Chicago car accidents involving elderly drivers present difficulties that are not at issue in other accidents. On the one hand, to a certain extent, elderly drivers are more sympathetic, and the negligence leading up to the accident may be more understandable. However, the fact that an older driver was responsible for your injuries does not change the fact that you were seriously hurt. It also does not make it fair that you are left on the hook for your accident-related expenses.

At the Chicago car accident law firm of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we understand where you are coming from. Many were taught to respect elders, and you may be hesitant to bring a lawsuit against an elderly driver. However, it is important to keep in mind that elderly drivers are very rarely responsible for the financial impact of a car accident; this is the very purpose of car insurance.

Causes of Chicago Car Accidents Involving Elderly Drivers

Telling a loved one that you no longer think they are safe to drive is a difficult conversation to have. However, most of us have had to confront aging loved ones, whether it be a parent, grandparent or another family member. 

As people age, their physical and mental abilities tend to decrease. Often, this is due to medical issues, declining eyesight or hearing, or the medications they take. These factors can play a significant role in a person’s ability to drive a car safely. If you were involved in a car accident with an elderly driver, you may be entitled to compensation.

Who Is Financially Responsible for a Chicago Elderly Driver Car Accident?

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by an elderly driver, you may feel guilty about bringing a legal claim against them. However, in the vast majority of cases, drivers are not the ones who are left footing the bill in a car accident lawsuit. It is their insurance company that will end up paying for your damages.

In Illinois, all drivers are required to purchase car insurance. As long as a driver has an active car insurance policy, the insurance company will be the one defending the case and, if you are successful in proving that the other driver was negligent, the insurance company will also be the one to cover your expenses.

However, dealing with a car insurance company is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it ensures that you have an avenue of recovery if the driver does not have sufficient assets to compensate you for your injuries. However, insurance companies are notoriously difficult to work with because they routinely try to pay accident victims as little as possible. Thus, working with an experienced Chicago car accident attorney is imperative.

How Can a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Help?

When you bring a dedicated Chicago car accident lawyer onto your team, you are enlisting the help of someone who has been through the process before, knows what to expect and understands how to prove a claim.

For example, an accident lawyer will immediately get to work investigating the accident, seeking out witnesses or other evidence that can help you establish your case. A lawyer will also gather all necessary documentation to file a claim and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company. If an out-of-court settlement is not in the cards due to the insurance company’s unwillingness to fairly compensate you for your injuries, an attorney can prepare to take your case to trial.

Contact the Chicago Elderly Driver Car Accident Lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a Chicago car accident involving an elderly driver, the fact that the at-fault driver was older does not change the fact that you incurred significant expenses due to the accident. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we can help you prepare a claim to file with the other driver’s insurance company to ensure that you get the compensation you need and deserve so that you can move on with your life.

As part of the Briskman Guarantee, we provide you with a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation where you will meet with a lawyer (in person or virtually) who can answer your questions and explain the recovery process. And because we accept cases on a contingency basis, you will never be responsible for any legal fees unless we win your case. To learn more, give us a call at 877-595-4878, or contact us through our online form. We proudly serve clients in Chicago, Joliet, Waukegan, and throughout Cook County, Lake County and Will County.