It happens in a flash. You turn a corner or crest a hill, and suddenly the sun floods your windshield, making it nearly impossible to see. Before you can react, you hear the screech of brakes, the shatter of glass, and feel the jolt of impact.
For drivers across Wisconsin, sun glare isn't just a minor inconvenience. It can be a major hazard—one that causes thousands of crashes each year. And while the sun might be to blame, that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been injured in a sun glare accident—how an experienced car accident attorney in Wisconsin can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Bright Sunlight Causes Dangerous Driving Conditions
Sun glare typically occurs when the sun is low on the horizon—during sunrise or sunset—and hits your windshield at just the right (or wrong) angle. This intense light can temporarily blind drivers, especially when combined with dirty windshields, worn wiper blades, or scratched glass.
Vision Impairment Behind the Wheel Is a Real Risk
When sunlight impairs your ability to see, even for a few seconds, it can delay your reaction time and prevent you from spotting hazards like:
- Stopped vehicles. Cars ahead may brake suddenly, but you may not see their brake lights in time.
- Pedestrians or cyclists. Glare can obscure crosswalks or sidewalks, increasing the risk of hitting someone.
- Traffic signals or signs. Bright light can make it difficult to read critical warnings or stoplights.
- Lanes and road markings. Lane drift or missed turns can occur when drivers can’t distinguish pavement lines.
Drivers Have a Legal Duty to Compensate for Sun Glare to Prevent Accidents
Sun glare may impair visibility, but Wisconsin law requires drivers to operate their vehicles at a speed and in a manner that’s reasonable and prudent given the road, weather, and visibility conditions. That includes adjusting their behavior to account for hazards like bright sunlight or low-angle glare.
If a driver fails to respond appropriately to these conditions and causes a crash, they may be held liable for the resulting damage.
Wisconsin drivers are expected to anticipate and adapt to visibility issues caused by sun glare, just as they would with rain, fog, or icy roads. That means:
- Using sun visors. This built-in feature can block direct sunlight and reduce glare during critical moments.
- Wearing polarized sunglasses. These help cut glare and improve visual contrast, making it easier to see road markings and other vehicles.
- Slowing down. Reduced visibility demands slower speeds to allow more reaction time and minimize crash risks.
- Leaving extra space. Tailgating during sun glare conditions greatly increases the likelihood of a rear-end collision.
- Keeping windshields clean. Smudges and streaks intensify glare and reduce overall visibility, especially during sunrise or sunset.
When drivers ignore these precautions, they violate their legal duty under Wisconsin law to drive safely in light of existing conditions. If their negligence leads to an accident, the law may hold them responsible.
Can Someone Be Liable for a Sun Glare Accident?
Yes. If a driver failed to compensate for the glare, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Depending on the details of the crash, several parties may be responsible:
- The other driver. If they were speeding, tailgating, or ignoring glare conditions, they may be liable.
- Multiple drivers. In multi-car pileups, more than one negligent party may share liability.
- A municipality. In rare cases, poor road design that amplifies glare (like misaligned signs or intersections) could shift partial responsibility to a government entity.
In any case, a thorough investigation is needed to determine liability. An experienced Wisconsin car accident attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult accident reconstructionists and other expert witnesses to build a strong claim.
What to Do After a Sun Glare Crash
If you’re involved in an accident where sun glare played a role, taking the right steps immediately afterward can help protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do:
- Get medical attention. Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, aren’t immediately obvious.
- Call the police. A police report provides an official record of the crash and may include witness statements or diagrams.
- Take photos. If it’s safe to do so, photograph the scene, the vehicles, and the sun’s position.
- Avoid admitting fault. Let investigators and your attorney determine liability based on the facts.
- Contact an attorney. Insurance companies may try to blame the sun—or you. A skilled lawyer will protect your interests and fight for the full compensation you’re owed.
A Glimpse of the Road Ahead
It may seem natural to look away when sun glare gets in your eyes, but doing so can have serious consequences. If you’ve been hurt in a glare-related crash, you deserve answers, accountability, and compensation. No one should suffer because another driver failed to take a simple precaution.
Understanding how vision impairment crashes happen—and knowing your rights if you're injured—can make a difficult situation feel a little more manageable. The law is clear: drivers must adapt to conditions, even when the sun gets in the way.
