Can Car Modifications Affect Fault in an Accident in Tennessee?

When determining fault in a Tennessee car crash, the condition of each vehicle can make or break a case. If one car were heavily modified, that could shift the focus. Some modifications are legal, while others may create safety risks, impact performance, or violate state or federal laws. Whether you drive a lifted truck or a lowered coupe with street racing mods, your upgrades might factor into liability after a crash. In fact, car modification accident fault can become a key issue if the changes affect your vehicle’s safety or performance and contribute to the cause of the accident.

Do Car Modifications Affect Accident Fault?

Yes, they can. In Tennessee, car modifications can affect dispute accident fault if they contribute to crashes or worsen injuries. Oversized tires, altered brakes, or custom lighting may impact handling or visibility and raise safety concerns. If a modification makes your car harder to control, a court may find it contributed to the crash. Modified vehicles may sometimes violate state safety laws, damaging your credibility and making fighting negligence or reckless driving claims harder. This raises an important question: Can vehicle modifications affect accident liability? The answer is yes, especially if the changes make your car less safe or contribute to the cause of the crash.

Types of Car Modifications That Can Influence Crash Liability

Certain upgrades are more likely to trigger questions about fault, especially concerning control, speed, or visibility. These include:

• Suspension Lifts or Lowered Suspension – A modified suspension can affect how your car handles turns, bumps, and braking. These changes can raise the risk of rollover or decrease stopping ability.
• Engine Enhancements – Turbochargers, nitrous oxide kits, and performance tuning can dramatically increase speed and power. If your vehicle accelerates beyond standard limits and you crash, the court might link fault to those mods.
• Braking System Modifications – Upgrading to high-performance brakes may sound like a safety improvement. However, improper installation or mismatched parts can lead to failure in critical moments.
• Tire and Rim Changes – Oversized tires or aftermarket rims can affect balance and steering. Poorly fitted wheels can lead to blowouts or reduced traction.
• Exhaust System Mods – Loud or altered exhausts aren’t just annoying – they sometimes violate emissions laws or distract other drivers, increasing crash risk.
• Headlight or Underglow Lighting – Bright, tinted, or colored lighting may violate Tennessee law. If it blinds another driver or creates confusion, it could lead to a collision.
• Street Racing Modifications – The fault may be clear-cut if the modifications suggest illegal street racing and that behavior contributes to a crash.
• Unapproved or Untested Parts – Aftermarket parts without manufacturer approval might not perform correctly, sometimes leading to strict liability claims against the part’s manufacturer or seller.

While these upgrades may seem harmless – or even beneficial – they can significantly impact the assigning of fault after a crash, especially if the modifications compromise safety or violate state laws.

How Fault Is Determined in Modified Vehicle Accidents

Tennessee follows a modified version of the comparative negligence doctrine, which states that you may still recover and maximize compensation for your losses if you’re less than 50 percent at fault. However, your percentage of fault will reduce the amount of compensation, and you can’t recover anything if you’re 50 percent or more at fault.

In a crash involving custom vehicles, the fault is determined based on the following:

• The Role of the Modification – Investigators ask whether the upgrade contributed to the crash or worsened the outcome. For example, if custom brakes failed, that could point toward driver negligence or product liability.
• Legality of the Modifications – Illegal changes, like unapproved lighting or street racing enhancements, may strengthen the other driver’s claim.
• Maintenance and Installation – Even legal mods must be properly installed and maintained. Poorly fitted aftermarket parts can lead to preventable accidents.
• Driver Behavior – A reckless driver with a modified car may seem even more dangerous. But even if a vehicle is altered, the other party must prove those changes played a role.
• Expert Evaluation – Crash reconstruction experts often inspect vehicles after a wreck. If they find unsafe alterations, liability may shift.
• Insurance Findings – Your insurer might refuse coverage if you disclose significant modifications. That can complicate your claim and limit what your policy covers. Learn more about how insurance handles modified cars.

Ultimately, car modification accident fault depends on how much the alterations contributed to the incident and whether they created avoidable risks that tipped the scale of negligence. A seemingly minor upgrade could play a significant role in assigning blame after a crash.

Please read more about proving negligence in an accident here: Proving Negligence in a Bicycle Accident in Tennessee.

Are Modified Car Owners Always at Fault in an Accident?

Not necessarily. Just because your car has custom features doesn’t mean you’re at fault. There must be a clear link between the modification and the accident or injury.

If a distracted driver hits your parked, modified car, your upgrades won’t matter. But if you were speeding in a turbocharged vehicle, the fault could shift toward you.

The other driver may still be liable, especially if they ran a red light or were texting. The key is proving what caused the crash and whether your mods played a role.

Can Insurance Deny a Claim Because of Car Mods?

Yes, your insurance company can deny a claim if you modify your car, but don’t let them know. Changes like performance upgrades, custom lighting, or engine modifications may require extra coverage or a separate policy. Especially since these alterations can impact car modification accident fault if they are found to contribute to the cause or severity of a collision, they may also complicate the insurance settlement negotiation process, making it even more important to document your modifications and understand your coverage clearly.

Even legal mods can lead to problems if they aren’t disclosed. Standard policies often cover up to $1,000 in aftermarket parts, but anything beyond that usually needs additional “custom parts and equipment” coverage.

To avoid claim issues, review your policy and contact your insurer before making any changes. It’s the best way to protect your investment and your coverage.

Can Aftermarket Parts Lead to a Strict Liability Claim?

Yes. Some crashes stem from defective products rather than driver error. If a crash involves faulty aftermarket parts, like brakes, tires, or engine components, the injured party may file a strict liability claim against the product manufacturer or distributor.

Strict liability doesn’t require proof of negligence – only that the part was defective, unreasonably dangerous, and caused harm during everyday use. This can apply even if the part was installed correctly.

Injured in a Crash Involving a Modified Vehicle? We Can Help

Modified car crashes can get complicated fast. Insurers often use upgrades to deny claims or shift blame. At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, our Memphis car accident lawyers know how to handle cases involving custom vehicles. Whether you were hit by a modified car or your upgrades are under review, we’re here to help. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and take the first step toward securing the necessary benefits. Call (901) 526-2126 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation today.