The Importance of a Clean Windshield

Routine maintenance is important for keeping a vehicle safe to operate. This, of course, includes things like maintaining the braking system, ensuring tires have sufficient traction, and replacing headlamps as they burn out. It also includes swapping out wiper blades that have become ineffective and taking every step possible to maintain a clean windshield, a simple task that is all too often overlooked.

Understanding the Risks of a Dirty Windshield

A dirty windshield can significantly limit a driver’s visibility. Dirt, grime, and other obstructions refract and scatter light from the sun, street lights, and the headlamps of other vehicles, causing glare or blind spots. Referred to as veiling glare, this reduces the contrast of objects in the roadway or parking lot ahead, making it difficult to see what is in their path.

Impaired visibility due to a dirty windshield can increase the risk of a car accident by creating:

• Difficulties seeing lane markings, crosswalks, and medians
• Challenges in identifying road hazards, such as potholes and debris
• Increased reaction time during sudden stops or lane changes

From a child walking across a parking lot after returning a grocery cart, a bicyclist out for a morning ride, or a disabled vehicle stopped on the side of the road, the list of possible tragedies goes on and on. When you or a loved one is the victim of one of these accidents, you and your family deserve justice. The car accident lawyers at The Haynes Firm are here to help.

To schedule a FREE case review with one of our experienced attorneys, call The Haynes Firm at 423-928-0165. Located in Johnson City, we fight for individuals and families living throughout Tennessee.

Common Types of Car Accidents Related to Poor Visibility

Car accidents related to poor visibility can include:

• Rear-End Collisions. Reduced visibility can delay braking responses, particularly in heavy traffic or when making sudden stops.
• Nighttime Accidents. Dirty windshields amplify glare from headlights and streetlights, drastically reducing visibility during nighttime driving.
• Weather-Related Accidents. Conditions, such as fog, heavy rain, snow, and sleet, can decrease visibility, becoming even more of a hazard when smearing dirt and grime across the windshield.
• Intersection Collisions. Poor visibility can prevent drivers from clearly seeing traffic signals, signs, or other vehicles approaching intersections. This increases the likelihood of side-impact and T-bone collisions.
• Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents. When visibility is compromised, it can be difficult to see pedestrians in crosswalks and cyclists in bike lanes.

Obstructed visibility is also a leading cause of single-vehicle accidents. Drivers who cannot see through their windshields may drift off the road or collide with stationary objects. Unfortunately, while a single-vehicle crash might seem like an individual issue,  wrecked vehicles on the road can pose a danger to other drivers, especially in low-light or weather-impacted conditions.

Determining the cause of these accidents often requires a thorough investigation. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer helps to ensure the investigation is handled appropriately and all instances of negligence, including obstructed vision, are identified.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Visibility-Related Car Accidents

Accidents stemming from visibility issues can result in serious and life-altering injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries
• Psychological trauma

These and similar injuries can require intensive and ongoing medical care. They may make it impossible to work or enjoy the things you once did. They may interfere with family time, your social life, and your future plans. All of these things must be considered when calculating damages.

The car accident lawyers at The Haynes Firm have decades of experience with severe injuries. We understand their medical, financial, physical, and emotional costs, and take every step possible to ensure our clients receive the fair and full compensation they deserve.

Is It Illegal to Drive With a Dirty Windshield in Tennessee?

Tennessee law mandates that drivers maintain their vehicles in a safe condition. This includes clear visibility through windshields (see T.C.A. § 55-9-203). Failure to comply may result in misdemeanor charges. Criminal charges are different from and should not impact personal injury claims, but they can provide additional evidence of negligence.

Our car accident lawyers are focused on civil claims that seek compensatory damages for victims of serious injury. In cases involving impaired visibility due to poor windshield maintenance, drivers may be held financially responsible for resulting injuries and damages. Victims have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. During your FREE case review with one of our attorneys, we will discuss possible damages to help you understand what you may be entitled to seek.

The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer

Seeking damages following a car accident is not as easy as filing an insurance claim. In many cases, offers from insurance are insufficient and fail to cover even a fraction of the real costs of serious injury.

Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side helps to ensure:

• Accident investigation and evidence preservation
• Accurate assessment of liability
• Strong negotiations with insurance companies
• Litigation support when claims go to trial

Insurance companies know how to settle claims quickly and often for much less than they are actually worth. Unfortunately, if you accept an offer from an insurance company, you may lose your right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Before you accept a settlement, talk to one of our experienced Johnson City personal injury attorneys to learn how we can help protect your rights and interests.

The Haynes Firm Fights for Justice

When it comes to car accidents in Tennessee, choosing the right representation can have a big impact on your recovery. At The Haynes Firm, our car accident lawyers set themselves apart through:

• Decades of Experience. With over 70 years of combined legal experience, we’ve successfully handled complex cases throughout Tennessee.
• Proven Results. We have secured a number of substantial verdicts and settlements for our clients, including hundreds of thousands of dollars for victims of serious car accident injuries.
• Client-Focused Representation. We prioritize your needs, offering compassionate and attentive service every step of the way.
• No Fee Unless We Win. Our contingency-based approach means you don’t pay until after we have successfully resolved your claim.

At The Haynes Firm, we do things the right way, not the easy way. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re committed to helping you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.

Schedule a FREE Case Review with a Johnson City Car Accident Lawyer

There’s really no excuse for driving with obstructed vision, yet people across the country do it every day. This unnecessarily dangerous and easily correctable issue places everyone else on the road, from pedestrians to other motorists, in danger. When it causes harm, irresponsible drivers must be held accountable.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car crash caused by someone with visibility issues, The Haynes Firm is here to help. Contact us online or call our Johnson City office today to schedule your cost- and obligation-free consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our firm welcomes clients from all areas of Tennessee.