Studies show that people on the road between dusk and dawn are three times more likely to be involved in a severe car accident. This is because driving at night presents many serious risks that are not present during daylight hours.
If you were injured in a crash at night because of a negligent driver, you may be eligible to seek significant compensation for your medical costs and other losses. The qualified lawyers at Greg Monforton & Partners are dedicated to helping people injured in accidents that happen at night, or at any time.
Learn more about the dangers of nighttime driving below, including safety measures you can take if you have to drive after dark.
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What Factors Increase the Risk of an Accident at Night?
Despite having less traffic on the road between sundown and sunrise, there are many factors that increase the risk of an accident at night. Unlike many crashes that occur during daylight hours, the odds of a nighttime crash being catastrophic or fatal are much greater.
There are many factors that make accidents after dark more serious, including:
- Reduced visibility: Whether or not there is adequate street lighting, there is less visibility when you drive at night. This can become even more complicated during certain times of the year, such as during the rainy season or in winter.
- Vision-related issues: Regardless of age, some drivers may have vision trouble. For elderly drivers, this could be due to the onset of age-related eye issues, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration or cataracts. However, even younger drivers may have vision troubles that require them to wear glasses.
- Night-time fatigue: Many drivers struggle to stay awake when they drive at night for various reasons. Driver exhaustion could be the result of working a night shift, driving home from a long road trip or a late night out with friends. Whatever the reason, drivers should never attempt to drive while tired. Drowsy driving is a leading cause of dangerous crashes at night.
- More impaired drivers on the road: There are considerably more drivers impaired by drugs, alcohol and other substances on the road at night. Drunk driving crashes are much more likely to happen at night. Other types of crashes at night may be the result of drivers impaired by substance abuse or even prescription medication.
- Speed-related crashes: More people speed on highways and other roads at night. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), twice as many fatal accidents caused by speeding happen at night.
- Windshield glare: Any dust, dirt or even dried rain or wiper marks can make it harder to see the road at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Animals or objects in the road: Seeing animals, such as deer or other wildlife, in the road at night is more difficult than in the day. This is true even when there are not other factors, such as inclement weather or a dirty windshield, to reduce visibility.
- Headlights of other vehicles: People who drive with their headlights on all the time, or even use them improperly for a few minutes, could temporarily blind another driver. It only takes a second or two of limited or reduced visibility to cause a crash.
Who May Be Liable for Causing a Crash after Dark?
Driver error or negligence is typically the cause of any crash at night. Liability may fall solely on one driver, such as if an individual was distracted by texting and drifted into oncoming traffic.
That said, investigators will need to examine the crash scene, vehicle damage and other evidence to determine fault. If there are charges laid against the other driver, such as for drink driving or speeding, that may help to strengthen your case.
To help ensure you are not assessed with more than your share of fault for a nighttime crash, we strongly recommend seeking legal help after a crash. Our experienced auto accident lawyers in Windsor have a proven history of getting results for injured victims, including those injured in nighttime crashes.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Being in a Nighttime Accident?
It is important to be aware of situations that increase your risk of being involved in an accident at night. Knowing what these factors are ahead of time can help you to avoid become a victim. It can also help you to avoid causing a serious or fatal nighttime collision.
Steps you can take include:
- Do not drive while impaired: Whether you are drowsy or under the influence of alcohol or other substances, you owe a duty of care not to drive in this condition.
- Keep your windshield clean and clear: If your reduced visibility leads to an accident at night and is the result of your dirty windshield, you could be held liable for the damages. Drivers are required to maintain their vehicles and keep them in safe operating condition. This includes keeping your windshield clean so you can see properly.
- Do not drive distracted: Remain alert for animals, pedestrians, cyclists and others on the road at all times. Avoid texting, picking things up off the floor or anything else that could distract you from driving.
- Get your vision checked regularly: No matter how young you are, it is every driver’s responsibility to ensure he or she can see well enough to drive.
- Never follow too closely to other vehicles: Whether in daytime hours or at night, this reduces the amount of time you have to react in an emergency situation. For instance, if that driver has to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer in the road.
- Follow posted speed limits: Speeding can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and result in a crash. At night, when it is harder to see, this could lead to a catastrophic collision.
- Ensure you are getting enough sleep at night: If you are too tired to drive safely at night, or at any time, stay off the road.
Injured By a Negligent Driver at Night? Call Our Firm for Legal Help
After any accident at night caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible to seek significant compensation for your damages.
Contact our trusted law firm in Windsor to discuss your situation and determine your legal options. Your initial case review is risk-free and costs you nothing. If you choose to hire our services, there is nothing for you to pay up front. We do not collect any payment unless we win your case.
Experience Matters. Call 866-320-4770 today.