motor vehicle accident lawsuits Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from state to state. In general, the laws assume that a vehicle was operated by the owner's permission.

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

Legal Definitions

State laws govern legal terms for motor vehicles. The various federal definitions used for matters related to national requirements for fuel economy and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers serve mainly for administrative reasons, and do not apply to states that decide their own registration classifications. The classifications of a vehicle determine if a driver needs an additional license to operate certain types of vehicles.

These state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and many others. As an example an example, a light truck is any motor vehicle that has a capacity of carrying less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks and panel delivery trucks. It also excludes any combination of vehicles that is designed primarily to carry passengers or property within its own structure, such as manufactured homes and trailers.

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

A pedicab, or pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by the driver sitting on the top. The owner of a vehicle is the one who holds the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws that cover everything from the registration procedure to the 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 differ significantly. There are laws that restrict how many people can be transported in a pedicab. There are also laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain types of roads, including parking areas.

If you break these laws, you can be punished with a fine and/or a penalty. Penalties could include being unable to drive or having your license suspended, or having to take a traffic class.

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

It also defines the term "motor vehicle" as any carriage or other device that is powered mechanically and used on a highway to transport property or people or for commercial uses. The law excludes trailers, coaches and semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobiles motorized mobility assist systems used by disabled people as well as self-propelled corn and harvesting machines for hay.

Insurance

A motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle policy is a contract that protects the insurer from financial loss in the event of bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a third-party arising from operating, ownership, maintenance or use of an insured vehicle. It can also offer protection against physical damage to the covered vehicle itself. It must contain the name and address the named insured as along with the coverage provided by the policy. It also includes cost of the policy and the time for the duration of the policy in effect, as well as the limits of responsibility. It must also contain an agreement or endorsement that the insurance coverage is provided in accordance with the coverage specified therein as respects injuries to the body, property damage, or death, and is subject to all the rules of this chapter.

The language in a motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle policy can be confusing for anyone, and Duncanville law firms typically recommend that individuals review the policy sample to fully be aware of the terms. One of the most frequently encountered confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". This phrase is used in numerous statutes that govern the registration of vehicles and financial responsibility laws.

Some examples of coverage provided under a motor vehicle policy include commercial automobile insurance for vehicles used in connection with business, commercial establishments, occupations, or activities which are carried out for profit automobile liability insurance, which includes MP and PIP as well as underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of insurance is required by several states.

Permissive Use

If you are not the named insured or a family member drives your car and gets into an accident, it is crucial to know the way insurance coverage works in these situations. This concept is referred to as permissive use and the specifics of your policy can vary, but in general most large car insurance companies offer this type of insurance.

However, it is crucial to note that a person driving your vehicle must have your permission in order to be held liable for damages. Permission can be given in writing or implied, and usually does not have to be recorded.

In determining if there is implied consent, courts will take into consideration the relationship between the parties, their previous behavior and the usage of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding a specific driving event. A court also will consider whether there were any restrictions placed on the permissive use, and if even one minor deviation from time, place and use restrictions of the original permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Keep in mind that adding another driver to your car insurance will likely result in your premium going up, as it makes the car more risky to insure. It is therefore important to consider your options carefully prior to giving your vehicle over to others. Contact Jerry to get a free insurance quote and to discuss the policy's terms.