15 Of The Top Motor Vehicle Litigation Bloggers You Must Follow
Motor Vehicle Legal Terms The laws governing motor vehicles vary from state to state. In general the law, it is assumed that the vehicle is being operated with the permission of its owner. Laws enhancing penalties, making revocation automatic or targeting social hosts have mixed impact on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices all have a limited impact. Legal Definitions The laws that govern the legal definitions of motor vehicles are formulated and regulated at the state level. The federal definitions for national standards for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers are mostly administrative in nature and do not apply when states decide on their own classifications of registration. These classifications for vehicles determine if a driver requires an additional license to operate certain kinds of vehicles. The state laws define the terms “automobile,” “light truck” and others. As an example, a light truck is any motor vehicle that has a capacity that is less than 7,500 pounds. This excludes panel delivery trucks and pickup trucks. Also, it does not include any combination of vehicles specifically designed to carry passengers or property entirely within the structure of the vehicle, which includes trailers and manufactured homes. A wheel chair is a machine with wheels, typically used by persons who, due to physical disability are unable to walk as pedestrians. Mopeds are motor vehicle with no more than three wheels that are in contact with the ground. It is able to travel at a speed of not more than 35 miles per hour. A pedal-driven vehicle, is one that is driven by the operator sitting on the top. A person who holds the legal title to a vehicle is called its owner. Traffic Laws Typically, each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws which regulate everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. They also regulate the kinds of vehicles covered by the law. Some of these laws are akin across states, but others differ greatly. There are motor vehicle accident lawyer plantation that limit the number of passengers that can be transported in a pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving in certain types of roads, such as parking lot. A person who operates a motor vehicle that is in violation of these laws can face penalties and fines for violating these laws. The penalties could vary from getting your driver's license revoked or being required to attend a traffic school. One of the most important laws a state has regarding vehicles is the speed limits that are placed on roads. In New York, for example it says that the speed limit for commercial vehicle is identical to that of an automobile. It also defines the term “motor vehicle” as any carriage or other device that is powered mechanically and used on the highway to transport people or property or for commercial reasons. The law does not include trailers, coaches and semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles as well as motorized mobility assist devices for people with disabilities and self-propelled corn as well as hay harvesting machines. Insurance A motor vehicle policy is a contract that protects the insurer against financial loss caused by bodily injury or death or property damage caused by a third-party that results from the running, maintaining, ownership, or use of an insured vehicle. It may also provide protection against physical damage to the covered vehicle. It must contain the address and name of the insured named the policy, the coverage provided by the policy, the cost paid for it, the time of its effectiveness, and the limits of liability. It must also contain an endorsement or agreement stating that the insurance provided is in compliance with the coverage specified as to bodily injury or death, or property damage. Duncanville law firms often recommend that individuals review a sample motor vehicle policy to be aware of the terms. One of the most common confusions is the definition of “motor vehicle”. This phrase is found in numerous statutes that govern the registration of vehicles as well as financial responsibility laws. Some examples of coverage under the motor vehicle policy are commercial automobile insurance for vehicles used in connection with business, commercial establishments, jobs, or other activities carried on for profit; automobile liability insurance that includes PIP and MP; and underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to carry this kind of insurance. Permissible Use It is essential to understand the way insurance coverage works in the event that a person other than the named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and causes an accident. This is known as permissive utilization. The specific terms of your insurance policy may differ, but most large car insurers offer this type of coverage. However, it is important to remember that the person driving your vehicle must have your permission for you to be held accountable for any damages. Permission may be expressed or implied, and it is not required to be recorded. In determining if there is implied consent, courts will examine the relationship between the parties, their previous conduct and usage of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding a specific driving incident. A court will also examine whether there were any restrictions placed on the permissive usage, and if even minor deviations from the time, place and usage limitations of the original permission would violate of these restrictions. Be aware that adding another driver to your insurance will result in your premium going up since it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. It is important to carefully consider your options prior to giving your vehicle over to other people. If you're not sure whether to include someone on your policy or not, contact Jerry to discuss the specific terms of your insurance policy and receive a no-cost quote.