Night driving in Los Angeles already presents challenges. Add in a careless driver using high beams in the wrong setting, and you have a recipe for disaster. Misuse of a car’s high beam feature can lead to temporary blindness, misjudged distances, and a serious car accident that leaves victims with life-altering injuries. Many drivers underestimate just how dangerous high beams can be, especially on city roads and in oncoming traffic situations.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a serious car accident due to improper high beam use, you may be entitled to compensation. At LA Injury Lawyers, we have successfully handled thousands of personal injury claims. Schedule your free evaluation today. You pay nothing unless we win.
How High Beams Work and Why They Become a Hazard
High beams are designed to help drivers see long distances on poorly lit roads. Unlike low beams, which point downward, high beams shine straight ahead, illuminating up to 500 feet. However, their intensity can impair the vision of other drivers, especially when used incorrectly.
When High Beams Become a Risk:
- City driving: High beams can blind oncoming traffic and cause lane departures.
- Tailgating: Following too closely with high beams on can disorient the driver ahead.
- Hills and curves: Light reflection from uneven roads creates unpredictable glare.
Using high beams when they are not needed significantly increases the chance of a serious car accident.
Accidents Caused by High Beams: Real-Life Consequences
Improper use of high beams has led to numerous traffic and collision incidents, despite being often underreported. Some of the most common scenarios include:
- Rear-end collisions occur when drivers brake suddenly due to impaired vision
- Sideswipes and lane departures caused by disorientation
- Wrong turns or hitting curbs due to reduced depth perception
Although comprehensive statistics on accidents caused by high-beam lights are limited, reports from transportation authorities suggest that high beams contribute to thousands of preventable crashes each year.
California Law on High Beam Use
California Vehicle Code Section 24409 clearly outlines when high beams are prohibited:
- Within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles
- Within 300 feet of another vehicle
Violation of this statute can result in fines and points on the driver’s license. More importantly, it establishes clear grounds for negligence in the event of a serious car accident. Misusing a car’s high beam is not only unsafe but also illegal under specific conditions.
Proving Liability in High Beam Crash Cases
To file a successful personal injury claim, you must show that another driver acted negligently. In high beam-related crashes, proving this requires a detailed approach:
Key Evidence:
- Dash cam footage showing light intensity and proximity
- Eyewitness testimony verifying high beam use
- Police reports and citations related to lighting violations
- Accident reconstruction experts are confirming the impact of glare
If drivers used high beams in a prohibited situation, they may be liable for the crash.
What Injuries Are Common in These Accidents?
Victims of high beam-related accidents often suffer from serious injuries due to the unexpected nature of these crashes:
- Whiplash and neck injuries from sudden braking
- Concussions and head trauma due to reduced visibility and impact
- Back and spinal injuries from rollover or rear-end accidents
- Fractures and soft tissue injuries from being caught off guard
Documenting all injuries with a medical professional is crucial, both for recovery and to support your legal claim.
Seeking Compensation for High Beam-Related Crashes
If another driver’s improper use of high beams led to your injuries, you may be eligible for compensation. A qualified car accident attorney in Los Angeles can help you seek damages for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, follow-ups, and therapy
- Lost income from missed work or long-term disability
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress
- Vehicle repairs or replacement costs
It is essential to act quickly. In California, personal injury claims are subject to a statute of limitations, generally two years from the date of the accident.
Why Hire LA Injury Lawyers?
Navigating a high-beam accident claim can be complex. Insurance companies may argue that glare is subjective or deny the role of headlights entirely. That is where LA Injury Lawyers makes a difference.
Why Clients Trust Us:
- We secure expert witness testimony to validate visibility issues.
- We gather visual evidence and work with top reconstruction teams.
- We negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation.
Notable Results:
- $11 Million – Brain injury victim
- $10 Million – Car accident victim
- $8.2 Million – Motorcycle crash
- $7 Million – Spinal injury victim
Contact us today at (818) 539-5390 or in**@*************rs.com. We offer a free case evaluation, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are high beams illegal in Los Angeles traffic zones?
Yes. High beams are prohibited within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles or 300 feet of trailing another car. - How do high beams cause car accidents?
They can blind oncoming drivers, disrupt depth perception, and lead to disorientation or delayed reaction times. - Can dash cam footage prove the use of high beams?
Yes. Dash cams that capture light glare or road conditions can support your claim of negligent driving. - Is the driver always liable in high-beam accidents?
Not always, but if the driver violated state laws regarding beam use, they are likely to be found at fault. - How soon should I contact an attorney after a high-beam crash?
As soon as possible. Early legal action preserves evidence and strengthens your claim for full compensation.
