Sunlight and Sun Glare Accidents in Connecticut

How Sunlight and Sun Glare Can Lead to Dangerous Road Conditions

Sunlight and sun glare create hazardous conditions on the road, but these factors cannot be used as a legal excuse if you’ve been involved in a collision. This can be incredibly frustrating for drivers who feel helpless against these conditions, as well as for victims who believe that the responsible party is unfairly blaming sunlight for their negligence. Fortunately, Bert McDowell Injury Law in Connecticut has the experience and expertise to help you navigate the complexities of such cases. If you’ve been injured in an accident, call us today at 475-231-3274.

How Does Sunlight or Sun Glare Cause Accidents?

Every year, numerous car accidents happen because drivers are temporarily blinded by sunlight or sun glare. In Connecticut, this is particularly common during certain times of the year when the sun’s position creates blinding conditions. Here are some of the main ways sunlight can impair visibility:

• When the sun is directly in front of your vehicle, its intense brightness can completely obscure your vision.
• When sunlight reflects off a dirty or streaky windshield, it can create glare that makes it difficult to see the road clearly.
• When sunlight reflects off other surfaces, such as dashboards, roads, or even snow, it can cause distracting glare and hinder visibility.

Often, sun glare lasts only a few seconds, but even this brief period of impaired vision can be enough to cause a serious accident.

Types of Accidents Caused by Sunlight and Sun Glare

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we’ve seen sunlight and glare contribute to a range of accidents, including:

• Car Accidents: Rear-end collisions often occur when a driver is temporarily blinded by sunlight and fails to stop in time.
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Drivers blinded by sunlight may not see a pedestrian or cyclist crossing the road.
• Single-Car Accidents: Drivers who can’t see clearly may drift off the road and hit a stationary object, such as a utility pole or guardrail.

When Is Sunlight Most Hazardous for Connecticut Drivers?

Sunlight glare is most dangerous during the morning and late afternoon hours when the sun is low on the horizon. These times often coincide with rush hour, creating the perfect storm of heavy traffic and reduced visibility. This is why many sun-related accidents happen during these periods.

Who Is at Fault in a Sunlight or Sun Glare Accident?

In Connecticut, the law does not consider sunlight or sun glare to be a valid excuse for a car accident. Drivers are expected to take reasonable precautions when operating their vehicles under hazardous conditions. If a driver causes an accident because they were blinded by sunlight, they are typically held liable for the damages. However, there are rare exceptions, such as:

• If the driver can prove they took reasonable precautions to mitigate the glare.
• If the other party involved in the accident violated traffic laws, which may result in shared liability.

Determining fault in these scenarios can be complex, which is why having an experienced personal injury attorney is critical.

Why Is Sunlight Not Considered a Legal Excuse?

The law expects drivers to take appropriate precautions for hazardous driving conditions, including managing sunlight and sun glare. Just as a driver would be expected to slow down in heavy fog, they are also expected to prepare for glare by taking measures such as cleaning their windshield or wearing sunglasses. Failure to do so may be deemed negligent.

Tips to Prevent Sunlight and Glare-Related Accidents

While some sun glare is unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

• Keep your windshield clean and free of dust, streaks, or smudges.
• Regularly dust and clean your dashboard to minimize reflective glare.
• Plan routes that avoid driving directly into the sun whenever possible.
• Wear polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and improve visibility.
• Use your sun visor to block the sun as soon as glare begins to affect your vision.

If you find yourself blinded by sun glare, slow down immediately, pull over safely if needed, and take extra care to watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.

How Bert McDowell Injury Law Can Help You

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by sun glare, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we understand how frustrating and overwhelming these cases can be. Our team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. With years of experience handling personal injury cases in Connecticut, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.

Call us today at 475-231-3274 for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.