Can I Sue an Illinois Driver Who Caused a Crash by Driving Without Headlights?

 Posted on May 17, 2022 in Car Accidents

For most of us, getting in our car to drive to work, school, or the grocery store is the most dangerous thing we will do all day. While plane crashes and random shootings may make news headlines and give people phobias about flying and going out in public, far more people die in car crashes than in any other accident or disaster. 

Driving at night increases the normal dangers of driving significantly. Although only 25 percent of driving is done at night, about 50 percent of driving fatalities occur after dark. If you have been involved in a car crash that happened at night and another party was responsible, you may want to speak with an Illinois personal injury lawyer. 

Common Causes of Nighttime Car Crashes

At night, all the regular hazards of daytime driving apply - debris in the road, distracted driving, or driving over the speed limit. But a special set of other factors can enhance regular road risks and make night driving much more dangerous. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Reduced visibility - It is harder to see objects, pedestrians, and other vehicles at night. Unfortunately, negligent drivers can make this problem worse by driving without their headlights on. Turning on headlights takes only a moment, but is easy to forget if a driver is distracted, tired, or impaired. Improper light maintenance can also make a car difficult or impossible to see at night. 
• Fatigued driving - Drivers who are tired can doze off or even fall asleep outright, leading to dangerous accidents with other vehicles and objects, and a heightened risk of single-vehicle rollover accidents. Driving while you are sleepy can be just as dangerous as driving while you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 
• Driving under the influence - Most drunk drivers are driving at night. Driving under the influence makes a range of car accidents more likely, whether from swerving, speeding, or forgetting to turn on headlights.  

How Can I Prove the Other Driver Was at Fault?

Proving fault in an Illinois car crash case is not always so easy. What if a driver without headlights caused a crash, but he or she turned on their lights after the crash and it is only your word against theirs? To have a successful car accident injuries lawsuit, you must prove that the other driver was negligent, that this negligence caused the car accident, and that you suffered injuries as a result. An experienced car accident injuries attorney can perform an investigation and get you the help you need to prove the other party was responsible for your suffering. 

Meet with a Will County Car Crash Injury Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been seriously hurt in a car accident for which another person was responsible, explore your options with an experienced Will County car accident injuries attorney with McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC before you agree to an insurance settlement or any other offer. We will help you explore your legal options and make sure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled. Call us now at 815-727-0100 to schedule your free initial consultation.  

Source: 

https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/night-driving