The Dangers of Driving Around Lifted Trucks 

Driving comes with many risks. Most of these, you may be used to – speeding, blind corners, bad weather, even blinding LED lights. Add modified cars and lifted trucks to the mix, and you have a whirlwind of huge, distracting stressors. While not all car modifications are dangerous, it’s important to know the risk of driving around modified vehicles. If you’re the owner of a modified vehicle, there are things you may not know about your insurance. 

Speaking to a truck accident lawyer in Century City, like Vaziri Law can help you learn what’s potentially in store for you after an accident. 

What’s a Lifted Truck? 

A lifted truck is usually a pickup truck that’s been modified to increase the distance between the ground and the body anywhere from one to six inches, depending on the vehicle type. In some scenarios, lifted trucks are a practical way to avoid body damage and improve suspension. For example, many lifted pickup trucks are used in construction fields to transport materials to offroad sites, where materials could litter the ground or the truck may need to drive over rocks and foliage. It’s understandable that they would need the clearance. However, there are those who own lifted trucks for the sake of aesthetics. Whether your truck is lifted for work, recreation, or looks, you should be aware of what that could mean for your insurance coverage. 

When Aesthetics Add Danger 

Every single car modification runs a risk of causing damage on the road. Faulty or mismatched installations can cause brake system malfunctions and changes in car performance. With a normal car, these issues aren’t as evident as they are with a truck. 

Modifying a vehicle isn’t a crime. However, it does come with a set of dangers for everyone on and off the road. 

Reduced Crash Protection 

Most car accidents happen at the bumper. Making sure that all vehicles meet at a similar level of contact keeps cars from being totaled while another is merely dented. However, if one car is lifted, that barrier of protection for vehicles lower to the ground is gone. The driver of a lifted truck can cause a lot more damage to other vehicles with their gargantuan tires, especially with the reduced visibility directly in front of a lifted vehicle. 

Increased Accident Potential 

Lifted trucks have a higher center of gravity. Raising a truck 6 inches not only makes it a dangerous vehicle to drive in front of, but also around. If a lifted vehicle makes a sudden lane change or a sharp turn, the risks of it rolling over increase. Raising a car’s line of sight also makes it difficult for the driver to see directly in front of them. This increases the chances of a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcycle rider getting seriously injured. If you see one of these cars on the road, it’s best to exercise caution.  

I Got into a Crash with a Truck. Now What? 

Like in any car crash, you must exchange information with the other party and contact all the necessary authorities. However, depending on the truck you got into an accident with and the circumstances surrounding the situation, there may be some differences from a typical accident. Speaking to a truck accident lawyer in Century City can also give you peace of mind when proceeding through the accident process. 

Accidents with an Unmodified Truck 

If you find yourself in an accident with an unmodified truck, a case may have some complexities based on the kind of truck (a personal pickup, a commercial vehicle, a rideshare?). For example, if you’re hit by a semi-truck instead of someone’s personal truck, you may have to deal with company insurance. A third-party commercial driver? You may have to navigate through their personal insurance, the company insurance, or both to settle the matter.  If you hit someone’s unmodified personal truck, you’ll likely bring a claim against their personal insurance alone. 

Accidents with a Modified Truck  

If a driver modifies their truck, it needs to be reported to their insurance. If the owner does not report these changes to their insurance, their claim may be denied if they find themselves in an accident. If they do report it to their insurance, their premiums may increase, or they may be forced to get a different plan based on the modifications they performed on their vehicles.  

Who Can Be Held Responsible?  

In every accident, an investigation must be conducted to find out what caused the incident. When a modified vehicle is involved, more people can be held liable for any damage to both parties.  

The Owner – The truck driver or owner of the car can be held liable for any damage if the accident was a result of their decision to modify the vehicle. 

The Mechanic – The shop that installed the modifications can also be held liable if the accident was a result of their faulty work. 

The Manufacturer – The manufacturer of the modifications can also be held liable if the equipment was found to be extremely dangerous or defective. 

Keep in mind that California is a state that follows comparative negligence. If you find yourself in an accident, you may also carry some fault, alongside the other parties. 

Conclusion

Accidents are a common occurrence. An accident with an unmodified car comes with less complications and dangers than a modified car like a lifted truck. If you find yourself in an accident with a modified car, it’s best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to learn what your rights are. By partnering with a truck accident lawyer in Century City, like those at Vaziri Law, you gain access to a team of lawyers dedicated to helping you get the settlement you deserve.