Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicles vary from state to state. In general the law, it is assumed that the vehicle is operating by the owner's permission.

Laws enhancing penalties that make revocation automatic or targeting social hosts can have mixed impacts on mortality rates. All of these measures, which include mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices, have a tiny impact.

Legal Definitions

The laws that govern the legal definitions of motor vehicles are formulated and determined at the state level. The various definitions used by the federal government in connection with national requirements for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly for administrative purposes and are not applicable to states that are determining their own registration classifications. The classifications of a vehicle determine if a driver needs special licenses to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

The state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and other. For instance light truck, it's any vehicle with a capacity of carrying less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes panel delivery vehicles and pickup trucks. This is any vehicle or combination of vehicles that is designed to carry passengers or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.

Wheel chair is a type of vehicle with wheels that is utilized by people who are physically disabled and unable to walk. A moped is an automobile with not more than three wheels on the ground and that travels at maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab, also known as a pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by a driver who sits on top of it. Someone who holds the legal title to a vehicle is known as its owner.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set motor vehicle laws which cover everything from registration procedure to the insurance requirements. These laws also cover the kinds of vehicles covered by law. Some of these laws are the same across states, but other laws differ significantly. For instance there are laws that limit the number of persons you can carry in a pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving on certain types of roads, for instance parking lots.

If you break the law, you could be punished and fined. Penalties can include having your license revoked or being required to take a traffic class.

One of the most important laws a state has regarding vehicles is that which governs the speed limits established on the roads. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles as it is for automobiles.

It also defines the term "motor vehicle" as any vehicle, carriage, or other device that is propelled mechanically and is used on roads to transport property or people, or for other commercial uses. The law does not apply to trailers, coaches, semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles motorized mobility assist systems operated by people with disabilities as well as self-propelled corn and harvesting machines for hay.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract that protects the insurer from financial loss in the event of bodily harm or death or property damage caused by a third party that results from the maintaining, operating or use of an insured vehicle. It can also protect against physical damage to the vehicle. It must include the name and address the named insured as well as the coverage provided by the policy. It also includes the amount of the premium and the time frame for the duration of the policy in effect, and the limits of liability. It should also contain an agreement or endorsement that the insurance coverage is provided in accordance with the coverage specified in the policy for bodily injury or property damage or death and is subject to all rules of this chapter.

The language used in a motor vehicle policy can be confusing for the average person. Duncanville law firms often recommend that an individual review an example policy to understand the terms. One of the biggest areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle." The phrase is used frequently in statutes governing the registration of vehicles and financial accountability laws.

Some examples of coverage provided under a motor vehicle policy include commercial auto insurance for vehicles used for business, commercial establishments, work or occupations which are carried out for profit auto liability insurance that covers MP and PIP, and underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to carry this kind of insurance.

Permissive Use

If anyone other than an insured or a family member drives your car and gets involved in an accident, it is important to understand the way insurance coverage works in these scenarios. This is known as permissive use and the specifics of your policy might differ however, in general, most major car insurance companies provide this type of coverage.

However, it is crucial to remember that the person driving your car must have your permission in order for you to be held responsible for any damage. Permission may be either implied or explicit and does not always need to be in writing.

In determining if there is implied consent, courts examine the relationship between the parties, their past conduct and use 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. It will also consider if slight deviation from the time, place, and usage restrictions of the original permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Remember that adding a driver to your auto insurance policy is likely to increase your premium, firms because the vehicle becomes more difficult to insure. It is therefore essential to think about your options carefully before giving your vehicle over to other people. Contact Jerry to get a free insurance quote and discuss your policy's terms.