Car accidents usually involve a collision between two vehicles. But sometimes a car accident can involve houses or buildings. In a recent accident, a car crashed into the Apple electronics store in Chicago in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The incident was captured by many passersby on their smartphones as the vehicle collided with the glass front door. One person was transported to the hospital with injuries.
Police and other witnesses report that the driver was an 89-year-old man. Police suspect the elderly man was driving too fast and lost control of the car, causing him to crash into the store. Witnesses report that the intersection where the Apple store is located is difficult to maneuver and it is possible that the driver got confused.
A driver of any age can easily cause an auto accident, but accidents involving older drivers are somewhat common. At times elderly motorists can present safety concerns for other drivers on the road. Elderly drivers may suffer from diminished eyesight, which can present problems when behind the wheel. Elderly drivers may become easily confused at difficult intersections, and they may also suffer side effects from any medications they may be on.
Although elderly drivers may face specific challenges, all drivers have a duty of care to other motorists. A person injured due to the negligent or careless actions of another driver may be entitled to medical bills or lost wage benefits. This negligence may be due to a number of factors, including distracted driving or even driving under the influence. A person hurt because of another driver should not face the injuries alone.
Source: ABC 7, “Car crashes into Lincoln Park Apple store”, Sarah Schulte, Jan. 14, 2013
