Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws that govern motor vehicles are different from state to state. In general, laws assume that a vehicle was operated by the owner's permission.

Laws that enhance penalties such as making revocation automatic and targeting social hosts have mixed impacts on mortality rates. All of these measures, including obligatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices have a little impact.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern the legal definitions of motor vehicle Accident attorney vehicles. The definitions used by the federal government for national standards for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers are mostly administrative, and they do not have any effect when states establish their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicles determine if a driver needs special licenses to operate certain types of vehicles.

The laws of the state define terms like "automobile," "light trucks" and more. For instance, the definition of light truck includes all motor vehicles with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes panel delivery trucks and pickup trucks. This includes any vehicle or Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney combination designed to carry passengers or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.

A wheel chair is a vehicle with wheels, typically used by people who are physically disabled and cannot move around as pedestrians. Mopeds are motor vehicle that has no more than three wheels that are in contact with the ground. It can travel at speeds not more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a motorized vehicle that is propelled by an operator who sits on it. The owner of the vehicle is the person who holds the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle laws that cover everything from registration procedure to insurance requirements. The laws also deal with the types of vehicles subject to the law. Some of these laws are the same across states, however others vary considerably. For instance there are laws that restrict the number of passengers you can carry in a pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving on certain types of roads, for instance parking areas.

If you break the law, you could be penalized and fined. The penalties could vary from getting your driver's license revoked and being required to attend a traffic school.

The law that regulates speed limits on roads is among the most important laws that states have. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles and automobiles.

The law also defines the definition of a "motor vehicle." This includes every description of a carriage or device that is powered by mechanical power and is utilized on a public road for the transportation of people or property, or for any other commercial purpose. It does not include trailers and semitrailers as well as house trailers or coaches and vehicles that operate only on tracks or rails snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicle as well as motorized mobility aids used by people with disabilities, and self-propelled corn or hay harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract between the insurer and insured that covers financial loss on account of the risk of bodily injury or property damage to a third party that arises out of the ownership or operation, maintenance, or use of a covered vehicle. It can also protect against physical damage to the vehicle. It must include the name and address the named insured as in addition to the coverage offered by the policy. It also includes the amount of premium paid and the time frame for which the policy is in force, and the maximum amount of responsibility. It must also contain an agreement or a statement that insurance is provided thereunder in accordance with the coverage specified therein as respects injuries to the body or property damage or death and is subject to all of the provisions of this chapter.

Duncanville law firms frequently suggest that clients read the sample motor vehicle policy in order to be aware of the terms. One of the biggest areas of confusion is the definition of "motor vehicle." The phrase is used often in statutes governing vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverage under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance for vehicles used for commercial establishments, business work or occupations that are primarily for profit; automobile liability insurance that includes MP and PIP; and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of insurance is required by several states.

Permissive Use

It is essential to understand how insurance coverage works when someone other than the named insured or a family member drives your car and causes an accident. This concept is referred to as permissive use. The specific terms of your policy may differ but generally, the majority of large car insurance companies offer this kind of insurance.

However, it is important to keep in mind that anyone driving your car must have your permission in order for you to be held responsible for any damages. Permission may be either implied or explicit, and does not usually require a written document.

In determining if there is an implied permission, courts consider the relationship between the parties, their previous conduct and the use of the vehicle; as well as the circumstances surrounding the specific driving event. A court will also consider if any restrictions were placed on the scope of permissive use, and if even one minor deviation from duration, location and limitations of the original permission would violate these limitations.

Be aware that adding a driver to your car insurance is likely to result in your premium going up since it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. It is therefore important to weigh your options carefully before lending your vehicle to other people. Contact Jerry to receive a no-cost insurance quote and to discuss the terms of your policy.