Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

Motor vehicle laws vary greatly from state to state. In general, laws assume that the vehicle was used with the owner's consent.

Laws that increase penalties such as making revocation automatic and targeting social hosts can have mixed effects on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices all have small effects.

Legal Definitions

The laws governing grand Island motor vehicle accident lawyer vehicle legal terms are defined and determined at the state level. The federal definitions of national standards for fuel economy and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily administrative and do not apply when states determine their own registration classifications. These classifications for vehicles determine whether a motorist must be issued a special license to operate certain types of vehicles.

The state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and others. For instance, a light truck is any motor vehicle that has a capacity of carrying less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks as well as panel delivery trucks. This is any vehicle or combination designed to transport people or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.

A wheel chair conveyance is a machine with wheels, used primarily by persons who are physically disabled and are unable to walk as pedestrians. A moped is a vehicle with only 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 person who sits on the top. The owner of a vehicle is the person who is the legal owner.

Traffic Laws

Typically, each state has its own set of lumberton motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle law that deal with everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. These statutes also address the kinds of vehicles that are subject to the law. While some of these laws are fairly similar between states, others are quite different. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of persons you can carry in the pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, like a parking lots.

Anyone who drives a white settlement motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle in violation of these rules could face penalties and fines for violating these laws. Penalties can include having your license suspended or having to go to traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a state pertaining to automobiles is that it governs the speed limits that are 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 sets out the definition of a "motor vehicle." This includes any description of carriage or other device that is powered by mechanical power and is utilized on a public road for the transport of people or property, or lincolnton motor vehicle accident law firm for other commercial use. It does not include semitrailers and trailers such as coaches or house trailers, vehicles that run only on tracks or rails snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, motorized mobility assist devices used by people with disabilities and self-propelled corn or hay harvesting machines and tractors.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract which protects the insurer from financial loss caused by bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a third party due to the operating, ownership, maintenance, or use of an insured vehicle. It may also protect against physical damage to the vehicle. It must contain the address and name of the insured named the policy, the coverage provided by the policy, the premium payable, the duration of the policy's effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It must also include an agreement or a statement that insurance is provided thereunder in conformity with the coverage set out in the policy, in relation to bodily injury, death or property damage and is subject to all provisions of this chapter.

The language of the motor vehicle policy may be confusing for the average person, and Duncanville law firms will often suggest that individuals read a sample policy to fully know the terms. One of the most frequently encountered areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle." The phrase is used often in statutes governing registration of vehicles as well as financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages covered under the motor policy include commercial auto insurance for cars that are used for commercial and business establishments or for employment, activities, or occupations that are performed for profit, automobile liability insurance, which includes PIP MP, PIP, and uninsured and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to carry this kind of insurance.

Permitted Use

If someone other than a named insured or family member is driving your car and gets involved in an accident, it's crucial to know the process of insurance coverage in these situations. This is known as permissive use and the specific terms of your policy can vary but generally, the majority of large car insurance providers offer this type of coverage.

It is important to remember that you are responsible for any damages caused by a driver who has your permission. Permission may be implied or express and does not typically require a written document.

In determining if there is an implied permission, courts consider the relationship between the parties, their previous conduct and usage of the vehicle; and the circumstances surrounding the specific driving event. The court will also consider whether there were any restrictions placed on the scope of permissive use, and if even a minor deviation from the duration, location and limitations of the original permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Remember that adding an additional driver to your insurance policy will increase your premium, as the vehicle becomes more difficult to insure. It is therefore essential to be aware of your options before lending your vehicle to other people. If you are unsure about whether to add someone to your policy or not, contact Jerry to discuss the specific terms of your insurance policy and receive a no-cost quote.