Legal Help: Getting Hurt on the Street

Don't you hate it when you are driving to school or work in the morning, or home in the evening, and the sun is glaring through your windshield, virtually blinding you from seeing anything in front of you? You hope and pray that you don't strike a pedestrian, bicyclist, or another car before the sun goes behind a cloud or you can get in an area where you can finally see again. If your hoping and praying failed you, what would you do? What would happen if the sun's glare caused someone to strike you? This article briefly explores what you need to know about sun glare accidents, driver liability, and sun glare prevention measures. 

Sun Glare Auto Accident Statistics and Accident Liability

In the United States, sun glare is actually a pretty common cause of auto accidents. While it may not be as common as drunk driving or distracted driving, sun glare causes hundreds of accidents per year. Of course, sun glare is often not the sole cause of accidents.

Regardless, though, is it possible for a driver to escape liability of causing an auto accident by blaming the collision on the sun? Absolutely not. While that blinding sun glare may only last for a few seconds, that is all it takes for an accident to occur. Any driver on the road is responsible for exercising reasonable care when operating his or her vehicle at all times, which includes sunrise and sunset—both of which are reasonably predictable each day.

How to Protect Yourself from Sun Glare Situations

There are numerous ways that the glare from the sun can impact your visibility while driving. Therefore, it is imperative that you become familiar with them so that you can protect yourself from the blinding sun and its glare when you are out on the road. Here are some things that you can do:

• Wear polarized sunglasses, as these will significantly reduce the sun's glare
• Use your vehicle's visor to your advantage
• Regularly wipe down and/or clean your windshield and dashboard
• Try to change your driving schedule or route so that you aren't driving directly towards the sun in the morning or in the evening
• Turn on your vehicle's headlights so that you are more visible to other drivers
• Leave more space between your vehicle and other vehicles, pedestrians, and/or bikers

If you have recently been injured in a sun glare accident, reach out to a car accident attorney immediately to discuss your individual situation and the potential for monetary damages. A professional attorney can help you understand your rights in this type of situation and advocate for you, if necessary.