Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state. In general the law assumes a vehicle is being operated by the owner's permission.

Laws that increase penalties that make revocation automatic or targeting social hosts have varying effects on mortality rates. All of these measures, such as obligatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices have a tiny impact.

Legal Definitions

The laws that govern motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle legal terms are defined and determined at the state level. The various federal definitions used for matters related to national requirements for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly administrative purposes, and are not applicable to states that are determining their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicles determine whether a driver has to obtain a special license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

The state laws define terms like "automobile," "light trucks" and more. For example the definition of light truck is any motor vehicle with the capacity of the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of 7,500 pounds or Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney less. This excludes pickup trucks and panel delivery trucks. Also, it excludes any combination of vehicles that is designed primarily to carry passengers or property entirely within its own structure, such as manufactured homes and trailers.

A wheel chair conveyance is a machine with wheels, typically used by those who because of physical impairment, are unable to walk around as pedestrians. Mopeds are motor vehicle with no more than three wheels that are in contact with the ground that travels at speeds of no more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by a driver sitting on the top. Someone who holds the legal title to a vehicle is referred to as the owner.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws which cover everything from registration process to the insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the kinds of vehicles that are protected by law. While certain laws are fairly similar across states, motor vehicle accident attorney some are very different. There are laws that restrict the number of people that can be carried in a pedicab. There are also laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, like parking areas.

Any person who operates a motor vehicle that is in contravention of these laws could be punished with fines and penalties for violating these laws. Penalties could include having your license revoked or being required to take a traffic class.

The law that governs speed limits on roads is among the most important laws that states have. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles and automobiles.

It also defines the term "motor vehicle" as any vehicle or other device that is driven mechanically and used on the highway to transport property or people or for commercial reasons. The law excludes trailers, coaches, semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles and motorized mobility assist devices operated by people with disabilities and self-propelled corn, as well as harvesting machines for hay.

Insurance

A motor insurance policy for vehicles is a contract between the insurer and insured that provides insurance against financial loss resulting from liability for bodily injury or property damage to a third party, arising out of ownership or operation, maintenance, or use of a covered vehicle. It also provides protection against physical damage to the covered vehicle. It must contain the name and address of the named insured as well as the coverage provided by the policy, the cost payable, the duration of its effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It must also contain an agreement or an endorsement that states that the insurance provided is in compliance with the coverage that is specifically outlined for bodily injury and death, as well as property damage.

Duncanville law firms typically recommend that individuals review a sample motor vehicle policy to be aware of the terms. One of the most frequently encountered confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". The phrase is found in a variety of statutes that regulate vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.

Examples of the coverages that are covered under a motor vehicle accident attorney insurance policy include commercial auto insurance for cars that are used for commercial and business establishments or activities, employment, or occupations carried out for profit, as well as automobile liability insurance, which includes PIP, MP, and uninsured and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to have this type of insurance.

Permitted Use

It is essential to know how insurance coverage will work when someone other than the named insured or a family member is driving your car and causes an accident. This concept is referred to as permissive use. The specifics of your policy might differ but generally, the majority of major car insurance companies provide this type of coverage.

It is important to keep in mind that you are responsible for any damage caused by a driver with your permission. Permission may be expressed or implied, and usually does not have to be recorded.

In determining if there is implied consent, courts take into consideration the relationship between the parties, their past behavior and the usage of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding a specific driving incident. A court also will consider if any restrictions were placed on the permissive use, and if even slight deviation from the time, place and use restrictions of the original permission would violate the restrictions.

Remember that adding a driver to your auto insurance policy will likely increase your premium, as the vehicle becomes more difficult to cover. It is important to consider your options prior to giving your vehicle over to someone else. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and to discuss the terms of your policy.