Sunlight feels warm and inviting—but when it hits your windshield at the wrong angle, it blinds you in seconds. At The Burkett Law Firm, we have seen how sun glare turns peaceful morning or evening drives into life-changing crashes.
As a leading Corpus Christi car accident lawyer, we bring you this detailed look at glare-related wrecks, prevention tips, Texas law, and why accident victims need a seasoned automobile accident attorney in Corpus Christi on their side.
The Invisible Threat
Imagine driving west on Ocean Drive as the sun sinks low on the horizon. Suddenly, your vision goes white—everything disappears. That glare is no scenic moment. It is a hazard. Drivers who lose sight of the road for a few seconds can cause chain‑reaction crashes, strike pedestrians, or cross into oncoming lanes—often with catastrophic consequences. We find this risk is under‑discussed, yet glare‑caused accidents account for thousands of serious injuries and fatalities each year.
That is why our car wreck law firm in Corpus Christi encourages awareness. We believe every driver should recognize glare as a serious hazard and take steps to prevent these tragic accidents.
How Sun Glare Leads to Crashes
Sun glare impairs vision in two primary forms: disability glare (washout) and discomfort glare (distracting brightness). Disability glare overwhelms your eyes, while discomfort glare, like flipping sun visors or shielding your eyes, splits your attention between glare and the road.
Glare is most intense during dawn and dusk, when the sun sits low on the horizon. This is worsened on east‑west roads or after rain, when wet pavement reflects light. Studies show drivers are at higher risk between 6 and 7 pm and during the spring and fall months.
The Numbers: Thousands of Crashes a Year
In Texas alone, the Texas Department of Transportation reported sun glare contributed to nearly 9,000 crashes in 2015, second only to slick roads. Nationwide, over 9,000 sun‑glare‑related crashes occur annually, and bright sunlight increases the probability of a life‑threatening accident by 16 percent.
Because glare is often listed alongside other factors, its impact is likely higher. Researchers in Louisiana found that many glare‑related crashes go under‑reported in police reports.
Why Texas Drivers Are at Risk
Corpus Christi and other Texas cities face glare year‑round due to:
- East–west road alignment, exposing drivers to the sun during critical periods.
- Flat terrain with minimal trees or structures to block light.
- Frequent early or late sun angles can lead to increasing visual impairment.
Even late‑season rain leaves roads wet, making reflective glare a serious hazard.
Preventing Glare‑Related Crashes
Glare accidents are largely preventable using simple steps:
1. Know Your Timing & Route
- Avoid driving east early in the morning or west at sunset.
- Consider alternative routes aligned north–south or use covered roadways.
2. Use Sun Visors and Polarized Sunglasses
- Always lower your visor when the sun is low.
- Polarized sunglasses reduce glare and increase visibility.
3. Slow Down and Increase Following Distance
- Drive slower than posted speeds during intense glare.
- Leave at least three seconds between you and the car ahead, giving more reaction time.
4. Clean Windshields Inside and Out
- Dust, film, and streaks amplify glare. Clean surfaces thoroughly to minimize reflection.
5. Adjust Travel Times if Possible
- If your schedule allows, avoid peak glare periods during spring and fall when sunrise and sunset align with roadways.
Texas Law: You Must Drive with Vision in Mind
Texas law requires drivers to maintain an assured clear distance ahead (ACDA)—you must be able to stop within the visible distance. This duty is heightened during glare because bright sunlight artificially limits vision. Failing to adjust speed or maintain control can be considered negligence, meaning you could be held responsible for injuries or damage.
Texas uses a comparative fault system: you cannot recover damages if you are more than 50 percent at fault. So, if drivers fail to drive safely in glare and cause a crash, they may be barred from compensation.
Assigning Fault in Glare‑Related Crashes
The law holds drivers accountable for reacting appropriately, even when the environment contributes. Courts do not accept glare as a complete defense. Cases have found drivers negligent when using sun visors, sunglasses, or adjusting speed.
For example, if you crash into a stopped car because the low sun prevented you from seeing brake lights, you likely breached the ACDA rule. We have represented clients in Corpus Christi who recovered damages under comparative negligence analysis: the driver admitted they were temporarily blinded and did not slow down, significantly strengthening liability claims.
Real‑Life Examples from Texas
One dramatic case occurred on Interstate 20 near Arlington. A 50‑car pile‑up happened when drivers failed to account for glare reflections from a storm‑wet highway at sunset. While Texas police listed poor weather as a factor, liability was primarily placed on drivers who did not slow or increase following distance.
These multi‐vehicle accidents show how glare can escalate one distraction into a catastrophic crash.
Role of a Corpus Christi Car Accident Lawyer
An accident lawyer in Corpus Christi, TX, matters if you or a loved one is injured in a glare‑related crash. Here is how we help:
1. Thorough Investigation
We reconstruct the crash, analyze sun positions and angles, inspect windshield reflections, gather weather and traffic data, and interview witnesses.
2. Establish Duty and Breach
We use statutes like ACDA and regulations requiring motorists to adjust to environmental conditions to show the at‑fault driver was negligent under Texas law.
3. Collect Evidence
Photos, video, eyewitness accounts, and accident reports all help prepare a strong case. Specialized accident reconstruction models help prove fault.
4. Quantify Damages
We assess medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs. Texas comparative fault law ensures your compensation reflects your share of responsibility, if any.
5. Handle Insurance Negotiations and Litigation
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize or deny claims, citing glare as “unpredictable.” We aggressively negotiate and prepare to litigate if necessary.
Choosing a trusted car wreck law firm in Corpus Christi ensures you have skilled advocates when insurance companies say glare made your claims invalid.
Prevention Tips for Corpus Christi Drivers
Beyond legal guidance, we share practical tips based on our local experience:
- Timing is everything. On Padre Island and southbound IH‑37, dawn‑and‑dusk glare is severe. Set departure times to avoid these hours.
- Clean windshields frequently. Coastal salt spray builds residue that multiplies glare risk.
- Install sun visors or tinting where legally permissible. Anti‑glare films can cut light intensity.
- Educate teenage drivers. We see many blind‑spot accidents by young, inexperienced drivers who are unprepared for glare.
- Stay weather aware. A cloud break during sunrise/sunset maximizes glare. If you drive regularly, shift times or routes accordingly.
Glare and Pedestrian or Cyclist Safety
Sun glare not only endangers vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists are at higher risk because they are harder to see. At crosswalks or busy intersections in Corpus Christi, glare periods are a time to be extra cautious.
As pedestrian advocates, we help injured individuals hold negligent drivers accountable. Even when visibility is poor, drivers are legally required to yield the right of way.
Industry & Municipal Solutions
- Engineering interventions like sun-shade structures, overhead signage, or textured pavement can reduce glare impacts.
- Adaptive traffic signals help drivers navigate intersections safely during low‑angle light.
- Public awareness campaigns in Corpus Christi schools and driver’s education must highlight glare risk.
We support local initiatives and pursue policy reforms if the current infrastructure increases hazards without adequate precautions.
Why You Need Us
If glare led to your crash, call us:
- We have decades of experience handling Texas glare‑involved collisions.
- We know local roads and conditions—from Alister’s Bridge to FM 665.
- We understand how to collect expert testimony, including meteorologists and accident reconstruction specialists.
- We fight to ensure you receive full and fair damages, even if you carry partial responsibility.
We serve across Corpus Christi, Portland, Taft, Aransas Pass, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Glare and Car Accidents
Can I still be held liable if the sun blinded me before a crash?
Yes. Under Texas law, drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their vehicles regardless of weather or lighting conditions. Sun glare is not an automatic excuse for negligence. Courts expect drivers to take reasonable steps, such as reducing speed, using visors or sunglasses, or even pulling over if visibility is dangerously low. Failing to adapt to conditions can make a driver liable, even if glare was a contributing factor.
Are there specific times in Corpus Christi when glare is most dangerous?
Yes. The most dangerous glare occurs shortly after sunrise and just before sunset, especially between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., depending on the time of year. Eastbound traffic in the morning and westbound traffic in the evening are particularly at risk. Major roads like SPID (TX-358), Ocean Drive, and the Harbor Bridge area can become especially hazardous during these times.
What if I was rear-ended by someone who claims they could not see me because of the sun?
Rear-end collisions are typically the fault of the trailing driver, regardless of visibility. Glare does not relieve drivers of the responsibility to maintain a safe following distance and stop in time. If another driver rear-ended you and blamed the sun, that excuse generally will not shield them from liability.
Can a passenger injured in a sun glare accident sue the driver?
Yes. Passengers have the right to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, even if that driver was a friend or family member. If the driver failed to adjust for glare and caused the crash, passengers may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Does Texas require special insurance for glare-related crashes?
No special insurance is required for glare-related accidents. However, standard liability insurance must still cover any injuries or property damage caused by the driver. If the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient or unavailable, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help pay for losses.
Can local authorities be held responsible for poor road design that increases glare?
Yes, in limited cases. If a crash occurs in an area with known glare issues and no mitigation efforts (like warning signs or changes to intersection timing), a municipality may share liability. These cases are complex and require investigation and expert analysis.
Stay Safe and Avoid Sun Caused Car Accidents
Sun glare is more than an annoyance—it is a serious safety risk. Drivers must adjust speed, distance, and habits. Municipalities should design with glare awareness in mind. But when these precautions fail, accident victims deserve justice.
We at The Burkett Law Firm are dedicated to representing those injured by glare-related crashes. As a trusted automobile accident attorney in Corpus Christi, we help victims, parents, pedestrians, and cyclists navigate insurance negotiations or court proceedings.
If the glare left you with medical bills, trauma, or lost income, contact us today. Understanding the law, the numbers, and the local conditions gives your case power. We are your advocates, and we will fight for your full recovery.
