When confronted with sun glares, drivers must still operate their vehicles in a careful and reasonable manner. As with all road conditions, drivers have a duty to take extra precautions when the sun is bright. They can be held liable if their failure to do so causes an accident.
Are There Steps to Take to Prevent Sun Glare Accidents?
Drivers need to be proactive about minimizing the effects of sun glare. The following steps can help:
- Keep your windshield clean inside and out to minimize glare. Dirty glass can make glare worse.
- Use sunglasses and sun visors. Polarized sunglasses are best for cutting glare. Adjust your visors to block direct sunlight coming in from the side.
- Slow down and increase your following distance. Give yourself extra time to react if sun glare impairs your vision.
- Avoid looking directly at the sun.
- Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk when the sun is low on the horizon.
- Consider applying a sun strip to your windshield to reduce glare.
What Time of Day Is Worst for Sun Glare?
The worst sun glare typically occurs in the early morning and late afternoon. At these times, the sun is lower in the sky, so the sunlight shines directly at drivers rather than from above. The low angle of the sunlight can make it very difficult to see the road ahead.
Dawn and dusk are prime hours peak hours for sun glare accidents. Many collisions happen between 6 to 9 am and 3 to 6 pm when commuters are on the road during seasons when the sun rises and sets during commute times. Drivers should be extra vigilant during the morning and evening rush hours.
How Long Can It Take Your Eyes to Recover from Sun Glare While Driving?
It can take up to a few minutes for eyes to fully adapt and recover normal vision after being blinded by sun glare. The exact recovery time depends on factors like:
- The intensity of the glare – More intense sun causes longer-lasting glare effects.
- Length of glare exposure – Longer exposure leads to longer recovery.
- The age of the driver – Older eyes take longer to re-adjust.
- Use of sunglasses or polarized lenses – Less glare means faster vision recovery.
Even just a few seconds of glare can lead to spotty vision. Drivers should pull over if necessary and wait until their eyes have fully adjusted before trying to drive again. It’s not worth risking an accident by driving with impaired visibility.
Can I Recover Damages If I Am Hit by a Driver Who Was Blinded by Sun Glare?
Virginia law does not recognize sun glare as a legal excuse for causing a traffic accident. Drivers must exercise extreme caution when operating their vehicles in bad weather conditions such as rain, wind, snow, ice, and sun glare. If they cause a crash because they fail to do so, they will be legally responsible for any resulting injuries.
If a motorist collides with your vehicle because they are temporarily blinded by the sun, it is because they did not take the necessary steps to prevent accidents in those conditions. As such, you have a right to seek compensation from that driver for the harm you suffered.
What Compensation Might I Be Able to Recover?
The compensation you are eligible to recover in a sun glare accident in Virginia will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. You may be able to claim money for your:
- Medical expenses – You can recover the cost of any ambulance rides, emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, surgical procedures, and medications.
- Lost income due to missed time at work – Your attorney will calculate how much work you have missed and how much more work you will likely miss before you heal.
- Reduced earning capacity – If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, your attorney can calculate how much less income you will face over the rest of your lifetime.
- Pain and suffering – You can recover money for the effect of pain on your life, as well as the emotional trauma you have endured due to the accident.
- Property damage – Your accident claim will allow you to recover the cost of repairing or replacing your car or any other items that were damaged in the crash.
Speaking with an experienced Virginia car accident attorney can help you understand how much you may be able to recover. They will calculate the full value of your losses and fight for a fair settlement package from the at-fault driver’s insurer. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer you what you deserve, your lawyer can take the at-fault party to court and seek your compensation from a judge and jury.
Does Virginia Have a Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Claim?
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, Virginia’s personal injury statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you miss this crucial deadline, you may be ineligible to recover the compensation you deserve. Working with a knowledgeable Virginia car accident attorney can ensure that you begin all legal actions within the required timeframe.
Contact a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer
Sun glare is simply no excuse for causing an accident. If you were hurt because another motorist failed to take enough caution in dangerous driving conditions, they could owe you money for what they cost you. But without the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer, you might struggle to get the full amount you deserve for what you’ve suffered.
The Virginia car accident attorneys at Marks & Harrison are here to help. We will listen to your story, inform you of your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our law firm has been working diligently on behalf of injured Virginians for over 100 years. We are ready to put our combined experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
