Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles are different from state to state. In general, the laws assume that the vehicle was operated with the owner's consent.

The mortality rates are influenced by laws that increase penalties or make revocation automatic or target social hosts. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices have minimal effects.

Legal Definitions

State laws regulate the legal terms used by motor vehicles. The various definitions used by the federal government for matters pertaining to national requirements for fuel efficiency and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly to serve administrative purposes, and do not apply to states that determine their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicle registrations determine whether a driver must get a license specific to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

The state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and many others. As an example, a light truck is any motor vehicle that has a manufacturer-rated carrying capacity less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks as well as panel delivery trucks. It also excludes any vehicle or combination of vehicles designed primarily to carry passengers or property entirely within its own structure, like trailers and manufactured homes.

Wheel chairs are vehicles with wheels used by those who have physical disabilities and cannot walk. A moped is a vehicle with at most three wheels on the ground and that can travel at the speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by the operator sitting on the top. A person who owns the legal title to a car is called the owner of the vehicle.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own motor vehicle laws that cover everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. They also regulate the types of vehicles covered by the law. Some of these laws are akin across states, while others differ greatly. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of persons one can carry in the pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, like a parking lot.

If you violate these laws, you could be punished and fined. The penalties can vary from having your driver's licence suspended to having to attend the traffic school.

The law that governs 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 vehicle or contrivance that is propelled by mechanical power and used on a public highway for the transportation of people or property or for other commercial purpose. The law excludes trailers, coaches, semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles and motorized mobility assist devices for people with disabilities, and self-propelled corn and hay harvesting machines.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract which protects the insurer against financial losses caused by bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a third party caused by the operating, ownership, maintenance or the use of an insured vehicle. It can also offer protection against physical damage to the vehicle itself. It must mention the name and address of the named insured the policy, the coverage provided by the policy, the cost that is charged, the period of effectiveness and the limits of liability. It must also contain an agreement or endorsement that states that the insurance coverage is in accordance with the coverage that is specifically outlined for bodily injury or death, as well as property damage.

Duncanville law firms typically recommend that individuals review a sample motor vehicle policy in order to know the terms. One of the most frequent areas of confusion is the definition of "motor vehicle." The phrase is used often in statutes governing registration of vehicles as well as financial responsibility laws.

Examples of the coverages that are covered under a motor vehicle accidents policy include commercial auto insurance for vehicles used for commercial or business establishments or activities, employment, or occupations done to earn money, automobile liability coverage, which includes PIP MP,, and uninsured and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to carry this type of insurance.

Permissive Use

If you are not the named insured or family member drives your vehicle and gets into an accident, it's crucial to know how insurance coverage works in these circumstances. This is referred to as permissive use. The specifics of your insurance policy may differ, but most large insurance companies offer this type of coverage.

It is important to remember that you are accountable for any damage caused by a driver with your permission. Permission may be either implied or explicit and does not typically have to be written.

To determine if there is implied consent, courts will look at the relationship of the parties, their previous conduct and usage of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding a particular driving incident. A judge will also consider whether any restrictions were made regarding the permissive usage and if even minor deviations from the time, location and use restrictions of the initial permission would violate of these restrictions.

Remember that adding a driver to your auto insurance policy will likely increase your premium, because the vehicle becomes more difficult to cover. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your options before giving your vehicle over to others. If you're not sure whether to add someone to your policy or not. Contact Jerry to discuss the specific terms of your insurance policy. Get an estimate for free.