Motor Vehicle Litigation: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier

Motor Vehicle Legal Terms Motor vehicle laws vary greatly from state to state. In general the law assumes the vehicle is operating by the owner's permission. The mortality rates are influenced by laws that increase penalties or make revocation automatic or specifically target social hosts. Mandatory education, treatment for alcohol, and interlock devices have minimal effects. Legal Definitions State laws regulate the legal terms used by motor vehicles. The various federal definitions used in connection with national requirements for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mainly for administrative reasons, and are not applicable to states that are determining their own registration classifications. These vehicle registration classifications determine whether a driver must be issued a special license to operate certain kinds of vehicles. The state laws define the terms “automobile,” “light truck” and many others. For instance, the definition of light truck is any motor vehicle that has the capacity of the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes panel delivery trucks as well as pickup trucks. This includes any vehicle or combination of vehicles that is designed to transport passengers or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers. Wheel chair is a conveyance with wheels, which is utilized by people who are physically disabled and unable to walk. A moped is an automobile with at most three wheels on the ground, and that travels at maximum speed of 35 miles per hour. A pedicab, also known as pedal-driven vehicle, is one that is driven by the person sitting on the top of it. The owner of an automobile is the person who holds the legal title. Traffic Laws Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle laws which encompass everything from registration process to insurance requirements. The laws also deal with the kinds of vehicles that are protected by law. Some of these laws are similar across states, but other laws differ significantly. There are motor vehicle accident attorney round rock that limit the number of people that can be transported in a pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain types of roads, like a parking lots. A person who operates a motor vehicle in contravention of these laws could be penalized and liable for fines for violating these laws. The penalties could range from having your driver's licence suspended to being required to attend an traffic school. One of the most important laws a state has regarding vehicles is that which 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 well as automobiles. It also defines the term “motor vehicle” as any carriage or any other device that moves mechanically and is used on roads to move property or people, or for other commercial uses. The law does not apply to trailers, coaches and semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles motorized mobility assist systems operated by people with disabilities as well as self-propelled corn and hay harvesting machines. Insurance A motor insurance policy for vehicles is an agreement between the insurer and insured which provides insurance against financial loss on account of liability for bodily injury or property damage to a third party, arising out of ownership, operation, maintenance or the use of a covered automobile. It can also cover physical damage to the vehicle. It must state the address and name of the named insured the policy, the coverage provided by the policy, the amount payable, the duration of its effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It should also include an agreement or endorsement stating that the insurance is in accordance with coverage provided for bodily injuries or death, or property damage. Duncanville law firms often suggest that clients read a sample motor vehicle policy in order to know the terms. One of the most frequent confusions is the definition of “motor vehicle”. This phrase is used in a number of statutes that govern the registration of vehicles as well as financial responsibility laws. Examples of coverages under a motor policy include commercial auto coverage for vehicles used for business, commercial establishments or for employment, activities, or occupations that are performed for profit, and automobile liability insurance, which covers PIP MP, MP, as well as uninsured or underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to carry this kind of insurance. Permissible Use It is essential to understand how insurance coverage will work in the event that someone other than the named insured or a family member is driving your vehicle and causes an accident. This is known as permissive use. The specific terms of your policy could differ however, in general, most large car insurance companies offer this kind of coverage. However, it is important to note that the person driving your vehicle must have your permission for you to be held liable for any damages. Permission can be either implied or explicit but does not necessarily have to be written. In determining whether there is implied permission, courts will look at the relationship between the parties; their prior conduct and usage of the vehicle; and the circumstances surrounding the specific driving incident in question. A court will also consider the extent to which restrictions were imposed on the permissive use and if even slight deviation from the time, place and use limitations of the original permission would violate these restrictions. Remember that adding a driver to your insurance will likely result in your premium going up, as it makes the car more risky to insure. It is therefore important to consider your options carefully prior to lending your car to others. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and discuss the terms of your policy.