Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary widely between states. In general the law assumes the vehicle is operating with the permission of the owner.

Laws enhancing penalties such as making revocation automatic and targeting social hosts can have mixed impacts on mortality rates. Mandatory education, treatment for alcohol, and interlock devices all have a limited impact.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern legal terms for motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicles. The definitions used by the federal government for national fuel economy standards and licensing standards for drivers of commercial vehicles are mostly administrative and are not applicable when states establish their own classifications for registration. The classifications of a vehicle determine if a driver requires an additional license to operate certain types of vehicles.

These laws define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and more. 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 pickup trucks and panel delivery trucks. Also, it does not include any combination of vehicles designed primarily to carry passengers or property completely within its own structure, including manufactured homes and trailers.

Wheel chairs are vehicles equipped with wheels and is used by those who are physically disabled and cannot walk. A moped is an automobile with no more than three wheels on the ground and that travels at the speed of 35 miles per hour.

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

Traffic Laws

Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle laws, which regulate everything from the registration process to the insurance requirements. These laws also address the types of vehicles that are covered by law. While some of these laws are fairly similar between states, others are quite different. For instance there are laws that restrict the number of passengers you can carry in a pedicab. There are laws against reckless driving in certain types of roads, such as parking lot.

If you are in violation of these laws, you may be punished with a fine and/or a penalty. Penalties could include having your license revoked or having to take a traffic class.

One of the most important laws in a state regarding automobiles is that it 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.

The law also defines the definition of a "motor vehicle." This includes any description of carriage or other contrivance that is propelled by mechanical force and employed on a public highway for the transportation of persons or property or for other commercial use. The law does not include trailers, coaches and semitrailers, all terrain and snowmobiles as well as motorized mobility assist devices used by disabled people and self-propelled corn, as well as hay harvesting machines.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract that protects the insurer against financial losses in the event of bodily harm or death or property damage caused by a third-party due to the running, maintaining, ownership, or use of an insured vehicle. It may also protect against physical damage to the vehicle. It must contain the name and address of the named insured as in addition to the coverage offered by the policy. It also contains cost of the policy as well as the time period during which the policy is in effect, as well as the maximum amount of responsibility. It must also contain an agreement or endorsement that insurance is provided thereunder in accordance with the coverage specified in the policy for injuries to the body, property damage or death and is subject to the requirements of this chapter.

The language used in the motor vehicle policy may be confusing for the average person. Duncanville law firms often recommend that a person read a sample policy to fully comprehend the terms. One of the most frequently encountered confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". The phrase is found in many statutes that govern the registration of vehicles as well as financial responsibility laws.

A few examples of coverage under a motor vehicle policy include commercial auto insurance that covers vehicles used in connection with business, commercial establishments, jobs, or other activities that are conducted for profit; automobile liability insurance, which includes PIP and MP; and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This kind of insurance is required in many states.

Permitted Use

If someone other than the named insured or family member is driving your car and gets involved in an accident, it's crucial to know the way insurance coverage works in these situations. This is called permissive usage. The specific terms of your insurance policy may differ, but the majority of large car insurers offer this type coverage.

However, it is crucial to keep in mind that anyone driving your vehicle must have your permission in order to be held responsible for any damage. Permission can be either implied or explicit and does not always have to be written.

In determining if there is an implied permission, courts examine the relationship between the two parties; their previous behavior and use of the vehicle; as well as the circumstances surrounding the specific driving event that is in question. A court will also examine whether any restrictions were imposed regarding the permissive usage and whether even minor deviations from the time, place and usage restrictions of the initial permission would be in violation of these limitations.

Remember that adding a driver to your insurance is likely to cause your premium to go up, as it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. It is crucial to think about your options before giving your vehicle over to others. Contact Jerry to get a free insurance quote and discuss the terms of your policy.