Ten Things You Learned In Kindergarden To Help You Get Started With Motor Vehicle Litigation
Motor Vehicle Legal Terms
The laws governing motor vehicles differ widely from state to state. In general, laws assume that the vehicle was used with the owner's consent.
Laws that enhance penalties and making revocation automatic, or targeting social hosts can have mixed effects on mortality rates. Mandatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices all have little effect.
Legal Definitions
State laws govern the legal definitions of motor vehicles. The federal definitions of national fuel economy standards and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily administrative and do not apply when states decide on their own classifications for registration. The classifications of a vehicle determine if a driver needs an exclusive license to operate certain kinds of vehicles.
The state laws define terms such as "automobile," "light trucks" and others. For instance the definition of light truck includes any motor vehicle that has an rated carrying capacity by the manufacturer of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes pickup trucks as well as panel delivery trucks. motor vehicle accident lawsuit new bedford excludes any vehicle or combination of vehicles specifically designed to carry passengers or property within its own structure, like trailers and manufactured homes.
Wheel chairs are vehicles with wheels, which is used by those who physically disabled and are unable to walk. A moped is a vehicle with not more than three wheels on the ground, and that travels at an maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.
A pedicab is a motorized vehicle driven by an operator who sits on it. The owner of a vehicle is the one who holds the legal title.
Traffic Laws
Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle laws that regulate everything from the registration process to insurance requirements. The laws also deal with the types of vehicles covered by the law. While certain laws are similar across states, others vary significantly. For instance there are laws that limit the number of people that can be transported in a pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain kinds of roads, for instance parking lots.
Any person who operates a motor vehicle that is in contravention of these laws could be fined and punished for violating these laws. Penalties could include having your license suspended or having to take a traffic class.
One of the most important laws a state has regarding vehicles is that which governs the speed limits placed on 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 vehicle or other device that is propelled mechanically and is used on a highway to transport people or property or for other commercial reasons. The law excludes trailers, coaches and semitrailers, all-terrain and snowmobile vehicles as well as motorized mobility assist devices that are 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 losses arising from liability for bodily injuries or death, property damage to a third party arising out of the ownership, operation, maintenance or the use of a covered vehicle. It can also protect physical damage to the vehicle. It must contain the name and address of the named insured as along with the coverage provided by the policy. It also contains the amount of the premium, the period for the period for which the policy is in force, as well as the limits of liability. It should also include an agreement or endorsement that states that the insurance coverage is in line with the coverage that is specifically outlined for bodily injury, death or property damage.
Duncanville law firms often suggest that people read a sample motor vehicle policy to know the terms. One of the most common areas of confusion is the definition of "motor vehicle." The phrase is used frequently in statutes that govern the registration of vehicles and financial responsibility laws.
Examples of coverage under the motor vehicle policy are commercial auto insurance that covers vehicles used for business, commercial establishments, jobs, or other activities which are carried out for profit automobile liability insurance, which includes MP and PIP, and uninsured motorist and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). Many states require drivers to have this type of insurance.
Permitted Use
If someone other than a named insured or a family member drives your vehicle and is involved in getting into an accident, it's crucial to know how insurance coverage works in these instances. This is referred to as permissive use. The specifics of your insurance policy might vary, but most large car insurers offer this type of coverage.
It is important to keep in mind that you are liable for any damages caused by a driver with your permission. Permission may be expressed or implied but does not necessarily need to be in writing.
In determining if there is an implied permission, courts look at the relationship between the parties; their prior conduct and the use of the vehicle; as well as the circumstances surrounding the particular driving incident in question. A judge will also consider whether any restrictions were imposed on the scope of permissive usage and if even a minor deviation from the duration, location or restrictions of the initial permission would be in violation of these limitations.
Be aware that adding a driver to your auto insurance policy is likely to raise your premiums, as the vehicle becomes more risky to cover. It is therefore important to consider your options carefully prior to lending your vehicle out to anyone else. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and discuss the terms of your policy.