If someone’s high beams cause you to crash, you should seek medical attention, document the scene, report the incident to the police, and contact a car accident lawyer to understand whether you have a claim. Being blinded by another driver’s high beams is a recognized road hazard, and the driver who failed to dim them may be liable for the crash they caused.
It’s a situation that happens more often than most people expect, particularly on unlit rural roads and highways at night. The disorientation from oncoming high beams can happen in seconds, leaving you with little time to react. Whether the other driver was unaware, careless, or simply failed to follow the rules of the road, the consequences for you can be serious.
If you were injured in a crash like this, Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients across Texas and California since 2016. Contact a West Hollywood car accident lawyer today to find out where your case stands.
Can You File a Claim if High Beams Caused Your Crash?
You can file a claim if someone’s high beams caused your crash, provided you can establish that the other driver’s failure to dim their lights was negligent and directly contributed to the collision. Whether that claim succeeds depends on the evidence available and how fault gets apportioned.
Most states, including Texas and California, require drivers to dim their high beams when approaching oncoming traffic within a certain distance. In Texas, that distance is 500 feet. In California, it’s 500 feet for oncoming traffic and 300 feet when following another vehicle. A driver who fails to comply with those rules and causes a crash has likely breached their duty of care, which is the foundation of a negligence claim.
The challenge is proving the connection between the high beams and the crash. That’s where having a lawyer makes a practical difference. Omega Law Group knows how to build that evidentiary link so your claim reflects what actually happened.
What Evidence Do You Need After a High Beam Crash?
The evidence you need after a high beam crash includes a police report, witness statements, photos of the scene, and any available dashcam or traffic camera footage. The stronger your documentation, the stronger your claim.
Police Report
Calling 911 after the crash creates an official record of what happened. If witnesses confirm the other driver had their high beams on, that detail should be included in the report. A police report that documents the lighting conditions and the other driver’s behavior is one of the most valuable pieces of evidence in a high beam crash claim.
Witness Statements
If other drivers or bystanders saw the crash or the conditions leading up to it, their accounts can corroborate your version of events. Get their contact information at the scene if you’re able to.
Dashcam Footage
If your vehicle has a dashcam, the footage from the moments before the crash may show the oncoming high beams directly. That kind of visual evidence is difficult for an insurer to dispute.
Medical Records
Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries feel minor. A medical record that ties your injuries to the crash removes one of the most common arguments insurers use to reduce what they pay.
Who Is Liable in a High Beam Crash?
The driver who failed to dim their high beams is the most likely liable party in a high beam crash, but fault isn’t always straightforward. Texas and California both follow comparative negligence rules, which means your own actions at the time of the crash will be examined too.
If you were speeding, distracted, or otherwise contributed to the collision, your share of fault reduces what you can recover. In Texas, if your share of fault exceeds 50%, you recover nothing. In California, you can still recover even if you were mostly at fault, but your compensation is reduced proportionally.
This is exactly where insurers apply pressure. They’ll look for any reason to assign you a greater share of the blame. The car accident attorneys at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys document the facts carefully so the fault picture stays accurate.
What to Do Immediately After the Crash
The steps you take in the minutes and hours after a high beam crash can significantly affect both your safety and your legal options.
- Call 911: Even if the crash seems minor, a police report creates an official record of the incident and the conditions that caused it. Don’t leave the scene before officers arrive.
- Document everything: Take photos of your vehicle, the road, any skid marks, and the surrounding environment. Note the time, the lighting conditions, and the direction the other vehicle was traveling.
- Get witness information: If anyone stopped or saw what happened, get their name and contact details before they leave.
- See a doctor right away: Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries don’t present immediately. A prompt medical visit protects both your health and your claim.
- Don’t discuss fault at the scene: Anything you say to the other driver or to an insurance adjuster before speaking with a lawyer can be used to reduce what you recover.
How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Claim
Comparative negligence affects your high beam crash claim by reducing your compensation in proportion to your share of fault for the collision. Understanding how this works in your state matters before you accept any settlement offer.
In Texas, the modified comparative negligence rule means you can recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault. In California, the pure comparative negligence rule allows you to recover regardless of your percentage of fault, though your compensation is reduced accordingly.
Insurers in both states will work to push your fault percentage as high as possible, which is why having a lawyer who understands how these rules apply to your specific situation is important.
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Common Questions About High Beam Crash Claims
Is It Illegal to Drive With High Beams on Around Other Cars?
Yes, in both Texas and California, it is illegal to use high beams when approaching oncoming traffic or following another vehicle within the required distance. Violating that rule and causing a crash can form the basis of a negligence claim.
What if the Other Driver Says They Didn’t Have Their High Beams On?
If the other driver disputes that their high beams were on, your claim comes down to evidence. Witness statements, dashcam footage, and the physical details of the crash scene can all help establish what actually happened. A lawyer can help you gather and present that evidence effectively.
What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Crash?
Being partially at fault doesn’t necessarily prevent you from recovering compensation. Both Texas and California have comparative negligence rules that allow partial recovery in most circumstances. The amount you can recover depends on your percentage of fault and which state’s laws apply to your case.
Injured in a High Beam Crash? Omega Law Group Can Help
If someone’s high beams caused your crash, you may have a stronger claim than you realize. Omega Law Group is ready to review the details of your situation, explain your options clearly, and help you understand what your case is worth. We offer free consultations, work on contingency, and are available 24/7. Contact us today to get started.
