Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws that govern motor vehicle accidents vehicles vary widely from state to state. In general the law assumes the vehicle is being operated with the permission of the owner.

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

Legal Definitions

The laws that govern motor vehicle legal terms are formulated and regulated at the state level. The various definitions that are used for matters pertaining to national requirements for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly administrative reasons, and do not apply to states determining their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicles determine whether a driver has to be granted a specific license to operate certain types of vehicles.

The state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and many others. For instance, a light truck is any vehicle with an rated capacity of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes panel delivery trucks as well as pickup trucks. This is any vehicle or combination of vehicles that is specifically designed to transport passengers or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.

A wheel chair conveyance is a machine with wheels. It is typically used by people who are physically disabled and cannot walk as pedestrians. A moped is an automobile with only three wheels on the ground and that travels at a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab, also known as pedal-driven vehicle, is one that is driven by a driver sitting on top of it. The person who has the legal title to a vehicle is known as its owner.

Traffic Laws

Typically, each state has its own set of motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle laws which cover everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. They also regulate the types of vehicles covered by law. While some of these laws are similar between states, others vary significantly. There are laws that limit how many people can be transported in a pedicab. There are also laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain types of roads, for instance parking areas.

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

One of the most important laws in a state pertaining to vehicles is that which governs the speed limits set on roadways. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles as it is for automobiles.

It also defines the term "motor vehicle" as any carriage or motor Vehicle accident lawsuits other device that is propelled mechanically and is used on roads to move property or people, or for other commercial uses. The law excludes trailers coaches and semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles and motorized mobility assist devices used by disabled people and self-propelled corn as well as hay harvesting machines.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract between the insurer and insured which provides insurance against financial loss on account of liability for bodily injury or property damage to a third party that arises from the ownership and operation, maintenance or the use of a covered vehicle. It may also provide protection against physical damage to the vehicle itself. It must contain the name and address of the named insured as in addition to the coverage offered by the policy. It also includes the premium charged, the period for which the policy is in effect, and the limits of responsibility. It must also contain an agreement or a statement that insurance is provided thereunder in accordance with the coverage stated in the policy, in relation to bodily injury, property damage, or death, and is subject to the provisions of this chapter.

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

Examples of the coverages that are covered under a motor policy include commercial auto insurance for cars that are used for commercial, business establishments or other activities, employment or occupations that are carried out to earn money, automobile liability insurance, which includes PIP MP,, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to carry this type of insurance.

Permitted Use

If someone other than a named insured or family member drives your vehicle and gets into an accident, it is crucial to know the insurance coverage that is available in these circumstances. This concept is referred to as permissive use and the specific terms of your policy may differ but generally, the majority of large car insurance companies provide this kind of insurance.

However, it is important to keep in mind that anyone driving your vehicle must have your permission for you to be held responsible for damages. Permission may be granted in the form of a written statement or implied, and generally does not have to be written down.

To determine if there is implied consent, courts will take into consideration the relationship between the parties, their previous behavior and the use of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding a particular driving incident. A court will also consider if any restrictions were placed on the permissive use and if even a minor deviation from the time, place and use restrictions of the original permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Remember that adding an additional driver to your insurance policy will raise your premiums, as the vehicle becomes more difficult to cover. It is therefore essential to consider your options carefully prior to lending your vehicle out to other people. If you aren't sure whether to add someone else to your policy or not, call Jerry to discuss the specific terms of your insurance policy. You can also get an estimate for free.