Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws for Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firms vehicles vary from state to state. In general the law, it is assumed that the vehicle is operating with its owner's permission.

Laws enhancing penalties, making revocation automatic or the targeting of social hosts have mixed effects on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices all have minimal effects.

Legal Definitions

The laws governing the legal definitions of motor vehicles are defined and determined at the state level. The federal definitions of national fuel economy standards and licensing requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles are primarily administrative and do not apply when states establish their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicles determine if a driver needs to be granted a specific license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

These state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and others. For example, the definition of light truck is all motor vehicles with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes panel delivery trucks as well as pickup trucks. This is any vehicle or combination that is designed to transport passengers or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.

Wheel chairs are vehicles with wheels utilized by people who have physical disabilities and cannot walk. A moped is a vehicle with no more than three wheels on the ground, and that can travel at maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab vehicle is one that is propelled by an operator sitting on it. The owner of the vehicle is the person who has the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Typically, each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws, which regulate everything from the registration process to the insurance requirements. These laws also cover the kinds of vehicles covered by the law. Some of these laws are the same across states, but others differ greatly. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of people you can carry in a pedicab. There are also laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain types of roads, for instance parking spaces.

If you break these laws, you may be penalized and fined. Penalties can include being unable to drive or having your license suspended, or the requirement to go to traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a state pertaining to vehicles is the speed limits that are established on the roads. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles and automobiles.

It also defines a "motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle" as any carriage or other device that is driven mechanically and used on the highway to transport people or property, or for other commercial purposes. It excludes semitrailers and trailers, coaches or house trailers or vehicles that only run on tracks or rails snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicle, motorized mobility assistance devices that are operated by a person who has disabilities, self-propelled corn or hay harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A motor insurance policy for vehicles is a contract between the insured and the insurer that provides insurance against financial loss on account of liability for bodily injury or death, property damage to a third party that arises out of ownership, operation, maintenance or the use of a covered vehicle. It can also offer protection against physical damage to the vehicle. It must state the address and name of the insured named and the amount of coverage offered by the policy, the amount paid for it, the time of its effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It should also contain an agreement or endorsement that the insurance is provided in accordance with the coverage stated in respect of bodily injury, death or property damage and is subject to the provisions of this chapter.

The wording in a motor vehicle insurance policy can be confusing to the average person, and Duncanville law firms will often recommend that an individual review an example policy to understand the terms. One of the most common areas of confusion is the definition of "motor vehicle." The phrase is used often in statutes that govern vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages covered under an insurance policy are commercial auto insurance for vehicles that are used for commercial and business establishments or activities, employment, or occupations that are conducted for profit, and automobile liability coverage, which comprises PIP, MP, and uninsured and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). This kind of insurance is required by a number of states.

Permissive Use

If someone other than the named insured or family member is driving your car and gets into an accident, it is important to understand how insurance coverage works in these circumstances. This is known as permissive utilization. The specific terms of your insurance policy could differ, but the majority of large insurance companies offer this type of coverage.

However, it is crucial to note that the person driving your vehicle must have your permission in order to be held liable 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 take into consideration the relationship between the parties, their prior conduct and use of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding a specific driving event. A court will also consider whether any restrictions were imposed on the scope of permissive usage and if slight deviation from the time, place, and usage limitations of the permission would violate these restrictions.

Remember that adding a driver to your insurance will increase your insurance premium up, as it makes the car more risky to insure. It is therefore essential to be aware of your options before giving your vehicle over to anyone else. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and to discuss your policy's terms.