Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicle accident attorney vehicles vary between states. In general the law, it is assumed that the vehicle is operated with its owner's permission.

The mortality rates are influenced by laws that increase penalties, make revocation automatic, or focus on social hosts. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices have a limited impact.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern the legal definitions of motor vehicle accident law Firm vehicles. The various federal definitions used for national requirements for fuel economy and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly for administrative purposes and are not applicable to states that decide their own registration classifications. The classifications of a vehicle's registration determine if a driver needs to obtain a special license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

These laws define terms like "automobile," "light trucks" and many more. For example, the definition of a light truck comprises any motor vehicle that has an estimated carrying capacity of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes panel delivery vehicles and pickup trucks. This includes 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, which is used by those who physically disabled and are unable to walk. A moped is a vehicle with only three wheels on the ground, and that travels at an maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

A pedal-driven vehicle, is one that is driven by a driver who sits on top of it. Someone who holds the legal title to a vehicle is called the owner of the vehicle.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws that cover everything from registration procedure to insurance requirements. These statutes also address the kinds of vehicles protected by law. Some of these laws are akin across states, however others are different. For instance, there are laws that restrict the number of passengers one can carry in the pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, like parking lots.

If you are in violation of these laws, you may be punished and fined. Penalties could include having your license suspended or the requirement to take a traffic class.

One of the most important laws a state has regarding automobiles is that it governs the speed limits placed on roads. In New York, for example, it states that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is the same as that of an automobile.

The law also sets out the definition of a "motor vehicle." This covers every description of a carriage or other device that is driven by mechanical power and employed on a public highway for the transportation of persons or property, or for other commercial use. The law excludes trailers, coaches and semitrailers, all terrain and snowmobile vehicles motorized mobility assist systems that are operated by people with disabilities, and self-propelled corn and harvesting machines for hay.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract that protects the insurer against financial loss caused by bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a third-party that results from the running, maintaining, ownership or use of an insured vehicle. It may also protect 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 contains the amount of the premium and the time frame for the duration of the policy in force, and the limits of liability. It must also contain an agreement or a statement that insurance is provided thereunder in accordance with the coverage specified therein as respects injuries to the body, property damage, and is subject to all rules of this chapter.

Duncanville law firms typically recommend that clients read a sample motor vehicle policy in order to be aware of the terms. One of the most common areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle." The phrase is used frequently in statutes that govern the registration of vehicles and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverage under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance for vehicles that are used for commercial establishments, business work or occupations carried on for profit; automobile liability insurance, which includes MP and PIP, and uninsured motorist and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to carry this type of insurance.

Permissive Use

It is crucial to understand the way insurance coverage works in the event that someone other than the named insured or a family member is driving your vehicle and causes an accident. This is known as permissive use. The specific terms of your policy can vary however, in general, most large car insurance providers offer this kind of insurance.

It is important to remember that you are liable for any damage caused by a driver with your permission. Permission may be granted in the form of a written statement or implied, and it generally does not have to be recorded.

In determining if there is an implied permission, courts will look at the relationship between the parties, their previous conduct and usage of the vehicle; as well as the circumstances surrounding the specific driving event that is in question. A judge will also consider whether any restrictions were imposed on the scope of permissive use and if even a minor deviation from the time, location and usage limitations of the original permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Keep in mind that adding a driver to your insurance will cause your premium to go higher, since it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. It is important to evaluate your options prior to lending out your vehicle to someone else. If you are unsure about whether to add someone to your policy or not. Contact Jerry to discuss the specific terms of your insurance policy. Get a no-cost quote.