Recovery After A Sun Glare-Related Car Accident

As summer approaches, drivers should be sure to start preparing for the dangers that can come with sunnier weather. While sun glare might not be the first thing that comes to mind, the reality is that blinding sun causes thousands of accidents every year. Although sun glare is natural and to a large degree, out of our control, it doesn’t alleviate our responsibility to others on the road. Even if sun glare contributed to an accident, a driver who failed to prepare for it, could still be held liable for a resulting collision. For help determining the cause of your own accident and seeking compensation for related losses, reach out to our dedicated team of Altamonte Springs car accident attorneys today.

Sun Glare Can be Dangerous for Drivers

Safe driving requires unobstructed views and clear vision. A lot of manmade things can interfere with this, including building obstructions and driver intoxication. Sometimes, however, it is natural elements, like weather conditions, that impede our vision the most. Sun glare, for instance, can be blinding, whether it occurs early in the morning when driving east, or late in the day heading west.

Because sun glare is a naturally occurring condition, drivers are required to account for it and prepare accordingly, so just because a driver was temporarily blinded by the sun, does not mean that he or she won’t be held liable for a resulting collision. Instead, that person can still be required to compensate the victim for failing to take reasonable precautions. Damages could include everything from compensation for medical expenses and lost wages to disability and pain and suffering. Before an injured party can recover these amounts, however, he or she will need to prove that the other driver failed to take the proper precautions to avoid an accident.

Precautionary Measures

There are a number of precautionary measures that drivers can take to reduce their chances of causing an accident because of sun glare, including:

• Slowing down when the sun is especially bright, as a motorist would if driving through pouring rain or a thick fog;
• Putting more distance between themselves and other vehicles;
• Utilizing their sun visors to block some of the sun glare;
• Having access to polarized sunglasses, which are made with a special filter that can block reflected light;
• Keeping their windshields clean, as dirty windows can scatter the light, making it even harder to see when the sun is bright;
• Taking an alternate route to avoid driving directly into the sun for an extended period of time; and
• Turning their headlights on.

While taking these precautions doesn’t guarantee that a person won’t be involved in a crash when encountering sun glare, it can go a long way towards preventing serious collisions.

Set Up a Meeting with Our Legal Team Today

If the person who caused your own crash is refusing to admit liability because of sun glare, call Goldman Law, P.A. at 407-960-1900, or request an appointment online to speak with a dedicated Altamonte Springs car accident lawyer about your legal options.

Resource:

nces.ed.gov/FCSM/pdf/2005FCSM_Choi_Singh_IVA.pdf