Sun glare accidents commonly happen during sunrise or sunset when the rays align with the driver’s line of sight. Sun glare can reduce visibility and create blinding conditions like delayed reactions or misjudgment of distances. The intense brightness makes it hard to see other vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signals, or road hazards. Consequently, it interferes with a driver’s vision and leads to hazardous situations on the road. It can result in collisions, rear-end accidents, or veering off the road. Drivers should use sun visors and polarized sunglasses to prevent potential collisions. They should maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead while exercising extra caution during intense sunlight. Car accidents due to sun glare are common.
Drivers who cause a car accident due to sun glare conditions may wonder whether they can escape liability. It may seem a valid reason to excuse them for the fault, as it was beyond their control. However, regardless of the situation, the law requires all drivers who share the road to take precautions to avoid collisions. If you sustained injuries in a car accident because of the sun, take some actions to ensure safety and protect legal rights. Read on to learn what to do in such unfortunate circumstances. We suggest hiring an experienced personal injury attorney for guidance on such cases.
Critical Sun glare conditions on roads
Sun glare conditions on the road refer to situations when the sun is low on the horizon, typically during sunrise or sunset. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sun glare contributes to approx 9,000 accidents annually. After slick roads, it is the second environmental factor responsible for severe accidents. It can cause temporary blindness or visual distraction, inducing drivers to lose control of their vehicles. If the driver panics or overcompensates after a brief period of impaired vision, the result is collisions with other motorcars, barriers, or roadside objects. Other possibilities of car accidents due to sun glare accidents on the road include the following:
Head-On Collisions
During sunrise or sunset, sun glare can be intense for drivers as rays may directly enter their line of sight. If drivers fail to notice oncoming traffic or judge the distance between them, it may result in head-on collisions.
Intersection accidents
Sun glare can impair your vision for a while to see approaching cars at intersections or obscure traffic signals. As a result, accidents may occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way or misjudge the timing of traffic lights.
Rear-End Collisions
A moment of reduced visibility due to sun glare makes it hard to gauge distance or see the car ahead of you. Failure to notice slowed-down or stopped vehicles could result in rear-end collisions.
Pedestrian or Cyclist accidents
Intense sun glare could make it challenging for drivers to see cyclists or pedestrians crossing the street or walking by the lane. It increases the risk of accidents, as they may not get the time to respond and prevent the collision.
Lane Departure crashes
Drivers may unintentionally steer out of their lane on roads with multiple lanes when sun glare blurs their visibility. If the driver veers into oncoming traffic, this may cause side-swept collisions with adjacent vehicles and lead to substantial damage.
Preventive measures to avoid sun glare on drive
Safe driving necessitates clear vision and an unobstructed view, but what should we do when the sun’s glare is intense? Here is a discussion of a few preventive measures related to sun glare conditions on the road. These measures will help you deal with blasts of bright sunlight while driving.
- Keep a safe following distance from the car ahead to give yourself more time to react in case of sudden glare-induced blindness.
- Use polarized sunglasses to filter out the horizontal light rays that cause glare, enabling you to see more clearly.
- Keep your windshield clean since smudged dirt can scatter sunlight, making glare worse.
- Adjust sun visors to minimize glare and improve visibility.
- Turn on headlights during sunrise or sunset to make it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle despite the glare.
- Familiarize yourself with areas where sun glare is more prevalent and avoid taking routes that side.
- Plan travel times based on convenience to prevent driving when sun glare is typically at its worst.
Car accidents due to sun glare can have severe consequences, such as financial, emotional, and legal repercussions. Drivers should be aware of the dangers posed by sun glare conditions on the road and take proactive measures to prevent collisions. By following the above-stated preventive measures and remaining vigilant, drivers can significantly reduce the risks and ensure safer journeys for themselves and other people on the road.
Things to Do If a Sun Glare-Related Accident Occurs
If a car accident due to sun glare occurs, don’t get panic but take prompt action to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Assess the extent of the accident and see if there are any injuries or immediate dangers. If anyone requires medical attention, dial 911 or local emergency services immediately. If your vehicle is in working condition, move to a safe location, away from traffic, to prevent further loss. Some other vital steps to take following an auto accident caused by sun glare are:
Warn approaching traffic
After moving your vehicle to a safe area, turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights. It will alert other drivers to the accident and your presence on the road. It will help improve visibility and prevent further collisions. Another option is to set up flares or reflective warning signs behind your car at a safe distance. It will also warn oncoming traffic to the incident and stop other vehicles from hitting your vehicle.
Contact the authorities
You must report the accident to the police immediately after the crash. According to the law, those involved in an accident must stop at the spot until the police arrive. Even if it is a minor accident, you should remain at the scene because leaving could result in legal action. While waiting for the police to arrive, keep calm and avoid getting into a pointless argument with the other driver. After an official investigation, the police may prepare an official accident report. Ask for a copy of the accident report because it is beneficial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Document the scene
After evaluating any potential injuries and making sure everyone is safe, gather crash evidence. It includes obtaining testimony from witnesses, recording video, and taking pictures of all the involved vehicles and any visible injuries. This step will help identify the primary or sole offender of the accident. Consider taking distant and close-up shots from various perspectives. Include vehicle license plates, images of the damaged property, nearby streets, debris, and road conditions. Find any nearby security cameras that may have captured footage of the incident. These visual records are essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Inform insurance company
After a sun glare-related accident, exchange all pertinent information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details. The next step is to report the incident to your insurance company and start with the claims procedure. You should give accurate information to the company and respond to any inquiries they may ask about the incident. However, avoid discussing what you did before the crash and who you think was at fault. The insurance company might use the provided information against you and lower the amount claimed. So, the motive is to inform them and adhere to their claim submission guidelines.
Consult skilled attorneys
Consulting legal professionals is highly recommendable if car accidents due to sun glare cause damage. The lawyer will review your accident-related file and guide you through the complex legal process. They will help you calculate the total cost of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and any permanent disabilities. If your insurance company or negligent party resists the claimed amount, they will negotiate on your behalf or direct you to file a lawsuit. The goal is to defend your legal rights and attain the compensation you deserve.
Services of car accident attorneys in sun glare mishaps
Depending on the details of your car accident due to sun glare, there are many different steps you need to take. Consult our car accident attorneys at Phillips Law Offices to discuss your case. Our legal professionals specialize in personal injury law and have a strong background in car accident cases. We will thoroughly look into the incident, collect proof, and create a compelling argument in your favor. Even if the sun glare condition was beyond control, we will provide guidance considering your situation and work to attain your legal rights. Reach out to our proficient attorney for the following reasons.
Liability determination
Liability for sun glare accidents is hard to ascertain because it involves several factors, such as driving behavior, road conditions, and influence of sun glare. Our skilled attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is legally responsible for the accident. For this purpose, they will gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and analyze pertinent laws.
Insurance negotiation
Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, particularly when seeking just compensation for your sun glare conditions. Insurance adjusters may attempt to reduce their responsibility or minimize the significance of the collision. Our attorney can negotiate with them by representing and proving your case to receive reimbursement for economic and non-economic damage.
Statute of limitations
Every governance has a statute of limitations, which refers to a time limit within which you must initiate legal actions. Failing to file a suit within the statutory deadlines can affect the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation. Our car accident attorney can start with the legal process within the specified timeframe, guarding your rights and conserving your claim.
Expert witnesses
Expert witnesses may be necessary in complicated cases to give testimony and render expert advice on particular accident-related issues. For accidents involving sun glare, specialists in accident reconstruction, vision science, or meteorology can help determine the role of sun glare and its effects on the accident. Our attorney may seek the opinions of these experts to build a compelling case on your behalf.
Legal representation in court
Having a lawyer on your side is essential if your auto accident case goes to trial. They will speak for your interests in court, presenting your case, cross-examining witnesses, and arguing for a fair settlement. Our well-experienced lawyers know how trials work and can successfully represent you in court. They specialize in handling car accident cases and understand the intricacies of the law.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyer at Phillips Law Offices
Gathering evidence to support your claim is necessary for building a compelling accident case. Our attorney has the resources and knowledge to collect and analyze evidence, including accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions. They can compile documents, present them adequately, and provide legal representation to strengthen your case. Hence, hiring our personal injury attorney for car accidents due to sun glare is wise. We offer free initial consultations and allow you to discuss your case with us to determine the best course of action. Contact us now at (312) 598-0917 and get a free consultation on your case.
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