to report certain conditions that may impair a patient's ability to drive safely. If you're aware of a specific unsafe driver — separate from pursuing a claim for an accident that already occurred — this reporting process exists as a way to help prevent future accidents.

What You May Be Able to Recover
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If you were injured by a negligent driver, regardless of their age, a personal injury claim may account for:

• Medical expenses, past and future
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a driver's age affect their legal responsibility for an accident?

No. California holds all drivers to the same standard of care regardless of age. If an elderly driver was negligent, they can be held liable the same as any other driver.

Can I report a driver I believe is unsafe due to age or a medical condition?

Yes. Under California Vehicle Code Sections 1800 and 13801, individuals — including family members, physicians, and law enforcement — can request that the DMV conduct a reexamination of a driver whose ability to drive safely is in question.

What if the driver's insurance company argues the accident was unavoidable due to their age?

Age alone is not a legal defense. The relevant question is whether the driver acted as a reasonably careful person would have under the circumstances, regardless of their age.

How long do I have to file a claim in California?

In most cases, California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.

Talk to a Santa Clarita Elderly Driver Accident Attorney Today

Contact the Law Office of Robert M. Mansour to understand your rights, evaluate your claim, and get honest, straightforward guidance. We serve Santa Clarita, Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and the surrounding Santa Clarita Valley. Call or text today for a free consultation.

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