DUI car crashes can happen to anyone, but in Florida, where 4.5 million people are senior citizens, motorists who are 65 and over are at a risk of drunk driving accidents.
Seniors and DUIs in Florida City
Statistically, seniors are less likely than young drivers to binge drink, according to the CDC, but there are factors which can contribute to seniors drinking and driving:
- Some medication may make the effects of alcohol more pronounced.
- As we age, our bodies metabolize food and drink differently, meaning it can take less alcohol for a senior to be impaired and the impairment may last longer when compared with a younger person.
- Seniors may have conditions affecting response times, and these conditions can be exacerbated by alcohol.
For all these reasons, it is important for motorists over the age of 65 to be especially careful when drinking. It is especially crucial because the effects of a car crash can be more deadly for seniors. Conditions such as osteoporosis can make fractures more common (and more difficult to heal) and pre-existing medical conditions can delay or complicate recovery from head injuries, back injuries, and other common injuries of a car collision.
Preventing Senior DUI Collisions in Florida City
Drivers can do several things to reduce their risk of collision:
- Communicate with doctors to make sure any medical conditions which could impact driving are managed effectively.
- Take near-misses seriously and get additional evaluations if needed.
- Talk to pharmacists about any medication being taken (including over the counter medication and supplements), to see if it can affect driving or exacerbate the effects of alcohol.
- Get treatment for any alcohol dependence.
- Do not drive after having even one drink, since a recent study has shown adults over 55 may be impaired by just one drink.
- Have another way to get home if you drink, such as Miami-Dade Transit buses or private shuttles or providers.
What To Do if You’re Injured
If you are in a collision with a senior who may have been impaired or who may have been driving recklessly, stay calm and get as much documentation as you can. If you suspect impairment, contact the police, who can take breathalyzer and ensure the driver stays off the road.
While you likely have insurance which covers you in the event of an accident, dealing with insurance companies after a crash can be complex, especially if you have been seriously injured. It can be difficult to tell whether an offer from an insurance company, for example, will cover all your medical costs, lost income, and the future costs related to your injury.
This complexity is why many drivers who have been injured contact a Florida City attorney. An attorney can seek liable parties in your case, help you understand how much your claim may be worth, and can handle all the details for you. If you have been seriously injured in a car collision in Florida city or any surrounding areas, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a Florida City DUI accident injury attorney.