I am not going to assume what you are saying but in all instances, VFR/IFR day/night, you must be aware of your minimum height above terrain at all stages of flight as PIC.
It can never be a guessing/assuming game. The consequences can be catastrophic.
Whether pre-flight or in-flight situational awareness you must be in no doubt about your height above terrain, it is the basis of flight training.
But I'm sure you know that...
