High beams can significantly improve your visibility and allow you to safely navigate poorly lit areas. At the same time, the intense brightness of high beams can be distracting and potentially dangerous to other drivers. The glare from high beams can temporarily blind oncoming traffic and increase the risk of accidents.
In Colorado, high-beam driving laws mitigate the risks associated with improper high-beam usage. These laws prohibit the use of high beams under certain circumstances to reduce the risk of accidents. Unfortunately, despite these legal restrictions, many drivers tend to use high beams irresponsibly, posing a threat to others on the road.
Why High Beams are Necessary
High beams, also known as full beams or main beams, are designed to provide high-intensity, long-range illumination of the road ahead. They are typically used in low-visibility conditions, particularly in rural and unlit areas, where standard low beams might not provide sufficient visibility.
High beams cast a powerful, focused light that extends further than low beams, which allows you to see more of the road, potential obstacles, and any hazards that might lie ahead. This enhanced visibility can provide you with more time to react to unexpected situations, such as animals crossing the road or sharp turns.
The primary use for high beams is their ability to illuminate large areas, which can be particularly beneficial in low-visibility conditions. In these conditions, high beams can help you notice road signs, lane markings, and other vehicles from a greater distance, which can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. When used properly, high beams are vital in enhancing overall driving safety, especially in challenging environments.
Is It Illegal to Drive with High Beams On in Colorado?
No. Traffic laws in Colorado do not prohibit the use of high beams. It is prohibited only under certain circumstances. According to Colorado Revised Statutes Section 42-4-217, drivers are required to dim their high beams in the following situations.
When Approaching Oncoming Traffic: Drivers must switch to low beams when they are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
When Following Another Vehicle: Drivers must dim their high beams when they are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead.
Apart from this, high beams are generally not recommended in adverse weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow, as the light can reflect off moisture particles and reduce visibility. While high beam usage in bad weather is not prohibited under any specific statute, it is in your best interest to avoid doing so.
Dangers of Improper High Beam Usage
Improper high beam usage by drivers can pose significant risks to the safety of other road users. The intense and focused light produced by high beam headlights can create hazardous conditions for other road users under certain circumstances.
Temporary Blindness
One of the primary dangers associated with high beams is that they can temporarily blind oncoming drivers. The sudden glare can cause disorientation and momentary blindness, which can lead to a loss of control and increase the likelihood of head-on collisions. Similarly, when high beams are used while following another vehicle closely, the bright light can reflect off the rearview mirrors, which can distract and impair the vision of the driver in front.
Increased Risk in Inclement Weather
Improper high beam usage can exacerbate the impact of adverse weather conditions. In fog, rain, or snow, the light from high beams can reflect off water droplets or snowflakes. This reflection can create a wall of light that can obscure the road ahead and reduce your visibility, as a result of which you might not be able to see potential hazards on the road. It is why drivers are required to know when to use high beams so they do not compromise their safety or other road users’ safety in any way.
Penalties for Using High Beams Improperly in Colorado
Under Colorado law, improper use of high beams is considered a Class A traffic infraction. It is punishable by a fine (which can be anywhere from $15 to $100) and DMV points (two points per infraction). In serious accidents involving high beams, legal issues can arise and the at-fault driver might be required to appear in court. It can result in additional penalties – including driver’s license suspension and mandatory driver education courses.
If I Am Injured in an Accident Caused by Improper High Beam Usage, Can I Sue the Negligent Driver?
Yes, you can. You can pursue a personal injury claim in Colorado based on negligence against the driver responsible for the accident. The legal elements you need to prove in order to recover compensation are:
Duty of Care: You need to prove that the at-fault driver owed you a duty of care. This is the easiest element to prove, as all drivers in Colorado have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws to avoid causing harm to others.
Breach of Duty: You need to prove that the at-fault driver breached their duty by using high beams when they were not supposed to. This involves demonstrating that the at-fault driver’s use of high beams violated Colorado’s traffic laws.
Causation: You need to prove that the at-fault driver’s use of high beams was the direct cause of the accident.
Damages: You need to prove that you have suffered injuries and other damages as a result of the accident.
Types of Evidence a Colorado Car Crash Attorney will Collect to Prove Liability in an Improper High Beam Usage Accident
- Police Reports: Official police reports often contain important details about the accident, including statements from the at-fault driver and passengers, observations made by the responding officers, and any citations issued for traffic violations such as high beam usage, all of which can be crucial in establishing fault and liability.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable information about the use of high beams by the at-fault driver and the events leading up to the accident.
- Dashcam Footage: Dashcam footage from your vehicle or nearby vehicles can be used to establish the at-fault driver’s negligent actions – including the use of high beams.
- Traffic Camera Footage: If the accident occurred near an intersection or another part of the road monitored by traffic cameras, the footage can provide objective evidence of the high beam usage and the sequence of events.
- Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the accident scene, vehicle damage, and other evidence to determine how the use of high beams contributed to the accident. Their expert opinion can be persuasive in establishing fault and causation.
- Vehicle Damage Reports: Detailed assessments of the damage to the vehicles involved in the accident can provide insights into the nature and impact of the collision. This can help corroborate other evidence regarding how the accident occurred.
Why You Need an Experienced Colorado Auto Accident Lawyer On Your Side
Proving fault and liability in accidents caused by high beam usage can be particularly challenging for several reasons. High beam usage, though seemingly straightforward, involves intricate details that require thorough investigation, detailed documentation, and a clear demonstration of negligence.
You need to prove that the at-fault party violated Colorado’s traffic law, such as failing to dim their lights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or within 200 feet of a vehicle ahead. Gathering the necessary evidence to prove their negligence can be a complex, time-consuming, and resource-intensive process. That is why having a seasoned Colorado auto accident lawyer on your side is so important.
A Colorado auto accident lawyer can investigate the accident, collect the required evidence, and consult with expert witnesses to establish a clear link between the high beam usage and the collision. They understand the nuances of Colorado’s traffic laws and can effectively present your case to prove the other driver’s negligence.
Notably, insurance companies in Colorado often aim to minimize payouts, making it difficult for victims to receive fair compensation. A skilled lawyer can negotiate aggressively on your behalf, back their arguments with evidence, and make sure you are adequately compensated for your injuries, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses. If necessary, they can take your case to court and present a compelling argument to the judge or jury to recover the compensation you deserve.
Injured in a High Beam Accident? Our Proven Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Colorado Can Maximize Your Compensation
If you have been injured in an accident caused by improper high beam usage, you might be entitled to financial compensation. At Ganderton Law LLC, we have more than 40 years of combined legal experience in handling personal injury claims, including a wide range of auto accident claims. We have represented injury victims across Colorado and have recovered multi-million dollar settlements and awards.
Our legal team is led by Dave Ganderton, who ranks among the highest-rated personal injury attorneys in Colorado. A former prosecutor and insurance defense attorney, Ganderton understands both sides of the legal equation and brings unique insights and perspectives into each case he takes on. This insider knowledge allows our team to get better results for our clients compared to other firms. Call us today at 719-867-4447 to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated Colorado auto accident lawyers.
