The Carolina Squat and Virginia’s New Law

Have you heard of a Carolina squat? Ever seen a truck going down the road with the front jacked up and the back practically dragging the pavement? That is what people call a Carolina squat. If you have looked at one and thought there is no way that is safe, you are right. It is such a safety concern that it is now actually illegal here in Virginia and in the Carolinas. Today, I want to talk about why that is, how the law came to be, and why it matters if you or someone you care about is ever involved in a crash with one of these vehicles.

What the Carolina Squat Really Is

Let us talk about what the Carolina squat actually means. It is when someone modifies their truck so that the front end sits higher while the rear stays lower. Sometimes people do this for off-roading, sometimes just for the look. Maybe it stands out at a car show, but on the road, it creates real problems. The modification messes with visibility, disrupts how the vehicle handles, and increases the chance of rollovers or head-on crashes that can be deadly.

The Tragedy That Prompted Change in Virginia

Unfortunately, it took a tragedy here in Virginia to finally prompt action. In 2022, a young man named Jody Upton Jr., known to many as BJ, was killed in a crash involving a squatted truck. His death was devastating for his family and our entire community. People across Virginia, including me, said “enough is enough.” We knew this kind of modification was not just a style choice but a serious safety hazard that needed to be banned.

How Virginia Changed the Law

That tragedy led to the introduction of Senate Bill 777. The new law makes it illegal to drive any vehicle in Virginia where the front bumper is more than four inches higher than the rear bumper. Governor Youngkin signed it into law on March 21, 2022. North Carolina and South Carolina followed our lead soon after, all recognizing the same public safety concerns. These laws are about preventing more senseless crashes and saving lives by keeping dangerous modifications off the road.

Why This Matters in Personal Injury Cases

Now let us talk about why this matters for you or someone you love if you are ever in a crash. When I handle personal injury cases, I always start by looking at the facts. What caused the crash? What could have prevented it? Did someone break the law? If the vehicle that caused the crash is illegally modified like a Carolina squat, that can make the legal case even stronger. From a legal perspective, we call that negligence per se. It means if someone breaks a safety law and it leads to someone getting hurt, the violation itself helps prove fault.

How the Law Helps Injured Victims

If you are hurt in a wreck involving a squatted truck, you are not just dealing with a careless driver. You may be dealing with someone who was actively breaking the law at the time of the crash. That can have a major impact on your claim and the kind of justice you are able to get. I have seen these cases come up in both personal injury and even criminal courts. For my clients who have been hurt in crashes like this, this new law is one more tool I can use to fight for them and hold the responsible party accountable.

Why This Is Not Just About Style

Some people argue that these modifications are just for looks and are harmless. But I have seen the consequences when someone is in the hospital or worse because of a so-called harmless modification. At the end of the day, style does not matter when it puts lives at risk. This law is about keeping people safe on our roads and making sure those who make dangerous choices are held responsible for the harm they cause.

Giving Back to Honor BJ’s Memory

We were honored to help the Upton family during their unimaginable loss and to support the effort to make our roads safer. As part of that commitment, we were proud to make a ten-thousand-dollar donation to the Mecklenburg County Fire Department, where BJ was a member. That donation helped set up an annual scholarship fund in his name for young people who want to attend vocational schools. It is our way of remembering BJ while giving back to the community.

Let Us Talk About Your Options

If you or someone you know has been hurt in a crash involving a Carolina squat vehicle or any dangerously modified car or truck, do not wait. Contact us today. We will take the time to talk with you about what happened and go over your options. There is no pressure, just honest and real answers about what comes next. When you have been hurt, we are here to fight for you. We are Wind Injury Law. And we are here for you, Virginia.