In 2021, 13 fatal and injury accidents in the San Fernando Valley occurred at night. Unfortunately, excessive glare from headlights may contribute to car crashes. In such instances, a driver may be liable if they improperly used their headlights, resulting in a collision.
While it is possible to secure compensation for such an accident, there are specific factors to consider when proving liability and pursuing a case. In this article, you will learn the intricacies of nighttime car accidents due to excessive glare from headlights.
Is Driving at Night Dangerous?
Several risks arise when driving at night compared to when traveling during the daytime. For example, it takes less time to react to an object on the road using high-beam headlights because visibility is only 500 feet (250 feet with regular headlights), especially when traveling faster.
Moreover, fatigue and headlight glare are some factors that increase the risk of nighttime driving. When driving at night, you may encounter the following risks:
- Diminished Visibility: At night, the absence of natural light dramatically impairs a driver’s ability to see other cars, pedestrians, and possible hazards on the road. In comparison to daylight, the visibility range is restricted even with headlights.
- Headlight Glare: Headlight glare, particularly from high beams, can momentarily blind drivers and make it more difficult for them to see the road ahead. This is especially difficult for elderly drivers or anyone with vision problems.
- Fatigue: Many drivers are more likely to feel sleepy at night, which increases the likelihood of falling asleep behind the wheel. This causes slower reaction times and decreased attentiveness, and fatigue-related accidents occur more frequently at nighttime.
- Drunk Drivers: You are more likely to come across drunk drivers at night. Late-night driving is when drunk or drugged drivers are more common, which raises the possibility of collisions.
- Decreased Traffic: Although nighttime traffic is lighter, this might occasionally encourage reckless driving and overconfidence. Empty roads may attract reckless drivers, raising the possibility of collisions.
- Insufficient Street Lighting: Not all roads have enough lighting, and dimming sight and slow reaction times can make it more challenging to maneuver and avoid obstructions.
Although driving at night might be risky, you can considerably lower the dangers and guarantee a safe trip if you take the proper safety measures and are aware of your surroundings.
What Does the Law Say About Nighttime Driving?
California Vehicle Code 24400 mandates the use of headlights when driving after dark. This regulation requires motorized vehicles, except motorcycles, to have at least two illuminated headlamps at night, during adverse weather, or both.
As such, adverse weather can be determined if drivers cannot see a person or another vehicle on the highway from a distance of 1,000 feet. Additionally, drivers must use windshield wipers due to rain, mist, snow, fog, or other precipitation or atmospheric moisture.
In addition, California Vehicle Code 24600 requires every vehicle to have one or more taillamps. When two tail lamps are necessary under specific conditions, at least one must be installed on both the left and right sides at the same level.
However, there is also a law regarding the proper use of headlights, especially at night. California Vehicle Code 24409 mandates that drivers switch to low-beam headlights when approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet to prevent glaring rays from affecting the other driver. Additionally, low beams should be used when following another vehicle within 300 feet from the rear. This regulation ensures safer driving conditions by reducing the risk of blinding other drivers.
What to Do to Avoid Excessive Glares When Driving
Excessive glare from beam lights can be dangerous when driving at night. Some drivers, such as those with bad vision, have difficulty adjusting to the lights, especially if they are excessive. Fortunately, these tips can help you avoid excessive glares when driving, potentially reducing nighttime accidents in San Fernando Valley.
- Mirror Adjustments: To divert light from other cars, tilt your rearview mirror to the “night” position and adjust your side mirrors.
- Clean Windows and Lights: Clean your windshield, windows, and headlights to increase visibility and lessen glare.
- Dim Interior Lights: To reduce reflections, turn down the brightness of your dashboard lights.
- Put on Polarized Glasses: Put on polarized sunglasses to lessen the glare from approaching headlights.
- Keep a Safe Distance: To prevent direct light glare from other vehicles, keep a safe distance.
Following these steps can improve visibility and enhance safety on the road.
What Happens When I’m Involved in a Car Accident in San Fernando Valley Due to Excessive Glare?
If you are involved in a nighttime accident in San Fernando Valley caused by another individual, you can claim against them to receive compensation for the damages. In such an instance, you’ll need to gather evidence showing the other party’s negligence by proving:
- They had a duty to ensure road safety.
- They breached this duty.
- Their breach caused the accident.
- The accident resulted in damages or injuries.
Unfortunately, accidents at night often result in drivers fleeing the scene. If the driver leaves without sharing their information or helping victims, law enforcement will investigate to identify the driver. If they cannot, a San Fernando car accident lawyer can assist in gathering information and exploring your insurance options for compensation.
Who Is Liable?
Generally, a driver can be liable if using bright or improper high-beam headlights causes a car accident. In such a scenario, you must prove that the excessive glare from the headlights caused the crash.
Note that every driver is responsible for operating their vehicle safely and avoiding unreasonable risks to others. So, if an improper use of headlights causes a nighttime car accident in San Fernando Valley, that driver should be liable for the damages.
Moreover, liability in this situation can be established in two ways:
- If the driver intentionally replaced their headlights with excessively bright, customized ones.
- If the driver misused high beams in high-traffic areas.
Flashing high beams improperly can endanger other drivers by impairing their vision, leading to potential accidents, and can result in legal consequences. Remember that CVC 24409 also requires drivers to switch to low-beam headlights when approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet and following another vehicle within 300 feet.
In both scenarios, the driver failed to adhere to safe driving practices, making them liable for any resulting accidents.
You Are Partially Liable for the Crash
Determining fault can be complex when drivers contribute to a nighttime car accident in the San Fernando Valley. However, remember that you can still file a claim even if you’re partially responsible. In this case, your compensation may be reduced.
For example, a driver suddenly used their high beam lights in traffic as they approached you. Unfortunately, this caused you to crash into them. During the investigation, it was discovered that you were talking on a hands-free phone during the collision. The at-fault party’s insurance company then insists that you are partly liable. If the court agrees you are 30% responsible, you may receive 70% compensation.
On the other hand, the other driver can also contest for 30% restitution. This is why hiring a San Fernando car accident lawyer who can defend your rights in such complexities is crucial. They will review your case, assess the facts, and determine the responsible party.
Lawyer’s Tip: Attorneys can calculate the total damages by including all losses, including monetary and non-monetary. While economic damages are easy to compute with their physical documentation, non-economic damages can only be quantified by experts.
What Happens If the Accident Involves a Phantom Driver?
If an accident involves a phantom driver—a driver who causes a crash and then leaves the scene without stopping or identifying themselves—it can complicate the process of seeking compensation.
Sometimes, drivers with headlights are unaware that they cause an accident, so they become phantom drivers. In such cases, you should:
- Report the incident to the police right away.
- Collect as much evidence as possible from the scene, including witness accounts and any relevant security footage.
- Consult with a San Fernando car accident lawyer who can guide you through the complexities of your case and examine all potential compensation possibilities.
In most cases, lawyers can examine all possible avenues for you to receive compensation, such as by checking your insurance policy.
Why Do I Need the Help of a San Fernando Car Accident Lawyer?
When filing a car accident claim, you may face challenges that could reduce your compensation or lead to case dismissal. For example, gathering details about the at-fault driver can be challenging if a driver with a high beam hits you and flees the scene. Fortunately, attorneys have the expertise and experience to navigate such complicated cases.
A San Fernando car accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident.
- Identify the liable driver.
- Collect evidence.
- Ensure deadlines are met.
- Assess damages.
- Protect your rights.
Jacoby & Meyers is known for defending auto accident victims’ rights since 1972, with over $2 billion in settlements. If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident in San Fernando Valley, Jacoby & Meyers is here to help. We provide free consultations for injury victims and operate on a contingency fee basis.
Jacoby and Meyers. Because Everyone Deserves Justice.
Hear From Our Past Clients
Instead of relying only on our guarantees, hear what satisfied customers say about our services.
“I was very grateful to be paired with Lucy as my agent. She was always able to return my messages and calls and clear up any questions I had.” -Luis C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have further questions regarding personal injury claims? We got you! Here are some frequently asked questions from injured victims that may help explain some aspects of your case.
- What Usually Happens in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
- What Happens If You Get Hit By A Car While Jaywalking?
- Can I File an Injury Claim If an Elderly Driver Hits Me?
- Can You Get PTSD from a Car Accident?
Works Cited
“California Vehicle Code 24400.” California Legislative Information.
“California Vehicle Code 24409.” California Legislative Information.
“California Vehicle Code 24600.” California Legislative Information.
“Driving at Night.” National Safety Council, Accessed 26 June 2024.
“OTS Crash Ranking Results.” California Office of Traffic Safety.