Can I File a Claim If I Got in a Collision Caused by High Beams?

Driving at night is often difficult. Your headlights don’t allow you to see as far in the distance and the high beams of another car can affect visibility even more.

Imagine for a moment: it’s been a long day and you are finally on your way back home. It’s dark already and as you are driving along, you see the bright beams of another car in the distance. You expect the driver to switch to their beams off as they are approaching, but they fail to do so. You signal them that their beams are interfering with your vision but you still don’t get a response. Because you can’t see the road properly, you miss a turn, lose control of the car, and hit a road sign. 

Can you hold the other driver accountable for not switching their beams off? 

Driving at Night Is More Complicated and Dangerous

Driving at night is often more difficult than during the day. The headlights don’t allow you to see as far in the distance as natural light. Moreover, the glare from the passing cars’ beams can affect visibility even more. 

That’s why the Missouri code states that high beams must not be used when approaching another driver within 500 feet or when following behind another vehicle closer than 300 feet. So, when a driver fails to follow this rule and causes a collision, then they may be held liable. However, you are the one who has to prove that it was the other driver’s actions that caused your injuries. 

What Should You Do Next

If you’ve been in a car accident because another driver failed to switch his beams off, then one of the first things you should do is to call the police and report the accident. The police will file a report that establishes the causes and circumstances of the accident. So, if the other driver doesn’t switch their headlights off, then this information will be mentioned in the report. The insurance company will then use this report to establish fault. 

Seeing a doctor after the car accident is essential too, even if you think that you are fine or that you only have a few bruises and scratches. A doctor can determine if there are any hidden injuries that may show signs a few days later. 

Failing to see a doctor after a car accident may hurt your insurance claim and you may end up paying for your medical bills out of your own pocket even if someone else was responsible for your accident. 

Speak With an Attorney ASAP

If you’ve been injured in a car accident because another driver didn’t turn off their beams, then you may be entitled to receiving compensation for your injuries and lost wages. However, these cases aren’t easy to prove and you may encounter a lot of pushback from the insurance company. 

An experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer can help you collect all the necessary documents, such as the police and medical report to prove that your injuries were the result of someone else’s negligence. They can also negotiate with the insurance company to get you a fair settlement.