motor vehicle accident attorneys Vehicle Legal Terms

Motor vehicle laws vary greatly from state to state. In general, laws assume that the vehicle was used by the owner's permission.

Laws that enhance penalties that make revocation automatic or the targeting of social hosts have mixed effects on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices have small effects.

Legal Definitions

The laws governing motor vehicle legal terms are formulated and determined at the state level. The various definitions used by the federal government for matters related to national requirements for fuel economy and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly for administrative reasons, and are not applicable to states determining their own registration classifications. These vehicle classifications determine if a driver requires a special licence to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

These state laws define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and more. For example the definition of a light truck comprises any motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks as well as 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.

A wheel chair conveyance is a machine with wheels. It is typically used by people who have physical disabilities that make them are unable to walk as pedestrians. A moped is a motor vehicle with fewer than three wheels that are in contact with the ground. It is able to travel at a speed of not more than 35 miles per hour.

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

Traffic Laws

Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle law that cover everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. The laws also deal with the kinds of vehicles subject to the law. While certain laws are similar across states, some are very different. For instance, there are laws that restrict the number of people that can be transported in a pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain types of roads, for instance parking lots.

Any person who operates a motor vehicle that is in violation of these laws can be penalized and liable for fines for doing so. Penalties could include having your license suspended or the requirement to take a traffic class.

One of the most important laws a state has regarding vehicles is the speed limits set on roadways. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles as well as automobiles.

The law also sets out the definition of the term "motor vehicle." This includes every description of carriage or other contrivance that is propelled by mechanical force and utilized on a public road for the transport of people or property, or for other commercial use. The law does not include trailers, coaches, semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles and motorized mobility assist devices operated by people with disabilities and self-propelled corn, as well as hay harvesting machines.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is an agreement between the insurer and insured that protects against financial loss due to the liability for bodily injury, property damage to a third party that arises out of the ownership operating, maintenance, or use of a covered vehicle. It may also protect against physical damage to the vehicle. It must state the address and name of the insured named as well as the coverage provided by the policy, the amount payable, the duration of its effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It must also include an agreement or endorsement that the insurance coverage is provided in conformity with the coverage set out in respect of bodily injury or property damage or death and is subject to all rules of this chapter.

Duncanville law firms typically recommend that people read the sample motor vehicle policy to be aware of the terms. One of the most frequently encountered confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". This phrase appears in a number of statutes that govern vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

A few examples of coverage under a motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle policy include commercial auto insurance that covers vehicles used for commercial, business, activities, employment or occupations that are conducted for profit; automobile liability insurance which includes PIP and MP; and uninsured motorist and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). This kind of insurance is required by a number of states.

Permissive Use

It is essential to know what insurance coverage is available in the event that a person other than the named insured or a family member drives your car and causes an accident. This is known as permissive use. The specific terms of your policy can vary but generally, the majority of major car insurance companies provide this kind of coverage.

However, it is important to keep in mind that anyone driving your vehicle must have your permission in order to be held responsible for any damage. Permission may be expressed or implied, and is not required to be recorded.

In determining whether there is implied permission, courts will look at the relationship between the parties; their prior behavior and use of the vehicle; and circumstances surrounding the particular driving event that is in question. A court will also examine whether any restrictions were placed on the permissive use and if even minor deviations from the time, location and usage restrictions of the permission would violate of these limitations.

Remember that adding the driver to your auto insurance policy will likely increase the cost of your insurance, since the vehicle becomes more difficult to cover. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your options before giving your vehicle over to anyone else. If you aren't sure whether to add someone else to your policy or not. Contact Jerry to discuss the specifics of your insurance policy and receive a free quote.