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Age in a Maryland car accident has a tremendous influence on whether an accident will occur. In Maryland, as in other states nationwide, different age groups exhibit different characteristics behind the wheel. Younger drivers tend to be more aggressive, while older drivers may operate the car more cautiously. Of course, these are generalizations, and outliers exist at every level. Age is important in this context for several reasons. Most noticeably, age significantly influences your carrier’s insurance premiums. There is a perceived risk of younger drivers on the road. This is due to their inexperience and higher probability of driving recklessly and speeding. Then, there is a notable decrease in insurance premiums for most of an adult’s life, only to be increased again for octogenarians.
Alas, there are several other reasons why age in a Maryland car accident is so critical. Experience is at the crux of everything on the road. A Maryland car accident lawyer with 30 years of experience will be more effective, on average, than a newly minted attorney. The same is true on the road. Although, a more experienced driver with ten years of practicing dangerous habits may result in consistent accidents and injuries.
Meanwhile, there are developmental factors that are based on the age of drivers. Of course, licensing requirements depend on a Maryland driver’s age. There is an adaptation to technological changes that younger drivers can handle while older drivers may struggle to adopt. If you are an older driver, you may have more vision issues than a younger driver. The list goes on and on as to why age in a Maryland accident is so important.
If you are a driver of any age and are in a Maryland accident, call our office today for a free consultation.
The risks and challenges of teen drivers highlight why age in a Maryland car accident is so important. Teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in car accidents than any other age group. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (“IIHS“) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (“HLDI”) shows just how dangerous teenage drivers on the road can be. Keep in mind that these statistics are in light of the fact that teenage drivers are on the road less than any other age group besides the oldest group. The fatal crash rate per mile driven for 16-19-year-olds is nearly three times the rate for drivers ages 20 and over. Risk is highest at ages 16-17.
With this in mind, there are a few things we can do. As parents, we can take the extra step to coach and advise our teenage drivers on best practices behind the wheel. The teenage years are the time to set good habits that will last a lifetime and keep your children and other people on the road out of harm’s way. While the statistics mentioned above seem dark and alarming, it is at least good to know that there were 67% fewer teenage car accidents in the last three years than there were in 1975. This shows we are doing at least a few things right. By following the practices discussed here, this trend will hopefully continue to improve.
Fortunately, Maryland employs a graduated licensing system. So, a driver must first obtain a learner’s permit before getting a full license. Additionally, a Maryland teenager must graduate from driver’s education and obtain a certain number of hours behind the wheel with their learner’s permit before receiving a full license. These steps are necessary to keep all people safe on the road, whether they are driving or passengers.
Adult drivers are typically classified as between the ages of 25-64. 25 is when the male brain fully forms; thus, there is more brain development. You may also consider adult drivers between the ages of 20-64. Nonetheless, they often enjoy the benefits of reduced insurance rates due to their presumed maturity and driving experience. However, adult drivers are not necessarily void of problems. Adults, especially ones with young children, often are under the most stress. This can be due to lack of sleep and marital problems. This is also when adults are under the most financial pressure. They also may be working to get ahead at work. This is all to say that while adults in this range are statistically the least likely to get into a car accident in Maryland, there are still factors that may increase the probability. This also depends on the individual.
The safety and mobility of senior drivers are critical components of age in a Maryland car accident. As drivers age, they may experience declines in vision, hearing, and motor reflexes, making it more challenging to respond quickly to sudden changes on the road. These fall under the broad umbrella of cognitive declines. While teenagers have the opposite problem, senior drivers arguably make up for the deficit with their experience and caution. Unlike teenage drivers, senior drivers deeply understand how valuable life on the road is. They know better than to drive 20 miles per hour over the speed limit. This responsible behavior protects them and helps to make up for the cognitive declines they suffer as they age.
Compensation for an injured senior driver also looks drastically different from compensation for a teenage driver. We explore the reasons why below.
This is where the background information discussed above comes together. Despite the differences between teenage, adult, and elderly drivers, the duty owed by a driver on the road remains the same. It would be foolhardy to hold a teenage driver to a different standard than an adult driver despite the vast difference in experience and skill level behind the wheel. A driver from a quarter-mile away cannot know the age of the driver coming up ahead. Age should not be a consideration in whether or not a legal duty has been breached. Fortunately, the law in Maryland agrees with this sentiment and imposes one legal duty on all drivers regardless of age. It is an “adult activity”.
Meanwhile, the compensation for a teenage driver compared to an older adult can look drastically different. When calculating a case’s value, we consider two sides of the event. We first calculate past damages. This can include past medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering from the date of injury to the point we settle the case. Then, we also calculate future damages. The medical expenses for an older adult may be far greater because older adults, especially those 80 and older, require more care and are generally more susceptible to serious injury. Meanwhile, they may suffer little from a loss of future earning capacity. This is especially true if they are already retired.
On the other hand, if a teenager can never work again because of a serious car accident, this has major implications for the value of the child’s case.
Contact an attorney at Gelb & Gelb today to learn more about age in a Maryland car accident and how it directly impacts your case.
Call today for a free consultation and case evaluation at (202) 331-7227.
Copyright © 2025 Gelb & Gelb, P.C. All rights reserved.