5 Laws That Anyone Working In Motor Vehicle Litigation Should Know
Motor Vehicle Legal Terms
The laws for motor vehicles vary from state to state. In general, laws assume that a vehicle was operated with the consent of the owner.
Laws that increase penalties such as making revocation automatic and the targeting of social hosts have mixed impacts on mortality rates. All of these measures, including obligatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices, have only a small effect.
Legal Definitions
The laws that govern the legal definitions of motor vehicles are defined and determined at the state level. The various definitions used by the federal government in connection with national requirements for fuel economy and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mainly for administrative purposes, and are not applicable to states that decide their own registration classifications. These vehicle registration classifications determine whether a driver has to obtain a special license to operate certain types of vehicles.
The state laws define the terms "automobile," "light truck" and other. For example the definition of a light truck comprises all motor vehicles with 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. This includes any vehicle or combination designed to carry passengers or property within its own structure. This includes manufactured homes and trailers.
A wheel chair conveyance is a vehicle with wheels, typically used by persons who because of physical impairment are unable to walk around as pedestrians. A moped is a vehicle with not more than three wheels on the ground and that can travel at a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.
A pedal-driven vehicle, is one that is driven by the operator who sits on the top of it. The owner of the vehicle is the person who is the legal owner.
Traffic Laws
Each state has its own set of motor vehicle laws which cover everything from registration procedure to the insurance requirements. The laws also deal with the kinds of vehicles protected by law. Some of these laws are similar across states, while others differ greatly. For instance, there are laws that limit the number of persons one can carry in the pedicab. There are laws that ban reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, for instance parking spaces.
If you violate these laws, you could be penalized and fined. Penalties could include having your license suspended or the requirement to attend traffic school.
One of the most important laws a state has regarding automobiles is that it governs the speed limits set on roadways. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles as well as automobiles.
The law also sets out the definition of the term "motor vehicle." motor vehicle accident attorneys florida includes any description of a carriage or contrivance that is propelled by mechanical energy and utilized on a public road for the transportation of people or property or for any other commercial purpose. It does not include semitrailers and trailers such as coaches or house trailers, vehicles that run only upon rails or tracks snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicle as well as motorized mobility aids used by people with disabilities, self-propelled hay harvesting or corn harvesting machines and tractors.
Insurance
A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract that protects the insurer against financial losses from liability for bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by a third party caused by the maintaining, operating, or use of an insured vehicle. It may also cover physical damage to the vehicle. It must include the name and address the named insured as along with the coverage provided by the policy. It also includes the amount of premium paid and the time frame for the period for which the policy is in force, and the maximum amount of responsibility. It must also contain an agreement or endorsement that states that the insurance coverage is in compliance with the coverage specific to bodily injury, death or property damage.
Duncanville law firms frequently suggest that individuals review the sample motor vehicle policy to comprehend the terms. One of the most frequent confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". This phrase appears in numerous statutes that govern vehicle registration and financial responsibility laws.
Examples of the coverages that are covered under a motor insurance policy include commercial auto insurance for cars that are used for commercial, business establishments or for employment, activities, or occupations done for profit, and automobile liability coverage, which includes PIP MP, PIP, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to have this kind of insurance.
Permissive Use
If someone other than the named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and gets involved in an accident, it is important to understand the insurance coverage that is available in these situations. This is referred to as permissive use. The specific terms of your policy can vary but generally, the majority of major car insurance companies provide this type of insurance.
However, it is crucial to note that a person driving your car must have your permission for you to be held accountable for damages. Permission can be express or implied, and usually does not have to be recorded.
In determining whether there is implied consent, courts examine the relationship between the parties, their previous behavior and the use of the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding a specific driving incident. A court will also consider the extent to which restrictions were imposed on the permissive use and if even an unintentional deviation from the duration, location and limitations of the permission would violate these restrictions.
Remember that adding a driver to your insurance could cause your premium to go higher, since it makes the car more risky to insure. It is important to carefully consider your options prior to lending your car to someone else. If you're not sure whether to add someone else to your policy or not, contact Jerry to discuss the specific terms of your insurance policy. Get a free quote.