Most vehicles consist of original equipment (OE), meaning they were manufactured by an automobile maker and left unaltered. However, other vehicles may have had aftermarket modifications on them, including vehicles custom-fit for handicap access, van life, or recreational activities. Some may be used in car shows or to show off splashy details or alterations in the vehicle.
When modified vehicles are involved in a car accident, these modifications may or may not affect your personal injury claim. A vehicle modification may make the driver or other parties liable when the modification contributed to the accident. An experienced car accident attorney from Belal Hamideh Law, P.C. can review your case and explain your legal rights and options. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
What Are Modified Vehicles?
A vehicle can be considered modified any time that it has a part installed in it that was not part of the original manufacturing process. For example, a motorist may get into a car accident, take their vehicle in for repairs, and have aftermarket parts installed in it. This is often because the insurance company wants to minimize its costs, even if that is a trade-off for a vehicle that is not as safe.
Common Examples of Vehicle Modifications
Vehicles can be modified in many ways. Some of the most common modifications in various ways, including:
- Lift kits: These devices raise the vehicle’s center of gravity.
- Tires: Vehicle owners may switch their original tires for high-performance tires, which increase the grip of tires while driving. Some drivers may choose to use oversized or undersized tires instead of the size recommended for their vehicle’s make and model.
- Braking systems: Some vehicle owners
- Spoilers: Spoilers are devices in cars designed to decrease unfavorable air movement or drag across the vehicle while it is in motion.
- Suspension systems: Suspension systems include the tires, shock absorbers, and other equipment that connect a motor vehicle to its wheels and provide for motion. Motor vehicle owners may alter a vehicle’s suspension to increase its handling.
- Engine turning/chips: These alterations can change throttle mapping and torque delivery.
- Fenders or bumpers: Some vehicle owners cut fenders or remove bumpers.
- Headlights: Vehicle alterations regarding headlights may include adding extra powerful headlights, fog lights, and tinted headlights.
- Safety systems: The vehicle owner may also choose to remove a safety system.
- Tinting: Vehicles may be altered by adding tint to windows or the windshield.
These are just a few examples of modifications to vehicles.
California Laws on Vehicle Modifications
California has some of the most restrictive vehicle modification laws. The state specifically restricts vehicle modifications in the following ways:
- Brakes: Under California law, brakes must be equipped on all four wheels and capable of stopping the vehicle at a speed of 20 mph within 30 feet.
- Engines: Any changes to motor vehicle engines must be reported to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days. The new engine must be the same year or newer than the previous engine.
- Fenders: Fenders and mud flaps are required in the state.
- Tires: Tires must have a minimum tread depth of 2/16 inch for front tires and 1/6 inch for rear tires. Motorists cannot equip re-grooved tires on their vehicles.
- Emissions: California requires smog testing and biannual emission testing for some vehicles.
- Lights: Vehicles in California cannot have more than four front lights.
- Mufflers: Vehicles must have mufflers that are in constant operation while driven in the state of California. They must be properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noises. They cannot be equipped with cutouts.
In addition to state laws, motorists must comply with federal laws promulgated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which establish safety standards and environmental standards, respectively.
How Illegal Modifications Can Lead to Car Crashes
Illegal vehicle modifications can contribute to auto accidents in many ways. Inadequate replacement parts can weaken the structural integrity of the vehicle and cause future car accidents. Aftermarket parts installed in motor vehicles can lead to blind spots, changes in tire or air pressure, faulty electrical wiring, improper safeguards for gas lines, and inadequate suspension.
Aftermarket parts may not meet safety standards. Mechanics may not perform repairs or modifications correctly. Quality testing of these parts may be inadequate.
Here are some specific examples of how various vehicle modifications can contribute to car accidents:
- Changes to a vehicle’s suspension system can increase the likelihood of a vehicle rollover.
- High-performance tires can increase the chances of a rollover accident because of the contact between the tire rims and pavement.
- Undersized or oversized tires alter tire diameter, lengthen stopping distances, and reduce cornering grip.
- After-market braking systems can increase the heat load and fade, cause a mismatch of front and rear brakes, and raise the risk of partial or full loss of braking.
- Lift kits can increase the likelihood of a rollover during sudden lane changes. They can also alter the roll center and bump setter. Moreover, they can affect stability control thresholds and reduce the effectiveness of electronic intervention when the motorist makes abrupt maneuvers.
- Changes to engine tuning or chips can increase torque spikes, reduce traction margins, impair stability control, and impose stress on driveline components. These changes can cause a motorist to lose control of the vehicle.
- Tinted windows can create hazardous conditions when driving through inclement weather and reduce visibility.
- Removed bumpers can compromise structural integrity in case of a crash.
- Disabling airbags or anti-lock brake systems can cause critical failures in the event of a crash.
An experienced attorney can investigate your case and determine whether vehicle modifications played a part in your car accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Vehicle Modification Car Accident Case?
Accidents involving vehicle modifications can implicate various parties, including the following:
- Vehicle owners: Vehicle owners who authorize modifications that compromise safety could be held liable for accidents.
- Drivers: If the driver of the vehicle knew about the modifications and drove the vehicle anyway, knowing that it was unsafe, they could be held liable.
- Parts manufacturers: The manufacturers of aftermarket parts could be held liable if these parts were defective.
- Mechanics: If a mechanic negligently installed the modified part or misrepresented its safety, they could be held responsible for related accidents.
- Other drivers: Just because the accident involved a modified vehicle does not necessarily mean that the modifications caused the accident. Another driver’s negligence could be to blame.
An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate to determine the cause of the accident and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a modified vehicle, the case may quickly become complicated. It can be difficult to determine which modifications were made and whether they contributed to the accident. Various parties could be liable, but they could try to blame each other rather than take accountability.
An experienced car accident attorney from Belal Hamideh Law, P.C. can review your case and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.