Driving along Minnesota streets and highways can be a pleasant experience, especially during the bright Midwest summer days. However, the same beauty can turn perilous when the sun’s glare becomes blinding, leading to dangerous car crashes.
Many motorists have faced the unsettling moment when the sun’s rays hit them head-on during their commute, making it difficult to see and react promptly. Understanding the risks associated with sun glare and how it affects driving can help you stay safer on the road.
Car Driving Into The Sunset: A Common Scenario
The phrase “Car Driving Into The Sunset” accurately describes a typical situation: drivers heading westward during late afternoon or early evening often encounter intense sun glare. As the sun lowers on the horizon, especially around the golden hour, its rays can obscure vision and create hazards for drivers. This effect is particularly troublesome during sunrise and sunset, but it can occur at any time when the sun is low.
How Does Glare Cause a Driving Issue?
Sun glare impairs visibility because it temporarily blinds the driver, reducing the ability to see other vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signals, and road signs. When the eyes are exposed to a sudden burst of bright sunlight, the pupils constrict, and the eyes need time to adapt, which can take several seconds — crucial seconds in traffic situations. During this period, a driver may miss important cues, fail to notice a vehicle slowing ahead, or not see a stop sign or pedestrian crossing.
This diminished visibility can lead to various types of accidents, such as rear-end collisions, side impacts, or even multi-vehicle crashes. For example, a driver going into the sun on a busy Minnesota highway might not see a vehicle slowing abruptly, or a cyclist crossing the street, resulting in a collision.
Going-to-the-Sun Accident: A Notable Example
One illustrative incident is the “Going-to-the-Sun Accident,” a term that, while specific to Montana’s famous scenic route, aptly describes any crash happening when the sun’s glare blinds a driver on Minnesota roads. These accidents often involve sudden rear-end impacts or collisions with roadside objects or pedestrians due to limited visibility.
In the context of Minnesota, where the weather can change rapidly, and roads often feature multiple lanes, curves, and deposits of snow or ice in winter, sun glare adds an extra layer of danger. Such crashes not only pose the risk of serious injuries but can also lead to costly repairs and emotional trauma for those involved.
Can You Still Take Legal Action If the At-Fault Driver Blames Sun Glare?
Yes — and it’s an important distinction to make. While sun glare can present real driving challenges, it is not a legal excuse for causing a car crash. In Minnesota, drivers are required to operate their vehicles with reasonable care under all conditions — including those involving bright sunlight or other visual obstructions. This means that blaming the sun doesn’t automatically relieve a driver of liability.
If you were injured in a car accident where the at-fault driver claims they couldn’t see due to glare, you may still be entitled to compensation. Minnesota courts and insurance companies consider whether the driver took reasonable steps to adjust for the hazard. Important questions include:
- Did the driver slow down or increase following distance?
- Were they wearing sunglasses or using a sun visor?
- Did they clean their windshield and maintain a safe speed?
- Did they fail to yield, run a red light, or otherwise ignore traffic laws?
When a driver fails to adapt to poor visibility — regardless of the cause that failure can be considered negligence. In these cases, the injured party has every right to file a personal injury claim.
Compensation in Sun Glare-Related Crashes
If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligent response to sun glare, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
Gathering evidence is essential in these cases. Police reports, eyewitness statements, photos of the scene, and any available dashcam footage can all support your claim. An attorney can also help demonstrate how the other driver’s behavior fell short of reasonable expectations under the circumstances.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Insurance companies may try to argue that the sun glare made the accident “unavoidable” — but this doesn’t mean you’re out of options. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can push back against those defenses, proving that the driver had opportunities to reduce risk and failed to act appropriately.
Prevention and Safety Tips
A useful tip for minimizing sun glare hazards is to take proactive steps when you anticipate bright sunlight. Prevention remains the best strategy. Here are some practical tips for handling sun glare while driving in Minnesota:
- Time Your Drive: If possible, avoid peak sun glare times — early mornings and late afternoons — by adjusting your schedule.
- Maintain Clean Windows: Dirt and streaks can intensify glare; regular cleaning is key.
- Use Polarized Sunglasses: They filter out horizontal light waves that cause glare.
- Adjust Your Seat and Mirrors: Position yourself to reduce direct sunlight hitting your eyes.
- Be Extra Vigilant: Slow down, increase following distances, and stay alert for sudden stops or pedestrians.
- Proper Road Signage: Road authorities should ensure that signs are clearly visible even during sun glare conditions, possibly through reflective materials or supplemental lighting.
By implementing these proactive safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks posed by sun glare while driving in Minnesota. Staying vigilant and prepared not only helps protect you and your passengers but also contributes to safer roads for everyone.
Taking Legal Action: Minnesota Car Accident Lawyers and Personal Injury Claims
If you find yourself involved in a car crash caused by sun glare, understanding your legal rights is essential. Minnesota law recognizes that drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. When an accident occurs due to glare, fault can sometimes be attributed to negligent driving, especially if the driver was not exercising caution or failed to take reasonable measures against glare hazards.
At Sieben Edmunds Miller, our Minnesota Car Accident Lawyers and Minnesota Personal Injury Attorneys can assist you in pursuing compensation if negligence contributed to the crash. We can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the accident, identify liable parties, and help navigate the often-complex insurance claims process. Whether dealing with medical bills, property damage, or lost wages, legal counsel ensures your rights are protected.
Your Path to Recovery
A car crash caused by sun glare can leave you with significant injuries and financial burdens. While the sun itself isn’t to blame, the driver who failed to take reasonable precautions is. Don’t let the complexity of these claims deter you from seeking the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a sun glare-related accident in Minnesota, reach out to Sieben Edmunds Miller. We are here to provide clear guidance and determined representation to help you on your path to recovery.
