Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicles are different from one state to the next. In general the law assumes the vehicle is operated with its owner's permission.

The mortality rates are affected by laws that increase penalties that make revocation automatic or target social hosts. All of these measures, such as obligatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices have a small effect.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern legal terms for motor vehicles. The federal definitions of national standards for fuel economy and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers are mostly administrative in nature and do not apply when states decide on their own classifications of registration. These vehicle classifications determine if a driver needs an additional license to operate certain types of vehicles.

These state laws define terms like "automobile," "light trucks" and others. For instance, the definition of light truck includes every motor vehicle with the capacity of the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes panel delivery trucks and pickup trucks. This is any vehicle or combination of vehicles that is specifically designed to transport passengers or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.

Wheel chairs are a vehicle with wheels that is used by people who have physical disabilities and cannot walk. A moped is a motor vehicle with fewer than three wheels in contact with the ground that is able to travel at a speed of not more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a type of vehicle driven by a driver who is sitting on it. The owner of a vehicle is the person who owns the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle laws which cover everything from the registration process to the insurance requirements. These laws also cover the types of vehicles covered by the law. Some of these laws are akin across states, however other laws differ significantly. There are laws that limit the number of people that can be transported in a pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, like parking areas.

A person who operates a motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle that is in violation of these laws could be fined and punished for violating these laws. The penalties range from getting your driver's license revoked and being required to attend a traffic school.

The law that governs speed limits on roads is among the most important laws states have. In New York, for example it is stated that the speed limit for commercial vehicle is identical 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 contrivance that is propelled by mechanical power and is used on a public highway for the transportation of people or property, or for any other commercial purpose. The law excludes trailers coaches and semitrailers, all terrain and snowmobile vehicles and motorized mobility assist devices operated by people with disabilities as well as self-propelled corn and hay harvesting machines.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract which protects the insurer against financial losses in the event of bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a third-party caused by the operating, ownership, maintenance or use of an insured vehicle. It may also cover physical damage to the vehicle. It must state the name and address of the insured named the policy, the coverage provided by the policy, the premium charged therefor, the period of the policy's effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It should also contain an agreement or endorsement that the insurance is provided in conformity with the coverage set out in respect of injuries to the body or property damage, and is subject to the requirements of this chapter.

The wording in the motor vehicle policy may be confusing for anyone, and Duncanville law firms often recommend that a person read an example policy to be aware of 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 vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages covered under the motor vehicle accident law firms policy include commercial auto coverage for vehicles used for commercial or business establishments or activities, employment, or occupations conducted for profit, as well as automobile liability coverage, which includes PIP MP, MP, as well as uninsured or underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). This kind of insurance is required in many states.

Permissive Use

If you are not the named 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 known as permissive usage and the specifics of your policy can vary however, generally speaking, all large car insurance companies provide this type of coverage.

It is important to remember that you are accountable for any damage caused by a driver with your permission. Permission may be expressed or implied, and is not required to be recorded.

In determining if there was implied consent, courts will take into consideration the relationship between the parties, their previous conduct and use of the vehicle as well as the circumstances surrounding a specific driving incident. A judge will also consider whether any restrictions were made on the scope of permissive use and if any minor deviations from the time, place and usage restrictions of the permission would be in violation of these limitations.

Remember that adding a driver to your car insurance could cause your premium to go up, as it makes the car more risky to insure. It is therefore important to weigh your options carefully before lending your car to anyone else. Contact Jerry for a free insurance quote and to discuss the policy's terms.