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As drivers age, experience often brings caution—but it can also bring new risks. Older motorists face unique challenges behind the wheel due to age-related changes in vision, reaction time, and physical mobility. In Westchester County, White Plains, and throughout New York City—from Yonkers and the Bronx to Manhattan and Queens—these challenges are magnified by dense traffic, complex intersections, and fast-moving parkways like I-287, the Hutchinson River Parkway, and the Bronx River Parkway.
Why Older Drivers Are More Vulnerable in Crashes
Many seniors are careful drivers and far less likely to speed or drive aggressively. Still, age-related factors can increase crash risk and injury severity:
- Reduced night vision and glare sensitivity, making dusk and nighttime driving harder.
- Slower reaction times, especially when unexpected hazards arise.
- Difficulty judging gaps in traffic, particularly during left-turn maneuvers at busy intersections.
- Medical conditions or medications that can affect alertness, balance, or judgment.
When crashes happen, older adults are more likely to suffer serious injuries—including fractures, spinal trauma, and head injuries—even in collisions that might be minor for younger drivers.
High-Risk Locations Across Westchester & NYC
Local roads matter. In White Plains and surrounding communities, multi-lane intersections, frequent construction, and commuter congestion raise the odds of intersection crashes. Southbound toward NYC, crowded arterial roads and bus routes add complexity—especially during rush hour or inclement weather. These conditions can turn a momentary delay or misjudgment into a life-altering event.
What to Do After an Accident Involving an Older Driver
If you or a loved one is injured:
- Get medical care immediately, even if symptoms seem mild.
- Document the scene (photos, witness info, police report).
- Avoid recorded statements to insurers before speaking with counsel.
- Consult an experienced car accident lawyer who understands how age-related vulnerabilities affect liability and damages.
Why Experience in the Courtroom Matters
Insurance companies often try to minimize claims by blaming age or pre-existing conditions. That’s where trial-tested advocacy makes the difference. At the Law Offices of Norman Gershon, Norman brings 35+ years of trial experience and a reputation as the attorney other lawyers call to try their toughest cases. His record includes tens of millions of dollars recovered for injured clients—many involving complex motor-vehicle and intersection accidents across Westchester, the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan.
Results That Speak for Themselves
- $2.5M verdict (Westchester Supreme): motor-vehicle intersection crash with cervical injuries and fusion.
- $5.0M+ verdicts in multiple NYC motor-vehicle cases involving spinal fusions.
- $16.5M verdict (Bronx Supreme): catastrophic injuries in a passenger collision.
Clients consistently describe Norman as thorough, compassionate, and relentless—a trial lawyer who prepares every case as if it’s going to verdict.
Protecting Seniors and Their Families
If an older driver or passenger is injured due to another driver’s negligence—or if liability is disputed—experienced legal guidance is critical. A seasoned car accident lawyer can investigate roadway design, traffic controls, medical causation, and long-term care needs to pursue full compensation.
If you’re in Westchester County, White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx, Manhattan, or Queens, and an accident has turned life upside down, getting the right trial lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
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