Car Accidents Caused by Medical Conditions

Car accidents cause injuries and disrupt lives. They occur for a variety of reasons from distracted driving to driving under the influence of alcohol. One cause of car accidents that is often overlooked is medical conditions. Drivers with medical conditions that they may or may not be aware of travel area roadways every day, and sometimes the conditions they suffer from cause them to be involved in a motor vehicle collision. At our firm, our auto accident lawyers help those hurt in car accidents caused by medical conditions recover the restitution they are owed.

Our Accident Attorneys Outline Medical Conditions That Are Likely to Cause Car Crashes 

While there are many medical conditions that may arise that cause the driver of a vehicle to be involved in a motor vehicle accident, some conditions are more likely to cause concern. They are:

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses glucose. There are different types of diabetes, but all cause some serious symptoms. Blurry vision and dizziness are both caused by diabetes. Also, sometimes a person with diabetes has their blood drop too low, which is called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can quickly lead to loss of consciousness and confusion. This is particularly dangerous if a person suffers this while operating a motor vehicle.

Seizure Disorders

Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, are often kept in check with proper medication. Even so, a person suffering from a seizure disorder may unexpectedly experience a seizure. Symptoms include the inability to focus, confusion, memory loss, paralysis, and loss of bodily functions. When this happens while driving, it can easily lead to a collision. 

Mental Illness

Serious mental illness can be debilitating, and those suffering from a mental illness should take care not to operate a motor vehicle when their illness is not under control. This is because mental illness can cause those that experience it to become disoriented, as well as cognitively and physically impaired, leading to a motor vehicle accident.    

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease can lead to strokes and heart attacks. Both are sudden-onset conditions that cause loss of consciousness and the inability to control your movements. When a person suffers a cardiovascular event while driving, an accident may occur. 

Choking

Many people use the time spent behind the wheel as an opportunity to eat a meal or a snack. While this may seem a great way to multi-task, there is always a chance you will choke on your food. Choking constitutes a medical emergency and typically requires prompt treatment. A choking person operating a motor vehicle can easily be involved in a serious collision.  

What Happens When A Driver Has Been Diagnosed With a Condition That Could Affect Their Ability to Drive?

In Pennsylvania, when a person aged 15 years or older is diagnosed or treated with a medical condition that could impair their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, their physician (and other medical care providers) is mandated to report that condition to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). PennDOT then conducts an evaluation process to determine if the person’s condition impairs their ability to operate a motor vehicle to the degree that their license should be recalled, or restrictions placed on it. Reports of this nature made to PennDOT are confidential and used solely to determine whether or not a person is qualified to drive. 

Liability In Pennsylvania Car Accidents

When you have been injured in an accident by a person suffering from a medical condition or emergency, determining liability can quickly become very complicated. It is important to hire experienced car accident counsel to determine who is responsible and their percentage of responsibility. Keys matters to consider include:

• Did the driver suffering from the condition know they suffered from the condition? If so, were they taking necessary precautions to prevent an accident while operating a motor vehicle?
• Was PennDOT made aware of the driver’s medical condition? Were there any restrictions placed on their ability to drive?

Speak with a Car Accident Attorney at Drake, Hileman, & Davis Today

When your life has been disrupted by a car accident, let the team of legal professionals at our firm handle the heavy lifting for you. Our attorneys are experienced at holding those liable for their wrongdoing accountable and recovering the restitution our clients deserve. We may be reached by calling 888-777-7098 or via our contact page. To better serve our clients, we have five conveniently located offices in Allentown, Bethlehem, Doylestown, Stroudsburg, and Easton.