Am I To Be Held Liable If My Elderly Parent Cause Car Crash?
As our parents get older, our responsibilities also increase towards them. We have to make some tough decisions that are suitable for both our elder parents and the society we live in. There is no doubt that how our parents live and what they do entirely depends upon their choices. But when it comes to driving, you should know and let them understand when it’s time to give up driving.
Due to their age, they may not be able to make quick decisions and actions behind wheels which may lead to accidents. So the question is, would you, as an adult child, be responsible for this mishap if the elder parents get involved in any car accident while driving?
We have answered this tricky question in this article in a straightforward way. Also, if your parents live in OKC and cause an accident, contact a personal injury lawyer immediately to get help.
Will the Adult Children Hold Liable for a Car Crash Because of Their Aging Parent?
In most cases, adult children may not be held responsible if their elder parents cause road accidents. But when you know that your parent cannot drive safely and harm others due to a specific condition, you may be accountable for what happened. In that case, you should contact a personal injury lawyer immediately to get legal help.
Are Senior Parents More Prone to Car Accidents?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shown us that older adults are more vulnerable to severe injuries or death due to accidents. They get involved in an auto accident because of hearing, reflexes, vision, cognitive decline, and reaction times.
The research also has stated that people 70 to 74 years of age get injured severely or die depending upon the risk per mile driven. If you know that your parents suffer from heart conditions, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, diabetes, loss of hearing, arthritis, and cataracts, don’t let them drive at any cost. Also, you can discuss with a personal injury lawyer to let your parents understand the importance and effect of their driving.
Liability of Adult Children
As we have mentioned earlier, if you know your senior parents suffer from certain conditions and still let them drive, you may be held responsible. But if your parents drive their own car, in that case, you will not be blamed. The court may hold you liable if you give your car’s key to your elder parents to drive. Therefore, be mindful before making a decision. If anything happens, call a Personal injury lawyer.
Talk With Your Parents to Let Them Understand the Situation
Communication is the key to solving most problems. So, you can talk with your parents without being demanding and help them to understand the situation. Talk with them in private, so they don’t feel embarrassed.
Accidents Happen; We Can Help
No matter what you try, accidents can occur anytime, anywhere. If your senior parents don’t have any option other than driving a car and you don’t know about a specific condition, contact us at The West Law Firm.
Our OKC experts will evaluate the situation and fight for your justice. Not everything you can do alone plus, there are benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer, including they know how to negotiate and give you peace of mind.
** Disclaimer: The above article does not imply a relationship between attorney and client, nor is it legal advice.