Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state. In general, laws assume that a vehicle was operated with the owner's consent.

Laws that increase penalties such as making revocation automatic and targeting social hosts can have mixed effects on mortality rates. All of these measures, including obligatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices, motor vehicle accident Law firms have a slight effect.

Legal Definitions

State laws regulate the legal terms used by motor vehicles. The federal definitions of national standards for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers are mostly administrative in nature and do not apply when states determine their own classifications for registration. These classifications for vehicles determine whether a driver requires an additional license to operate certain types vehicles.

These state laws define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and others. For instance, the definition of light truck is every motor vehicle with an rated carrying capacity by the manufacturer of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks and panel delivery trucks. This includes any vehicle or combination designed to transport passengers or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.

Wheel chair is a conveyance equipped with wheels and is utilized by people who have physical disabilities and cannot walk. A moped is a vehicle with only three wheels on the ground, and that can travel at the speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a vehicle that is propelled by an operator who sits on it. Someone who holds the legal title to a vehicle is referred to as the owner.

Traffic Laws

Typically, each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws which cover everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the types of vehicles that are covered by the law. While some of these laws are similar between states, some are very different. There are laws that limit the number of people who can be transported in a pedicab. There are also laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, like parking spaces.

Anyone who drives a motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle in violation of these rules could be punished with fines and penalties for doing so. The penalties can vary from being able to have your driver's license suspended and being required to attend an traffic school.

The law that regulates speed limits on roads is among the most important laws that states have. In New York, for example it stipulates that the speed limit for commercial vehicle is identical to that of an automobile.

The law also sets out the definition of the term "motor vehicle." This covers every description of a carriage or device that is driven by mechanical power and is utilized on a public road to transport people or property or for other commercial use. It does not include semitrailers and trailers, coaches or house trailers, vehicles that run only on tracks or rails snowmobiles, all-terrain and snowmobiles as well as motorized mobility aids that are operated by a person who has a disability and self-propelled hay harvesting machines and tractors.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract which protects the insurer from financial loss from liability for injuries to the body or death or property damage caused by a third party due to the ownership, operation, maintenance or use of an insured vehicle. It can also protect physical damage to the vehicle. It must mention the address and name of the named insured, the coverage afforded by the policy, as well as the premium charged therefor, the period of effectiveness and the limits of liability. It should also include an endorsement or agreement stating that the insurance is in line with the coverage that is specifically outlined for bodily injury, death or property damage.

Duncanville law firms often suggest that people read a sample motor vehicle accident law firms vehicle policy to be aware of the terms. One of the biggest confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". This phrase appears in a number of statutes that govern the registration of vehicles and financial responsibility laws.

A few examples of coverage under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance for vehicles used in connection with commercial, business, work or occupations carried on for profit; automobile liability insurance that includes MP and PIP as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to have this type of insurance.

Permissive Use

If someone other than a named insured or a family member drives your car and gets involved in an accident, it's important to understand the insurance coverage that is available in these circumstances. This is known as permissive usage. The specifics of your insurance policy could differ, but the majority of large automobile insurers provide this kind of coverage.

It is important to keep in mind that you are responsible for any damage caused by a driver who has your permission. Permission can be express or implied, and it typically does not need to be written down.

In determining whether there is implied consent, courts consider the relationship between the parties, their past conduct and usage of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding a specific driving event. A court will also look at whether there were any restrictions placed on the permissive usage and whether even a minor deviation from the time, location and use limitations of an initial permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Remember that adding the driver to your auto insurance policy is likely to increase the cost of your insurance, since the vehicle becomes more risky to insure. It is important to carefully evaluate your options prior to lending out your vehicle to other people. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and to discuss the terms of your policy.