Two people have been hospitalized with injuries after a car accident in which they were struck by an elderly woman who was driving her vehicle the wrong way on the Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo. According to a KSBY news report, the injury collision occurred when 87-year-old Dorothy Nekervis entered the Highway 101 from the San Luis Bay Drive off-ramp the night of January 27, 2010.

California Highway Patrol officials say Nekervis was driving north in the southbound lanes of the highway when she crashed head-on with a Dodge Caravan. One victim sustained critical injuries while another was also taken to a hospital with moderate injuries. Nekervis was also hospitalized with serious injuries. Officials say drugs or alcohol were not factors in this crash.

My heart goes out to the two victims who were seriously injured in this car accident. I wish all the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Was this Elderly Driver Fit to Drive?

Based on this news report, it appears that this may have been yet another incident in a recent spate of catastrophic injuries and deaths caused by elderly drivers who shouldn't have been driving in the first place. We recently wrote about a 92-year-old man in San Diego who struck and fatally injured a teen skateboarder and drove away without even realizing he had hit a person. He turned himself in to authorities a day after the incident.

In this particular case, there are several questions concerning the elderly driver. Had Nekervis been previously involved in any car accidents? Did she even have a driver's license? If she had a driver's license, I certainly hope it is suspended or revoked if this accident was the result of a physical or mental health issue.

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

It is indeed unfortunate that California laws do not require elderly drivers to pass road tests for renewing their driving licenses. I believe these tests are extremely helpful in identifying senior drivers whose physical ability or mental awareness is not what it used to be. Such requirements are clearly overdue and will be critical to help prevent the tragedies we have witnessed over the last few months. In this case, the injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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