Sun Glare Accidents: Causes, Prevention, and Legal Status in NJ

Driving in New Jersey comes with its fair share of challenges—heavy traffic, unpredictable weather, and sometimes, an unexpected but dangerous hazard: sun glare. When the sun is positioned at just the right angle, its bright light can momentarily blind drivers, leading to serious accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a sun glare-related accident, you may wonder about your legal options.

At Rosengard Law Group, we are committed to helping personal injury victims in New Jersey understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. In this blog, we’ll explore how sun glare accidents happen, who may be liable, and what legal recourse is available under New Jersey law.

What is Sun Glare?

Sun glare occurs when sunlight reflects off surfaces like windshields, roads, and buildings, creating intense brightness that can temporarily impair a driver’s vision. This natural occurrence is most common:

• During sunrise and sunset, when the sun is lower on the horizon.
• On roads with reflective surfaces or near water bodies.
• In urban areas, glass buildings reflect sunlight unpredictably.
• After rain, when wet roads enhance glare.

While sun glare is a natural phenomenon, drivers are still responsible for maintaining control of their vehicles and taking precautions to avoid accidents.

Causes of Sun Glare Accidents

Sun glare can contribute to accidents in multiple ways, including:

• Reduced visibility: Drivers may struggle to see traffic signals, pedestrians, or vehicles in their blind spots.
• Disorientation: Sudden exposure to intense sunlight can momentarily blind drivers, increasing reaction time.
• Lane drifting: Drivers unable to see lane markings may unintentionally veer into another lane.
• Rear-end collisions: Drivers who can’t see brake lights ahead may fail to stop in time.
• Miscalculated turns: The inability to judge distances properly can lead to unsafe lane changes or left turns.

Additionally, sun glare accidents often occur in areas with heavy traffic, such as intersections and highways, where split-second decisions are necessary. If a driver is momentarily blinded, they may not react in time to avoid a collision. These conditions make it crucial for drivers to adjust their behavior when dealing with sun glare.

How is Liability for a Sun Glare Crash Determined in NJ?

New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule (NJ Rev Stat §2A:15-5.1), which means that fault can be shared between multiple parties. Even if sun glare played a role in an accident, a driver may still be held liable if they failed to take reasonable precautions.

Common factors considered in sun glare accident cases:

• Did the driver adjust their driving behavior? (e.g., slowing down, using sun visors, or wearing sunglasses)
• Were headlights or brake lights used appropriately?
• Did the driver follow a safe distance behind other vehicles?
• Were other traffic violations involved? (e.g., running a red light, reckless driving)

In Kiernan v. Rahway, a New Jersey court ruled that sun glare is not a valid excuse for negligence. The court held that drivers are expected to anticipate such conditions and take the necessary precautions.

New Jersey also has strict guidelines regarding driver responsibility in adverse conditions. According to N.J.S.A. 39:4-97, reckless driving is defined as any action that “willfully or wantonly disregards the safety of others.” This statute means that blaming sun glare is unlikely to absolve a driver of liability if they fail to take preventive measures.

If an accident occurs,  a thorough investigation will determine liability. Police reports, witness statements, and even dashcam footage can play a critical role in proving negligence.

Preventing Sun Glare Accidents

While sun’s glare can’t always be avoided, drivers can take steps to reduce its impact and minimize the risk of accidents:

Driver Safety Tips:

• Wear polarized sunglasses to reduce glare.
• Keep windshields clean to prevent glare from dirt and smudges.
• Use sun visors to block direct sunlight.
• Reduce speed when glare is present.
• Leave extra space between vehicles.
• Adjust driving times to avoid sunrise and sunset glare.
• Consider alternative routes that minimize sun exposure.

Additionally, drivers should be aware of how seasonal changes affect sun glare. During the fall and winter months, the sun sits lower in the sky, increasing the likelihood of glare-related accidents. Being proactive about sun glare safety can help prevent crashes.

If the sun glare is too severe, pulling over safely until visibility improves is always the best option.

Filing a Claim in New Jersey: Key Deadlines

• Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: 2 years from the accident date (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2)
• Property Damage Claims: 6 years (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1)
• Claims Against the Government: 90-day notice period under the Tort Claims Act

Understanding these deadlines is critical to protecting your rights. Delaying legal action could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

Are you a victim of a Sun Glare Accident? Consult with Our Experienced Attorneys

If you were injured in a car accident where sun glare was a factor, you still have legal rights. Since New Jersey is a no-fault state, your first step is to file a claim through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which helps cover medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault.

However, if another driver’s negligence contributed to the accident—such as failing to slow down, ignoring traffic signals, or driving recklessly—you may be able to file a third-party claim against their insurance.

In cases where sun glare accidents involve commercial vehicles or government-owned property, additional legal complexities may arise. For example, filing a claim against a municipal entity requires following New Jersey’s Tort Claims Act (N.J.S.A. 59:1-1), which imposes specific filing deadlines and requirements.

At Rosengard Law Group, we have extensive experience handling personal injury cases across New Jersey. We are committed to ensuring that accident victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Call us today at (856) 284-6446 or visit Rosengard Law Group to schedule a free consultation.