Sun Glare Collisions
A seven-year-old girl was killed in a car accident in Trinity County, Texas, in December. A van carrying school children was stopped on FM 1893 to pick up another child when the van was struck from behind by a Ford pickup truck driven by a 17-year-old girl. All of the children were properly buckled in, however, five children suffered some injuries and the seven-year-old passed away at the scene. She was the daughter of a Trinity County Deputy. The driver’s father told ABC 13 KTRK that his daughter was not distracted by a phone or the radio, but instead, the sun was in her eyes, blinding her right before the collision.
How Drivers Should Handle Driving into the Sun
There are times when the sun becomes a driver’s enemy instead of his or her friend. Whether sunlight is directly in a driver’s eyes or someone is trying to drive with intense sun glare on the road or snow, a driver needs to take precautions to avoid an accident like the one that took this little girl’s life. When drivers are heading into the sun or there is an intense glare, they should:
- Use the sun visor in their vehicle;
- Wear polarized sunglasses;
- Keep their windshield clean inside and out;
- Not keep papers or other clutter that could glare on the dashboard;
- Slow down;
- Keep more space between them and other vehicles;
- Keep an eye on the land markings to ensure they do not veer into another lane;
- Turn on their headlights to allow other drivers to see their vehicle better;
- Avoid driving in the early morning or late afternoon when sun glare is at its worst;
- Avoid driving east or west routes when necessary; and
- Pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot if they cannot see.
What to Do if You Were the Victim of a Sun Glare Accident
If you were in a collision because another driver was blinded by the sun, you should call a lawyer immediately. All drivers are responsible for their actions behind the wheel, which means the driver that caused the crash may be held liable for your injuries and property damage. An experienced car accident attorney can help you file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance and then negotiate a settlement. If the other driver does not have insurance or his or her policy does not cover all of your injuries, your attorney can advise you on filing a personal injury case in court.
Contact a New Braunfels Car Accident Lawyer Today
The recent fatal collision in Trinity County is hardly the first time sun glare or blindness has led to an auto accident. Intense sunlight can be an issue for drivers any time of the year. While it is a relatively common issue, this does not make a driver who caused an accident any less responsible. Drivers who crash due to the sun can still be held responsible for property damages and any victim’s personal injuries. If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a car accident possibly caused by the sun, contact the experienced New Braunfels personal injury attorneys of the Bettersworth Law Firm today.
Sources:
http://abc13.com/news/child-riding-in-school-van-killed-in-crash-near-trinity/1634342/
http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/dangers-of-driving-into-sun/#.WEdPqLIrLIU
