Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state. In general, laws assume that the vehicle was operated with the consent of the owner.

Laws that enhance penalties such as making revocation automatic and targeting social hosts have varying impact on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices all have little effect.

Legal Definitions

The laws that govern the legal definitions of motor vehicles are defined and determined at the state level. The federal definitions for national standards for fuel economy and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily administrative, and they do not have any effect when states establish their own classifications for registration. The classifications of a vehicle's registration determine whether a driver must be granted a specific license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

The state laws define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and other terms. For instance the definition of light truck encompasses every motor vehicle with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of 7,500 pounds or less. 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.

A wheel chair is a device with wheels. It is usually used by those who have physical disabilities that make them cannot move around as pedestrians. A moped is an automobile with at most three wheels on the ground and that can travel at maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

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

Traffic Laws

Typically, each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws that deal with everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the kinds of vehicles covered by law. While certain laws are fairly similar between states, others vary significantly. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of people one can carry in the pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving in certain types of roads, such as parking lot.

Someone who operates a motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle in violation of these laws can face penalties and fines for violating these laws. Penalties could include having your license suspended or having to attend traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a state regarding automobiles is that it governs the speed limits that are set on roadways. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles as well as automobiles.

The law also defines the definition of the term "motor vehicle accidents vehicle." This covers every description of a carriage or device that is driven by mechanical power and is used on a highway for the transportation of persons or property or for other commercial purpose. It does not include semitrailers and trailers as well as house trailers or coaches or vehicles that only run upon rails or tracks, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles and motorized mobility aids used by people with disabilities, and self-propelled corn or hay harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract which protects the insurer against financial loss in the event of bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a third party due to the running, maintaining, ownership, 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 along with the coverage provided by the policy. It also contains the amount of the premium and the time frame for the period that the policy is in force, as well as the responsibility limits. It must also include an agreement or endorsement stating that the insurance is in accordance with the coverage specific to bodily injury, death or property damage.

Duncanville law firms often suggest that clients review a sample motor vehicle accident lawsuit vehicle policy to comprehend the terms. One of the biggest areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle." The phrase is used often in statutes that govern the registration of vehicles and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages covered under a motor insurance policy include commercial auto insurance for cars used for commercial or business establishments or for employment, activities, or occupations carried out for profit, automobile liability coverage, which comprises PIP MP, MP, as well as uninsured or underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). This kind of insurance is required by several states.

Permissible Use

If anyone other than an insured or family member is driving your car and gets involved in an accident, it's important to understand the insurance coverage that is available in these circumstances. This is called permissive usage. The specific terms of your insurance policy may vary, but a majority of major car insurers offer this type of coverage.

However, it is crucial to note that the person driving your vehicle must have your permission for you to be held accountable for any damage. Permission can be given in writing or implied, and it typically does not need to be written down.

In determining if there is an implied permission, courts look at the relationship between the two parties; their previous conduct and the use of the vehicle; and circumstances surrounding the specific driving event in question. A court also will consider the extent to which restrictions were imposed on the permissive usage and if one minor deviation from time, place, and usage limitations of the permission would violate these limitations.

Be aware that adding another driver to your insurance could cause your premium to go higher, since it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. Therefore, you must weigh your options carefully before lending your car to others. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and discuss your policy terms.