Tennessee residents with chronic illness are usually able to get around and take care of their daily tasks by driving. Driving provides a sense of freedom, and it gives people who have certain illnesses or disabilities the ability to feel more in charge of their lives. In some cases, a chronic illness can actually interfere with someone’s ability to drive.
Signs that it may be time for a person with a chronic illness to stop driving
One key sign that a person with a chronic illness should stop driving is if driving has suddenly become more difficult for them. Sometimes, chronic illnesses grow progressively worse over time. The ease with which drivers may have handled driving in the past may become more difficult as the illness breaks down their bodies. They could easily get into a crash that causes injuries to themselves or others.
Sometimes people with chronic illnesses may not realize that their driving is deteriorating, but their friends and family members do realize it. If enough family members and friends have pointed out that their driving skills have degenerated, it may be time to check with their doctor.
Sometimes, people with chronic illnesses require stronger medications as their illnesses progress. Those stronger medications may make it difficult for them to drive. If someone’s medications have changed, they may need to check with their doctor before getting behind the wheel of a car again. They will need to know all of the side effects of their new medications so that they can be sure that they’re not going to be endangering themselves or others by causing crashes and auto accident injuries.
Getting help after auto accidents due to chronic illness
People who have been involved in auto accidents as a result of a chronic illness may benefit from working with attorneys who have experience dealing with all types of car accidents. An attorney could help them get the best outcome for their case.