--- description: Find information about senior citizens and car accidents. For personal injury information, call a Washington, DC elder car accident attorney at CSCS today! title: Senior Citizens & Car Accidents | DC Elder Car Accident Injury Attorney --- Senior Citizens & Car Accidents | DC Elder Car Accident Injury Attorney # Senior Citizens & Car Accidents Last Updated: September 4, 2024 Reading Time: 4 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 2 years ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » Senior Citizens & Car Accidents What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $18.8 Million Car Crash $2 Million Car Crash $1.9 Million Car Crash $1.37 Million Car Crash $1.1 Million Car Crash $1 Million Car Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They were adamant about getting me the best settlement. Torkwase Akinalana Car Accidents Proved to be the perfect advocate Michael Bizik Car Accidents I highly recommend the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, and Siegel P.C. Anna Pastel-Powell Car Crash Mr. Siegel’s strong conviction, dedication, and determination prevailed in a legal victory. Gail Payne Car Accidents I knew I was in good hands once I stepped into their office. Gladys Ibeh Car Accidents They treated me like I was their only client, from beginning to end. Joy Lopez Car Accidents Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. ## Compensation for Victims & Families If you are a senior citizen involved in a car accident, the chances are that you suffered more serious injury than a younger person might have in a similar accident. You might also be fighting an uphill battle when recovering from the damages after your accident. The other driver and their lawyer might attempt to use stereotypes of senior drivers being less safe. [Insurance companies ](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/what-insurance-companies-dont-want-you-to-know-in-personal-injury-cases/)might also try to portray your injuries as related to pre-existing conditions and therefore not related to the accident. Medical insurance companies and Medicare may [demand reimbursement](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2013/10/liens-and-the-personal-injury-case/), depleting your compensation. Experienced [car accident attorneys](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) can help you overcome these obstacles to get the compensation you deserve. If you are a senior citizen involved in a car accident in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. and are having trouble, the lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. [can help](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/should-i-get-a-lawyer/). ## Senior Citizen Driving Statistics According to the Federal Highway Administration data, there were approximately 30 million licensed drivers 70 and older in 2019. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that almost 7,700 older adults (65 and above) were [killed in motor vehicle crashes](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fatal-car-crashes/). This means that more than 20 adult drivers are killed each day, and almost 700 are injured in traffic accidents. More than 250,000 older drivers were treated for car crash-related injuries in emergency departments. Other important statistics include: - Older drivers (75+) have higher fatal crash rates than middle-aged drivers between 35 and 54. - High death rates among drivers 75+ are mainly due to increased susceptibility to injury in a crash. - Among passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2019, multiple vehicle crashes at [intersections](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/intersections/) accounted for 40 percent of the crashes for drivers 80 and older, compared with 20 percent for drivers ages 16-59. ### Highway Safety and Senior Citizens Older adults typically engage in safer driving behaviors than other age groups. In recent research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it was shown that drivers between the ages of 50-69 had the lowest involvement in car accidents of any age group. Nearly 20% of licensed drivers below the age of 18, 11% of drivers aged 18-24, and 6% of drivers aged 25-49 were involved in an accident over a given 1-year period. In contrast, only about 3% of drivers aged 50 to 69 were involved in a motor vehicle crash, and only 5% of elderly drivers over 69 were involved in an accident. ### Senior Citizens Suffer Disproportionate Injuries Unfortunately, when an elderly driver is involved in a motor vehicle accident, they are more likely to suffer [serious injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/common-injuries/). Older women are especially susceptible to serious injuries due to even low-speed car accidents. According to an NHTSA analysis of crash data, a driver aged 65 or older is more likely to suffer a severe injury in a car accident than younger drivers aged 16-24. This is true for all types of multiple vehicle crashes, including dangerous [rollover accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rollover-accident/). ## What Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Can Do to Help You The Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success in helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish negligence and other types of liability. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has obtained more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate. ## Filing a Personal Injury Claim After an Auto Accident If you are a senior citizen involved in a car accident, it is important to know what to do in order to protect your rights. - Contact an experienced car accident attorney who can help you [navigate the legal process](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/personal-injury-claims-process-in-washington-dc/) and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. - Gather evidence from the scene of the accident. This can include photos of the damage to your vehicle, witness statements, and any other documentation that will help to [support your claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/insurance-claim/). - [File a claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/filing-a-personal-injury-claim/) with your insurance company. Your attorney can help you to determine what type of coverage you have and how much you are entitled to receive. - [Negotiate a settlement](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2019/02/will-my-car-accident-case-settle/) with the insurance company. Your attorney will work to get you the best possible outcome, whether that is through negotiation or taking the case to trial. ### Why You Need a Lawyer’s Help **In seeking compensation, it is important to evaluate how much you are likely to get and whether it will even cover the sums paid by health insurers. If you are in an accident and injured, your expenses may initially be covered by Medicare or other insurance. However, once you receive a settlement, these insurers may ask to be reimbursed out of that settlement.** **At [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/), we have helped over 10,000 accident victims who have suffered serious injuries. We can look at the facts in your case and help you decide what might be your best course of action.** **Please schedule a free case evaluation today to see what a personal injury lawyer ****in Washington, D.C., can do for your claim or lawsuit. **[**Contact us today!**](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. 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