Bright Sunlight and Glare-Related Auto Accidents
Sunny days can boost spirits, but while sunlight adds to the charm of New Orleans, it can also pose a significant hazard on roadways. The intense glare from the sun can temporarily blind drivers, leading to potentially dangerous situations and contributing to auto accidents.
When seeking compensation after a glare-related accident, connect with legal guidance to protect your rights. Securing the compensation amount you need to pay off your accident expenses may require support from a New Orleans personal injury lawyer.
The Sun’s Glare and How It Can Contribute to Collisions
While sunlight is often a welcome presence, its angle and intensity during certain times of the day can create conditions that are blinding for drivers. Essentially, blinding glare occurs when the sun’s rays directly hit a driver’s eyes. As a result, it becomes difficult to see the road, other vehicles, pedestrians, and even traffic signals, which can lead to delayed reaction times, misjudgment of distances, and even the inability to see potential hazards.
Understanding what are contributing factors:
- Time of day. When the sun is low on the horizon, glare is more of an issue for drivers, and during sunrise and sunset many people are commuting to or from work or personal commitments. Busy roads and this increased likelihood of encountering blinding sunlight can lead to collisions.
- Sun’s position. Of course, the position of the sun in relation to a driver’s path varies widely depending on which direction a vehicle operator is driving. For example, east-west roads are particularly vulnerable during sunrise and sunset, while north-south roads may experience glare during mid-mornings and late afternoons. Sometimes a driver adjusting their route takes care of sun glare issues.
- Windshields and windows. When windshields are dirty, scratched, or inappropriately tinted, the problem of glare can be intensified, further reducing driver visibility.
- Failure to wear proper eyewear. Polarized lenses that are specifically designed to reduce glare can be helpful. Having sunglasses on hand to wear during bright driving conditions is a way to help avoid glare-related accidents.
Collisions connected to glare can occur in a few different ways. For instance, drivers who are temporarily blinded by glare might not notice a vehicle slowing down or coming to a halt in front of them, resulting in rear-end collisions. Or glare may obscure traffic signals and oncoming vehicles, leading to collisions at intersections, where clear visibility is crucial.
Seeking Legal Recourse After a Glare-Related Incident
Proving negligence after a crash involving sun glare may require demonstrating that the other driver failed to take proper precautions during bright sunlight conditions. A New Orleans personal injury lawyer will investigate your case and determine if there is proof that a driver failed to use sunglasses, neglected to have a windshield with full visibility, or did not adjust their driving behaviors to accommodate for reduced visibility.
Should you pursue financial relief after a glare-related vehicular crash? Whether you were involved in an accident in New Orleans, Metairie or Gretna, the seasoned legal team at Palazzo Law Firm can help. Call 504-433-1442 for a fee-free consultation.
