Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicles vary widely from one state to another. In general, laws assume that a vehicle was operated with the owner's consent.

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

Legal Definitions

State laws regulate the legal terms used by motor vehicles. The federal definitions for national fuel economy standards and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily administrative and are not applicable when states decide on their own registration classifications. The classifications of a vehicle determine if a driver needs a special licence to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

These state laws define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and more. For example, the definition of light truck is any motor vehicle that has an estimated 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 people or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.

Wheel chairs are a vehicle with wheels used by those who have physical disabilities and cannot walk. A moped is a vehicle with at most three wheels on the ground, and that can travel at the speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a vehicle which is driven by an operator who sits on it. The owner of an automobile is the person who has the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own motor vehicle laws that cover everything from the registration process to the insurance requirements. These statutes also address the kinds of vehicles that are covered by the law. While some of these laws are similar between states, others differ significantly. There are laws that restrict the number of people that can be carried in a pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain types of roads, including parking lots.

If you violate these laws, you could be punished with a fine and/or a penalty. The penalties range from having your driver's license suspended and being required to attend the traffic school.

The law governing speed limits on roads is one of the most important laws a state has. In New York, for example it is stated that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is similar to that of an automobile.

The law also sets out the definition of the term "motor vehicle." This includes any description of a carriage or other device that is driven by mechanical power and is employed on a public highway for the transport of people or property, or for other commercial purpose. It excludes semitrailers and trailers such as coaches or house trailers, vehicles that run only on tracks or Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm rails snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicle as well as motorized mobility aids that are operated by a person who has a disability and self-propelled corn or hay harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract that covers the insurer against financial losses caused by bodily harm or death or property damage caused by a third-party that results from the maintaining, operating or the use of an insured vehicle. It can also provide protection against physical damage to the insured vehicle. It must include the address and name of the named insured the policy, the coverage provided by the policy, the amount charged therefor, the period of effectivity and the limits of liability. It must also include an endorsement or agreement stating that the insurance provided is in accordance with coverage specified as to bodily injury and death, as well as property damage.

The language of the motor vehicle policy may be confusing for the average person. Duncanville law firms often suggest that individuals read an example policy to understand the terms. One of the most frequent areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle accidents vehicle." The phrase appears frequently in statutes governing the registration of vehicles and financial responsibility laws.

Some examples of coverage under a motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle policy include commercial auto insurance for vehicles that are used in connection with business, commercial establishments, occupations, or activities which are carried out for profit automobile liability insurance which includes PIP and MP; and uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to carry this kind of insurance.

Permissive Use

It is essential to understand how insurance coverage works when someone other than the named insured or a family member drives your car and causes an accident. This concept is known as permissive use and the specifics of your policy may differ however, generally speaking, all major car insurance companies provide this type of coverage.

It is crucial to remember that you are liable for any damages caused by a driver who has your permission. Permission can be given in writing or implied, and it usually does not have to be recorded.

In determining whether there is implied consent, courts will consider the relationship between the parties, their prior conduct and use of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding a particular driving incident. The court will also consider if any restrictions were placed on the permissive use, and if even one minor deviation from time, place, and usage restrictions of the original permission would violate the restrictions.

Be aware that adding a driver to your insurance will cause your premium to go up, since it makes the car more risky to insure. It is important to carefully weigh your options before lending your car to anyone else. If you aren't sure whether to include someone on your policy or not, contact Jerry to discuss the specifics of your insurance policy and get a no-cost quote.