As people age, they tend to experience declines in their visual capacity, motor skills, and cognitive function, which can stem from serious health conditions or the natural aging process. Either way, these changes can significantly complicate the safe operation of a motor vehicle on public roads.
If you were involved in an elderly driving car accident in Tempe caused by the negligence of someone aged 70 or older, you have the same right to seek civil restitution as anyone else injured through any other type of auto wreck. That said, claims of this particular nature can be uniquely challenging on both legal and personal levels, so you should strongly consider seeking the help of a capable auto accident attorney from Phillips Law Group.
Are Elderly and Infirm Adults Still Liable for Their Own Actions on the Road?
State law is very clear on the matter of liability for auto accidents: if you are driving a motor vehicle on public highways, you are responsible for adhering to your duty of care as a driver and staying safe on the road at all times, regardless of your physical state before, during, or after driving. Furthermore, the specific reason why someone violated their duty of care behind the wheel has no bearing on whether they are civilly at fault for an ensuing wreck, so an elderly driver forgetting to use their turn signal is just as valid a cause of action as a driver speeding while driving drunk.
Verdicts And Settlements
$ 4,000,000
Auto Accidents -Spine Injury, Paralyzed, Fractured Spinal Cord
$ 3,100,000
Auto Accidents -Brain Trauma, Broken Neck
$ 2,650,000
Auto Accidents
$ 2,350,000
Auto Accidents -Broken Neck, Ventilator
$ 2,300,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 2,163,000
Auto Accidents -Brain Injury, Broken Neck, Spine Injury
$ 1,920,000
Auto Accidents -Severe Head Injuries
$ 1,600,000
Auto Accidents -Sideswipe Accident While Driving To School
$ 1,255,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 1,150,000
Auto Accidents -Rear-End Crash
$ 1,076,577
Auto Accidents
$ 1,020,000
Auto Accidents
$ 1,012,000
Auto Accidents -Fractured Ribs, Leg, Jaw, Spine Injury, Collapsed Lungs
$ 1,000,000
Auto Accidents
$ 1,000,000
Auto Accidents
$ 1,000,000
Auto Accidents
$ 995,000
Auto Accidents -Rear End Collision, Concussion, TBI, Numbness
$ 994,000
Auto Accidents -Concussion, Cervical, Chest, Head, Shoulder Injuries
$ 928,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 913,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 854,500
Auto Accidents -Rear End Collision
$ 850,000
Auto Accidents -Nerve Damage, Cervical Trauma
$ 815,000
Auto Accidents -TBI, Coma, Fractured Neck
$ 750,000
Auto Accidents -Driving a School Bus When Injured in an Accident. Pain in neck/spine, Bruised and swollen forearm, tight shoulders, sore wrist and headaches
$ 700,000
Auto Accidents -Fractured Neck, Lower Back
$ 700,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death, Tire Blow Out Rollover
$ 613,000
Auto Accidents -Head Injury, TBI
$ 575,000
Auto Accidents -Tire Blow Out, Broken Bones, Severe Injuries, Nerve Damage
$ 565,000
Auto Accidents -Neck, Back, Shoulder Injuries
$ 550,000
Auto Accidents -Crushed C5 Spine Injury
$ 550,000
Auto Accidents -Separated Shoulder, Lacerations, Head Injury
$ 524,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 515,000
Auto Accidents -Fractured Wrist, Chest, Back, Neck Injuries
$ 500,000
Auto Accidents -Ruptured Heart Valve, Numbness, Legs, Hips, Spine Injuries
$ 490,000
Auto Accidents -Broken Bones, Crushed Ankle, Ribs
$ 475,000
Auto Accidents -Broken Bones, Nerve Damage
$ 469,000
Auto Accidents -Broken Bones, Teeth, Neck, Back Injuries
$ 450,000
Auto Accidents -Rear-End Crash, Back and Neck Injuries
$ 450,000
Auto Accidents -Neck, Tailbone, Shoulder, Knee Injuries
$ 417,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 410,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 400,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 400,000
Auto Accidents -Fractured Hip, Knee, Lungs and Skin Grafting
$ 385,000
Auto Accidents -Workers Compensation, Personal Injury
$ 375,000
Auto Accidents -Herniated Disk, Back, Neck Injury
$ 375,000
Auto Accidents -Cervical Injury
$ 375,000
Auto Accidents -Rear End Collision, Herniated Disc, Neck, Back
$ 375,000
Auto Accidents -Cervical Injury
$ 374,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 370,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 363,000
Auto Accidents -Brain Bleeding, TBI, Facial Fractures
$ 350,000
Auto Accidents -Chest, Back, Neck Injuries
$ 350,000
Auto Accidents -Neck and Back Injuries
$ 350,000
Auto Accidents -Spinal Fracture, Pelvis, Leg
$ 350,000
Auto Accidents -UIM Claim, Fractured Pelvis, Leg Skinned
$ 350,000
Auto Accidents -UIM, Hip, Back, Neck Injuries
$ 350,000
Auto Accidents -Workers Compensation, Back, Legs, Neck
$ 350,000
Auto Accidents -Wrist Injury, Nerve Damage, Forearm Injury
$ 340,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 330,000
Auto Accidents -Head Injury, Ribs, Neck, Collarbone
$ 325,000
Auto Accidents -Neck Injury, Cracked Elbow, Numbness, Ankle Injury
$ 320,000
Auto Accidents -Back Injuries
$ 316,500
Auto Accidents -Settlement on behalf of a client injured in a serious motor vehicle accident in Avondale
$ 315,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 315,000
Auto Accidents -Broken Teeth, Neck Injury, Fractures
$ 310,000
Auto Accidents -Fractures, Tendons, Cuts
$ 307,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 303,000
Auto Accidents -Wrongful Death
$ 215,000
Auto Accidents -Hit By A Company Truck
That said, there are certain circumstances under which third parties may bear partial liability even for a mechanical problem in an elderly driver’s vehicle or for the fact that an elderly driver was allowed to get behind the wheel in the first place. For example, if a family member of an elderly person in Tempe lets them borrow their car despite knowing they are cognitively unable to drive safely, the vehicle owner might be held civilly liable for any traffic crash caused by their older family member.
Recovering for Short-Term and Long-Term Damages
Since Arizona takes a fault-based approach when it comes to auto accident litigation, you have the right to file suit over a Tempe car crash caused by an elderly driver without necessarily needing to exhaust all available insurance coverage first. This can be key to recovering fairly for both economic and non-economic damages stemming from this sort of wreck, including:
- Past and future medical bills
- Physical discomfort and pain
- Lost work income and/or working capacity
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Car repair costs and other out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost enjoyment of life
What Our Clients Are Saying
Denise C.
Phillips Law Group made dealing with our auto accident easy. They always had our best interest in mind and made sure that we were happy with treatment before finalizing anything. Our Paralegal, Amy Wagner, is amazing! She checked in on us throughout the entire process to make sure our treatments were going well and that we were getting better, getting healthy was first priority. She kept us informed on the progress of our case every step of the way and was very prompt with either calling or emailing us back with any questions that we had. We are very satisfied with our experience with Phillips Law Group, and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of representation!
Squaw Peak Realty
I never thought it could happen to me, I had heard about it on the news, but truly never thought it could happen to me. I was rear ended by a drunk driver. I was lost on what to do. My car insurance company would give no directions, I and my grandson were injured, my little pick- up was smashed, I was not the one who was at fault, but I felt like I was because I could get no help on what to do! You would think that your car insurance company would at least point you in the right direction. So, I contacted Phillips Law Group, I truly never ever thought I would need the help they provided...
Jeffrey J.
Phillips Law Group helped me out a lot with my motorcycle accident. They're attentive to your needs, always have answers to your questions, and answered all my calls, never leaving me in the dark. I highly recommend Phillips Law Group.
Anthony W.
I just wanna say that I’m young and have never had an incident needing something like Philips law and I’m glad I went with them. After my accident I was paralyzed with stress on how am I gonna recover from this what do I do, but they literally took majority if not all the worry away. I really only went to my appointments and kept them updated as much I can and eventually helped me win my case. It was a quick process as well for receiving compensation very grateful. Thank you!
Sherman S.
One of the best experiences I have ever had dealing with a accident attorneys. They made me feel welcomed. They definitely listened to me and help guide me through this process with ease. There was no surprises and they made sure I was taken care of every step of the way. The best phone I made the night of my accident and God forbid any other accidents come my way but if so they will definitely be my very first call again. Best law group In PHX.
Whitney W.
I want to say for this being my first accident and unclear on what to do. They were amazing, from communication and making sure you have everything you need. The other insurance was giving me a hard time with my rental, I called my attorney at Philips Law Group and they made sure I had a vehicle to get around. They made sure I got the best care with amazing staff. They handle my case with care and at the end they still make sure I am okay. I appreciate you guys for not taking advantage of me and putting me first. It was not about the money but making sure I had everything I need and what was owed...
Jasmine J.
Phillips law group is an AMAZING company!!!! First and foremost not only did they help me with my first car accident but my second one as well!! They stayed in communication with me the ENTIRE time and didn’t leave me out throughout the whole process. Kalynn is AMAZING she is literally heaven sent. I LOVED working with her so so so much. They truly did everything in their power to get me the most money. I’m still in disbelief how much money I did end up walking away with. I’m very happy and blessed that they took my case when nobody else would. I will definitely use them again in the future NO QUESTIONS ASKED! Trust me USE THEM! You...
Tim B.
Maria Cionci and Paulina Nava are wonderful people that truly care about their clients. I have a lot of respect for how they conduct themselves in general, but especially how they graciously assist their injured clients. If you have been injured in an automobile collision, call and ask for their assistance. You won't be disappointed!
CiLo U.
I am extremely grateful with Phillips Law Group, for the empathy and concern for my physical and emotional well-being that they provided me during the process of my car accident, thank you so much! You are the best Law Firm!
Sayra M.
100% recommended, very professional and friendly staff, I had a car accident and they helped me immediately with doctor appointments and also helped me obtain a loan in advance for compensation
Kersey S.
Beyond our expectations! Amazing hard work from Phillips Law group. Team had amazing communication with my husband and myself from day one. Provided us with exceptional referrals to medical places for our care. And ended with more then what we ever expected to get from our settlement from our accident. Thank you Phillips law group.
Darren M.
I feel that I was truly blessed to find the Phillips Law Group after being involved in a bad car accident. My attorney and the staff were professional and very supportive. The firm provided compassion and sound legal advice while we navigated my insurance claim. I highly recommend giving them a call if you are involved in an accident with bodily injuries. The firm set me up with healthcare providers and really went the extra mile to help me with my case. I’m happy with my settlement and for all of their help.
Tea J.
Aaron my attorney and Jasmine my paralegal were great. Throughout the settlement process, Jasmine did a great job of keeping me in the loop of everything going on. It is a long process but being reassured during the process was helpful. Throughout the process I was provided a chiropractor and physical therapist and they all made sure that I was taken care of and feeling better before releasing me. I was also provided a trauma therapist. Though I still think about the accident and struggle here and there, my therapist did a great job of giving me the help i needed in the months following the accident. I hope to never go through this again but if need be, I...
Mary S.
Amazing Law Firm after getting the run around from the Insurance companies, I decided to call Phillips Law Group and initially spoke with Randy he was so helpful and kind, he truly cared about my situation and was explaining to me everything about what typically happens after an Accident....It just so happened to be exactly what I was dealing with. I felt at ease during our conversation like a weight had been lifted and at that point, I knew I made the right decision contacting them, and shortly there after I retained their services. I was contacted by my Attorney and Case manager within and hour and they assured me all my needs would be met - helping me with...
Grant F.
Having never been in automobile wreck before, I found myself in uncharted territory. Thankfully I ended up choicing Phillips Law Group. They took charge of my case! I want to especially acknowledge McKenna, my case manager. Without her listening -- to my good days as well some bad days due to injuries -- I would have been lost. If you ever need a Law firm, think about talking to Phillips Law Group. You won't be sorry.
Matt S.
I had a fantastic experience during a difficult time. In particular, my paralegal Brittany was extremely helpful and answered all of my questions in a timely manner and made the process very smooth. I would definitely recommend.
Chandon A.
Angie at Phillips Law Group is outstanding. She took a high degree of consideration with every concern raised and PLG lawyers are outstanding legal advocates. I highly recommend this law firm.
Wayne K.
Patrick was wonderful! When Patrick wasn’t available Jacqueline stepped. They are amazing!!!
Vincente V.
Phillips law group has met ALL of my needs and expectations, especially Angie Jones! She is a very solid individual, always a pleasure to talk to, and a welcoming face! You cannot go wrong here at Phillips, especially if your working with Angie
Support from legal counsel can be crucial in both identifying all compensable damages that should be factored into a particular claim and in demanding a fair amount of money from them through settlement talks or a civil lawsuit.
Speak With a Tempe Attorney About an Elderly Driving Car Accident Claim
While not every elderly person is guaranteed to be a danger behind the wheel, it is a statistical fact that elderly drivers are more likely to be involved in wrecks than other adult drivers. If you were hurt in an elderly driving car accident in Tempe, working with a dedicated car accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group will substantially improve your chances of securing the restitution you deserve without getting tripped up by legal obstacles along the way. Call today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team.