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As the seasons change, traffic safety experts are urging drivers to be sun-glare aware, especially during sunrise and sunset. While it may seem harmless compared to snow or heavy rain, sun glare is a serious—and often underestimated—cause of car accidents across Westchester County and New York City.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sun glare contributes to approximately 9,000 crashes every year, making it the second leading environmental factor in traffic accidents, behind slick roads. When the sun sits low on the horizon, it can temporarily blind drivers—turning an ordinary commute into a dangerous situation in seconds.
Why Sun Glare Is Especially Dangerous This Time of Year
After the shift from daylight saving time to standard time, sunrise and sunset align closely with peak commuting hours. That means thousands of drivers traveling to and from work in White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens are suddenly facing blinding sunlight during heavy traffic.
Sun glare reduces contrast, washes out traffic signals, and makes it difficult to see:
- Stopped vehicles
- Pedestrians and cyclists
- Lane markings and traffic signs
On major roadways like I-287, the Hutchinson River Parkway, the Cross County Parkway, the Major Deegan, and the FDR Drive, even a brief loss of visibility can lead to rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, or pedestrian knockdowns.
Common Sun-Glare Accident Scenarios
Sun-glare crashes often occur when drivers:
- Fail to see stopped traffic ahead
- Miss red lights or stop signs
- Strike pedestrians or cyclists in crosswalks
- Drift out of their lane due to reduced visibility
These accidents frequently cause serious injuries, including spinal damage, fractures, head trauma, and permanent disability.
Is a Driver Still Liable in a Sun-Glare Accident?
Yes. Sun glare is not a legal excuse for careless driving. New York law requires drivers to adjust their speed, following distance, and attention based on roadway conditions—including lighting conditions.
If a driver continues at an unsafe speed, follows too closely, or fails to brake in time because they were “blinded by the sun,” they can still be held fully liable for the injuries they cause. In some cases, additional responsibility may fall on employers, commercial vehicle operators, or municipalities, depending on the circumstances.
Determining fault in sun-glare accidents often requires detailed investigation, accident reconstruction, and experienced trial advocacy.
Why Experience Matters After a Serious Car Accident
For more than 35 years, Norman Gershon has represented injury victims throughout Westchester County and the NYC metropolitan area. Known as the attorney other lawyers call when the case is difficult, he has recovered tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients injured in complex motor vehicle accidents.
His results include:
- $2,500,000 verdict – Westchester County motor vehicle intersection accident
- $3,750,000 verdict – Motor vehicle accident with lumbar fusion
- $5,445,000 verdict – Cervical and lumbar fusion injuries
Clients consistently describe Norman as relentless, prepared, and deeply committed:
“A beast in the courtroom… I got a better outcome than I expected.”
“Smart, experienced, compassionate, and tough.”
“I felt completely confident with Norman on my side.”
Injured in a Sun-Glare Car Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by sun glare in Westchester County, White Plains, Yonkers, Manhattan, Queens, or the Bronx, you may be entitled to significant compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care.
The Law Offices of Norman Gershon focus exclusively on serious personal injury cases—and have the courtroom experience to take on insurance companies and win.
When visibility disappears and the case gets tough, experience makes all the difference.
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