motor vehicle accident lawsuit Vehicle Legal Terms

Motor vehicle laws vary greatly from state to state. In general the law, it assumes that a vehicle is being operated with its owner's permission.

The mortality rates are affected by laws that increase penalties and make revocation automatic or make social hosts targets. Mandatory education, treatment for alcohol, and interlock devices have minimal effects.

Legal Definitions

The laws that govern motor vehicle legal terms are defined and determined at the state level. The various federal definitions used in connection with national requirements for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly for administrative reasons, and are not applicable to states determining their own registration classifications. These classifications of vehicles determine if a motorist requires an exclusive license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

These state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and many others. For instance light truck, it is any vehicle with an rated capacity of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes panel delivery vehicles and pickup trucks. This includes any vehicle or combination designed to transport passengers or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.

Wheel chairs are a vehicle with wheels utilized by people who are physically disabled and cannot walk. A moped is a motor vehicle accident law firms vehicle with no more than three wheels that come into contact with the ground. It travels at speeds of no more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a motorized vehicle which is driven by an operator who sits on it. The owner of a vehicle is the one who owns the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Typically, each state has its own set of motor vehicle law that regulate everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the kinds of vehicles covered by the law. Some of these laws are similar across states, however others are different. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of people one can carry in the pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, for instance parking areas.

Anyone who drives a motor vehicle that is in violation of these rules could be fined and punished for doing so. The penalties range from getting your driver's license revoked or being required to attend the traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a state regarding vehicles is that which governs the speed limits that are set on roadways. In New York, for example, it states that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is similar to that of an automobile.

The law also sets out the definition of a "motor vehicle." This includes every description of a vehicle or contrivance that is propelled by mechanical energy and utilized on a public road to transport people or property, or for other commercial purpose. It does not include semitrailers and trailers, coaches or house trailers and vehicles that operate only upon rails or tracks snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicle, motorized mobility assistance devices operated by a person with disabilities, self-propelled hay harvesting or corn harvesting machines and tractors.

Insurance

A motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle insurance policy is a contract which protects the insurer from financial loss from liability for injuries to the body or death or property damage caused by a third party that results from the ownership, operation, maintenance or the use of an insured vehicle. It can also offer protection against physical damage to the covered vehicle. It must state the address and name of the insured named as well as the coverage provided by the policy, the premium charged therefor, the period of the policy's effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It must also include an agreement or Motor vehicle accident lawsuits endorsement that states that the insurance coverage is in line with the coverage specific to bodily injury, death or property damage.

The language used in the motor vehicle policy could be confusing to anyone, and Duncanville law firms typically recommend that a person read a sample policy to fully understand the terms. One of the most frequently encountered areas of confusion is the definition of "motor vehicle." The phrase appears frequently in statutes that govern the registration of vehicles and financial accountability laws.

Examples of coverages under the motor policy include commercial auto insurance for vehicles used for commercial or business establishments or activities, employment, or jobs done for profit, automobile liability insurance, which covers PIP, MP, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This kind of insurance is required by several states.

Permitted Use

It is essential to understand what insurance coverage is available in the event that someone other than the named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and causes an accident. This is known as permissive usage. The specific terms of your insurance policy may vary, but most large car insurers offer this type of coverage.

However, it is important to keep in mind that anyone driving your car must have your permission for you to be held liable for any damages. Permission may be express or implied but does not necessarily require writing.

In determining if there is implied consent, courts will look at the relationship of the parties, their prior behavior and the use of the vehicle as well as the circumstances surrounding a particular driving event. A court will also consider whether any restrictions were imposed on the permissive usage and if a minor deviation from the time, place and use limitations of the original permission would violate the restrictions.

Be aware that adding a driver to your car insurance will increase your insurance premium up, since it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. Therefore, you must consider your options carefully prior to lending your vehicle to other people. If you're not sure whether to add someone to your policy or not. Contact Jerry to discuss the specifics of your insurance policy. Get an estimate for free.