Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws that govern motor vehicle accidents vehicles differ widely from one state to another. In general, laws assume that a vehicle was operated by the owner's permission.

The mortality rates are influenced by laws that increase penalties, make revocation automatic, or focus on social hosts. All of these measures, which include mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices have a little effect.

Legal Definitions

The laws governing motor Vehicle accident law firm vehicle legal terms are formulated and determined at the state level. The federal definitions of national standards for fuel economy and licensing standards for drivers of commercial vehicles are primarily administrative and do not apply when states decide on their own registration classifications. These classifications of vehicles determine if a driver requires an exclusive license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

The state laws define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and many more. For instance light truck, it's any vehicle with a manufacturer-rated carrying capacity less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks as well as panel delivery trucks. Also, it does not include any combination of vehicles specifically designed to transport property or passengers wholly within the structure of the vehicle, which includes trailers and manufactured homes.

A wheel chair is a vehicle with wheels, typically used by persons who, due to physical disability are unable to move about as pedestrians. A moped is an automobile with not more than three wheels on the ground, and that travels at an maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab, or pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by a driver who sits on the top of it. The owner of an automobile is the person who owns the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Typically, each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws that cover everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. The laws also deal with the types of vehicles that are protected by law. Some of these laws are similar across states, while other laws differ significantly. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of people a person can transport in a pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain types of roads, such as parking lots.

Someone who operates a motor vehicle in violation of these laws could be fined and punished for violating these laws. The penalties could range from having your driver's licence suspended to having to attend an traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a state regarding automobiles is that it governs the speed limits that are established on the roads. In New York, for example it says that the speed limit for commercial vehicle is similar to that of an automobile.

The law also defines the definition of the term "motor vehicle." This covers every description of carriage or other device that is powered 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, semitrailers and coaches, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles as well as motorized mobility assist devices operated by people with disabilities as well as self-propelled corn and hay harvesting machines.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract that covers the insurer from financial loss from liability for bodily harm or death or property damage caused by a third party that results from the ownership, operation, maintenance or the use of an insured vehicle. It also provides protection against physical damage to the vehicle itself. It must state the name and address of the insured named as well as the coverage provided by the policy, the premium paid for it, the time of effectiveness and the limits of liability. It must also contain an endorsement or agreement stating that the insurance coverage is in accordance with coverage provided for bodily injuries or death, as well as property damage.

The language used in a motor vehicle policy can be confusing for anyone, and Duncanville law firms typically suggest that individuals read the sample policy to comprehend the terms. One of the biggest confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle". This phrase appears in a number of statutes that govern vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages offered under a motor policy include commercial auto insurance for cars that are used for commercial, business establishments or other activities, employment or jobs carried out for profit, as well as automobile liability insurance, which includes PIP, MP, and uninsured and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to have this type of insurance.

Permitted Use

If you are not the named insured or family member is driving your car and gets involved in an accident, it is crucial to know the way insurance coverage works in these circumstances. This concept is known as permissive use. The specific terms of your policy could differ however, in general, most large car insurance companies provide this kind of coverage.

However, it is important to keep in mind that anyone driving your car must have your permission in order for you to be held responsible for any damages. Permission may be implied or express and does not always require writing.

In determining whether there is implied consent, courts look at the relationship of the parties, their previous conduct and usage of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding a specific driving event. A court will also examine whether any restrictions were imposed regarding the permissive usage and whether even a minor deviation from the time, location and use limitations of the original permission would violate of these restrictions.

Be aware that adding the driver to your auto insurance policy will likely increase your premium, as the vehicle becomes more difficult to cover. Therefore, it is important to think about your options carefully before giving your vehicle over to other people. If you aren't sure whether you should add someone to your policy or not, call Jerry to discuss the specifics of your insurance policy and get a no-cost quote.