It happens in an instant. You're driving safely down a Wisconsin road when another vehicle slams into yours. The reason? “The sun was in my eyes.” But that burst of sunlight doesn’t erase your injuries, vehicle damage, or medical bills.
When sunlight leads to a serious crash, it's important to understand whether it's a legitimate defense—or a sign that the driver didn’t do enough to avoid the accident. The Wisconsin car accident attorneys at Hupy and Abraham, S.C. have helped over 80,000 clients recover the compensation they deserve, including many injured in weather-related accidents. Here’s what drivers across Wisconsin need to know.
When Sunlight Turns Dangerous on Wisconsin Roads
Bright sunlight can affect even experienced drivers, especially during specific times of day or seasons. In Wisconsin, where snow-covered roads can magnify glare, visibility can go from clear to dangerous in seconds.
How Glare Creates a Sudden, Serious Hazard
Sun glare typically occurs when the sun is low in the sky—during sunrise or sunset—and can reflect off surfaces like snow, water, windshields, and pavement. This can create sudden “whiteout” moments that obscure traffic signals, pedestrians, or brake lights.
Drivers may not expect how quickly glare can impair their vision. However, being unprepared doesn't absolve responsibility. Glare is foreseeable—and avoidable—when drivers take the right precautions.
Is Sun Glare a Legal Defense—or an Admission of Fault?
Some drivers may argue they couldn't avoid the crash because the sun blinded them. But in most cases, sun glare is not an acceptable legal excuse for causing a collision. Wisconsin law expects drivers to anticipate changing road conditions and adjust their driving accordingly.
Why “I Couldn’t See” Often Signals Negligence
Claiming sun glare as a defense doesn’t usually hold up when one or both drivers could have prevented the crash with basic precautions. In fact, failing to prepare for glare is often considered driver negligence.
Here are common ways insurance companies or courts may find drivers negligent in glare-related crashes:
- Ignoring visibility aids. Courts may see drivers who fail to use sun visors or sunglasses may as careless behind the wheel.
- Driving too fast for conditions. Speeding during low visibility magnifies the risk of a crash—and the resulting legal liability.
- Running lights or stop signs. If a driver couldn’t see a signal due to glare, the law still expects them to stop.
- Refusing to pull over. Continuing to drive when you can’t see clearly is a conscious, dangerous decision.
Drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their vehicle under all conditions, even when the sun makes that more difficult.
What to Do After a Sun Glare Crash in Wisconsin
Being hit by a driver who blames the sun can complicate the claims process. Quick action can make all the difference when it comes to preserving your health, your rights, and your case.
After the initial chaos of a glare-related crash, knowing what to do can help protect your future. From gathering evidence to avoiding common mistakes, these steps are essential.
Start with these key actions:
- Call law enforcement. A police report documents the crash and can include details about sunlight or visibility.
- Photograph the scene. Include the position of the sun, reflections, shadows, and any weather conditions.
- Seek medical care immediately. Some injuries—especially soft tissue or brain injuries—may not appear right away.
- Avoid speculative statements. Don’t mention that you “didn’t see” something—let investigators determine the cause.
- Contact a car accident lawyer. An attorney can help you navigate complex insurance tactics and protect your compensation.
Glare doesn’t excuse carelessness. If you were injured because someone failed to adjust their driving to conditions, legal help is available.
Wisconsin Law Doesn’t Let the Sun Off the Hook—Or the Driver
Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence system, which means fault can be shared. However, even if the sun was especially bright, the driver who hit you may still be considered mostly or entirely responsible if they failed to take proper precautions.
Whether a driver is found negligent often comes down to how they responded to the glare. Did they slow down? Did they use proper equipment to improve visibility? Did they drive in a way a cautious person would?
Even if both drivers were affected by glare, Wisconsin law is more likely to hold the one who failed to adjust their driving behavior liable.
Practical Tips for Preventing Sun Glare Crashes
Sun glare is common—but not inevitable. A few simple steps can dramatically reduce your risk behind the wheel.
Whether you're heading to work or traveling during peak sunlight hours, taking time to prepare can make a big difference.
Here are tips to reduce your glare-related driving risks:
- Clean your windshield regularly. Dirt and streaks amplify glare, especially during sunrise and sunset.
- Wear polarized sunglasses. These reduce the intense horizontal light waves that cause glare.
- Use your sun visor effectively. Don’t overlook this built-in safety tool—angle it as needed to block the sun.
- Plan your route. If possible, avoid driving directly into the sun during sunrise or sunset.
- Drive slower in glare-prone areas. Reduced speed gives you more time to react if visibility is compromised.
Bright Sunlight, Real Consequences
Sun glare may be natural—but accidents caused by it are often preventable. When drivers fail to adjust to visibility hazards, the injuries and consequences fall on those around them.
Understanding how Wisconsin law treats glare-related crashes can help you separate truth from excuse—and give you the knowledge to pursue the compensation you deserve. If you were injured in a sun glare accident, it may be time to stop asking whether the sun is to blame—and start asking what the driver should have done to prevent the crash.
