"Ask Me Anything": Ten Answers To Your Questions About Motor Vehicle Litigation

motor vehicle accident lawyers Vehicle Legal Terms

The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state. In general the law assumes the vehicle is operated with the permission of the owner.

The mortality rates are affected by laws that increase penalties or make revocation automatic or make social hosts targets. All of these measures, which include obligatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices, have a slight impact.

Legal Definitions

State laws govern the legal definitions of motor vehicles. The various definitions that are used for national requirements for fuel efficiency and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily for administrative reasons, and do not apply to states determining their own registration classifications. These vehicle registration classifications determine whether a driver has to obtain a special license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

These state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and other. For example, the definition of a light truck comprises any motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle that has the capacity of the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes pickup trucks as well as panel delivery trucks. Also, it does not include any vehicle or combination of vehicles designed primarily to carry passengers or property completely within its own structure, including manufactured homes and trailers.

A wheel chair conveyance is a device equipped with wheels. It is usually used by people who have physical disabilities that make them cannot move about as pedestrians. Mopeds are motor vehicle with not more than three wheels that come into contact with the ground. It operates at a speed not more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab is a vehicle that is driven by an operator who sits on it. The owner of the vehicle is the person who has the legal title.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws which cover everything from registration procedure to the insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the kinds of vehicles that are covered by the law. While some of these laws are similar across states, others are quite different. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of persons that can be transported in a pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain types of roads, for instance parking areas.

Any person who operates a motor vehicle accidents vehicle that is in violation of these laws can be penalized and liable for fines for doing so. Penalties can include getting your license suspended or having to attend traffic school.

One of the most important laws in a state regarding vehicles is the speed limits put in place on the roads. In New York, for example it stipulates that the speed limit for a commercial vehicle is similar to that of an automobile.

It also defines the term "motor vehicle" as any carriage or other device that is propelled mechanically and used on roads to move people or property, or for other commercial uses. It does not include trailers and semitrailers as well as house trailers or coaches as well as vehicles that operate on tracks or rails, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, motorized mobility assistance devices that are operated by a person who has disabilities, self-propelled corn or hay harvesting machines and tractor.

Insurance

A motor vehicle policy is a contract that protects the insurer against financial loss caused by bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a third party arising from ownership, operation, maintenance or the use of an insured vehicle. It may also cover physical damage to the vehicle. It must contain the name and address the named insured as well as the coverage provided by the policy. It also contains cost of the policy and the time for the duration of the policy in force, and the responsibility limits. It should also include an agreement or endorsement that insurance is provided thereunder in accordance with the coverage specified in respect of injuries to the body, property damage, or death, and is subject to the provisions of this chapter.

The wording in the motor vehicle policy may be confusing for the average person, and Duncanville law firms often recommend that individuals review the policy sample to fully be aware of the terms. One of the most common areas of confusion is the definition of the term "motor vehicle." The phrase is used often in statutes governing the registration of vehicles and financial responsibility laws.

Some examples of coverage under a motor vehicle policy include commercial automobile insurance for vehicles used in connection with commercial, business, jobs, or other activities carried on for profit; automobile liability insurance which includes MP and PIP as well as uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to carry this kind of insurance.

Permissive Use

If someone other than a named insured or a family member is driving your car and gets involved in an accident, it's crucial to know the process of insurance coverage in these scenarios. This is called permissive usage. The specifics of your insurance policy may vary, but a majority of major motor vehicle accident Attorney car insurers offer this type of coverage.

However, it is important to note that the person driving your vehicle must have your permission in order to be held responsible for any damage. Permission can be express or implied, and is not required to be written down.

To determine if there is implied consent, courts take into consideration the relationship between the parties, their previous behavior and the use of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding a particular driving incident. A court also will consider whether any restrictions were imposed on the permissive use. It will also consider if a minor deviation from the time, place, and usage limitations of the initial permission would be in violation of these restrictions.

Remember that adding an additional driver to your insurance policy will likely raise your premiums, as the vehicle becomes more difficult to insure. It is important to evaluate your options prior to lending your vehicle to someone else. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and discuss the terms of your policy.