Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicle accident law firm vehicles vary widely between states. In general the law, it is assumed that a vehicle is being operated by the owner's permission.

The mortality rates are influenced by laws that increase penalties, make revocation automatic, or make social hosts targets. All of these measures, including obligatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices have a slight effect.

Legal Definitions

State laws regulate the legal terms used by motor vehicles. The different definitions of federal law used for national requirements for fuel efficiency and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mainly for administrative purposes, and are not applicable to states that decide their own registration classifications. The classifications of a vehicle determine if a driver requires an exclusive license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

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

A wheel chair is a machine with wheels. It is typically used by those who, due to physical disability cannot move around as pedestrians. A moped is a vehicle with at most three wheels on the ground and that can travel at an maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a motorized vehicle that is propelled by an operator who sits on it. The owner of an automobile is the person who holds the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle laws, which regulate everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the types of vehicles that are covered by the law. While certain laws are fairly similar between states, others vary significantly. There are laws that restrict the number of passengers that can be transported in a pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, including parking spaces.

If you do not follow the law, you could be punished and fined. The penalties can vary from getting your driver's license revoked or being required to attend an traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a state pertaining to vehicles is the speed limits that are placed on roads. 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 a carriage or device that is powered by mechanical energy and utilized on a public road for the transport of people or property or for other commercial purpose. It does not include semitrailers and trailers and coaches, house trailers or coach trailers, vehicles that run only upon rails or tracks, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles as well as motorized mobility aids that are operated by a person who has disabilities, self-propelled hay harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract that covers the insurer against financial loss in the event of bodily harm or death or property damage caused by a third-party due to the running, maintaining, ownership, or use of an insured vehicle. It can also provide protection against physical damage to the vehicle itself. It must include the name and address of the named insured as well as the coverage provided by the policy, as well as the premium payable, the duration of effectiveness and the limits of liability. It must also include an endorsement or agreement stating that the insurance provided is in compliance with the coverage specific to bodily injury, death or property damage.

Duncanville law firms often recommend that people read the sample Motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle policy in order to comprehend the terms. One of the most frequently encountered areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle." The phrase is used often in statutes governing the registration of vehicles and financial accountability laws.

Examples of coverage under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance that covers vehicles used for business, commercial establishments, work or occupations which are carried out for profit automobile liability insurance that includes PIP and MP; and uninsured motorist and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). This type of insurance is required in many states.

Permissive Use

It is crucial to understand how insurance coverage works in the event that a person other than the named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and causes an accident. This is referred to as permissive use. The specific terms of your insurance policy could differ, but the majority of large automobile insurers provide this kind of coverage.

It is important to keep in mind that you are liable for any damage caused by a driver who has your permission. Permission can be given in writing or implied, and is not required to be recorded.

In determining whether there is implied consent, courts take into consideration the relationship between the parties, their past behavior and the use of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding a particular driving incident. A court will also look at whether there were any restrictions placed on the scope of permissive use. It will also consider if one minor deviation from duration, location and limitations of the original permission would violate these restrictions.

Be aware that adding an additional driver to your auto insurance policy will likely increase your premium, because the vehicle becomes more risky to cover. It is important to consider your options prior to giving your vehicle over to someone else. If you're unsure whether to include someone on your policy or not, contact Jerry to discuss the specific terms of your insurance policy and receive a no-cost quote.