Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicles differ widely from state to state. In general, the laws assume that the vehicle was operated with the consent of the owner.

The mortality rates are affected by laws that increase penalties and make revocation automatic or make social hosts targets. Mandatory education, treatment for alcohol, and interlock devices all have a limited impact.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern motor vehicle accident vehicle legal terms. The federal definitions of national fuel economy standards and licensing standards for drivers of commercial vehicles are mostly administrative and are not applicable when states establish their own classifications for registration. The classifications of a vehicle determine if a motorist requires an additional license to operate certain types vehicles.

The laws of the state define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and others. For example the definition of light truck includes any motor vehicle with an estimated carrying capacity of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes panel delivery vehicles and pickup trucks. It also excludes any vehicle or combination of vehicles specifically designed to carry property or passengers wholly within its own structure, such as manufactured homes and trailers.

A wheel chair conveyance is a device with wheels. It is usually used by people who are physically disabled and cannot move around as pedestrians. Mopeds are motor vehicle with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. It is able to travel at a speed of not more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a type of vehicle driven by an operator sitting on it. The person who has the legal title to a vehicle is called the owner of the vehicle.

Traffic Laws

Typically, each state has its own set of motor vehicle law that encompass everything from registration process to the insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the kinds of vehicles covered by the law. Some of these laws are akin across states, while others are different. For instance, there are laws that restrict the number of passengers a person can transport in a pedicab. There are laws against reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, including parking lots.

Any person who operates a motor vehicle that is in violation of these laws could be fined and punished for doing so. Penalties can include having your license suspended or the requirement to attend traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a particular state regarding automobiles is that it governs the speed limits set on roadways. In New York, for example it is stated that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is the same as that of an automobile.

It also defines a "motor vehicle" as any carriage or other device that is driven mechanically and used on a highway to transport people or property or for commercial purposes. It excludes semitrailers and trailers, coaches or house trailers or vehicles that only run upon rails or tracks, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles and Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys motorized mobility aids operated by a person with disabilities, and self-propelled corn or hay harvesting machines and tractors.

Insurance

A motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle insurance policy is a contract that protects the insurer from financial loss due to liability for injuries to the body or death or property damage caused by a third-party arising from running, maintaining, ownership or use of an insured vehicle. It also provides protection against physical damage to the covered vehicle itself. It must mention the name and address of the insured named, the coverage afforded by the policy, the cost payable, the duration of its effectiveness, Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys and the limits of liability. It must also contain an agreement or an endorsement that states that the insurance coverage is in line with the coverage provided for bodily injuries or death, or property damage.

Duncanville law firms often suggest that people read a sample motor vehicle policy in order to be aware of the terms. One of the most frequently encountered confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle". This phrase appears in many statutes that govern the registration of vehicles as well as financial responsibility laws.

Some examples of coverage provided under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance that covers vehicles used for business, commercial establishments, work or occupations that are primarily for profit; automobile liability insurance, which includes MP and PIP, and uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to have this kind of insurance.

Permitted Use

It is crucial to understand how insurance coverage works if someone other than the named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and causes an accident. This concept is referred to as permissive use and the specific terms of your policy may differ, but in general most large car insurance companies offer this type of insurance.

However, it is important to note that the person driving your car must have your permission in order for you to be held responsible for any damages. Permission can be express or implied, and typically does not need to be written down.

To determine if there is implied consent, courts examine the relationship between the parties, their prior conduct and use of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding a specific driving event. The court will also consider whether there were any restrictions placed on the scope of permissive use, and if even an unintentional deviation from the time, place and use limitations of the permission would violate the restrictions.

Keep in mind that adding another driver to your insurance is likely to cause your insurance premium to go up, as it makes the car more risky to insure. Therefore, you must consider your options carefully prior to lending your vehicle to others. Contact Jerry to receive a no-cost insurance quote and to discuss the terms of your policy.