Motor Vehicle Litigation: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Motor Vehicle Legal Terms

Motor vehicle laws vary greatly from state to state. In general, the law assumes that the vehicle is being operated with the permission of its owner.

Laws that enhance penalties and making revocation automatic, or targeting social hosts have mixed effects on mortality rates. All of these measures, which include obligatory education, alcohol treatment, and interlock devices have a little 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 efficiency and licensing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers are primarily for to serve administrative purposes, and are not applicable to states that are determining their own registration classifications. The classifications of a vehicle determine if a driver needs an additional license to operate certain types of vehicles.

The laws of the state define terms like "automobile," "light trucks" and others. For example, the definition of light truck is all motor vehicles with the capacity of the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of 7,500 pounds or less. This excludes panel delivery trucks and pickup trucks. Also, it excludes any vehicle or combination of vehicles that is specifically designed to transport property or passengers wholly within its own structure, like trailers and manufactured homes.

A wheel chair is a vehicle with wheels, used primarily by persons who because of physical impairment are unable to walk as pedestrians. Mopeds are motor vehicle with fewer than three wheels that come into contact with the ground. It operates at a speed not more than 35 miles per hour.

A pedicab, also known as a pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by the operator sitting on the top. A person who holds the legal title to a car is called the owner of the vehicle.

Traffic Laws

Each state has its own set motor vehicle laws that cover everything from registration process to insurance requirements. The statutes also cover the types of vehicles subject to the law. While certain laws are fairly similar between states, some are very different. For instance, there are laws that restrict the number of people a person can transport in a pedicab. There are laws against reckless driving in certain types of roads, like a parking lot.

If you break these laws, you can be punished and fined. The penalties could range from having your driver's license suspended and being required to attend the traffic school.

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

It also defines the term "motor vehicle" as any vehicle, carriage, or other device that is powered mechanically and is used on a highway to transport people or property or for other commercial reasons. It excludes trailers and semitrailers such as coaches or house trailers and vehicles that operate only on tracks or rails snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, motorized mobility assistance devices operated by a person with a disability and self-propelled corn or hay harvesting machines and tractors.

Insurance

A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract which protects the insurer from financial loss from liability for bodily harm or death or property damage caused by a third party caused by the operating, ownership, maintenance or use of an insured vehicle. It can also provide protection against physical damage to the vehicle itself. It must contain the name and address the named insured as well as the protection provided by the policy. It also contains cost of the policy as well as the time period during the period for which the policy is in force, as well as the maximum amount of responsibility. It must also contain an agreement or endorsement that the insurance coverage is provided in conformity with the coverage set out therein as respects bodily injury, property damage, and is subject to the requirements of this chapter.

The language in a motor vehicle insurance policy can be confusing to the average person, and Duncanville law firms typically recommend that a person read an example policy to know the terms. One of the most frequent confusions is the definition of "motor vehicle". motor vehicle accident lawsuit mobile is used in a variety of statutes that regulate the registration of vehicles as well as financial responsibility laws.

Examples of coverages covered under a motor insurance policy include commercial auto insurance for vehicles that are used for commercial and business establishments or other activities, employment or occupations that are conducted to earn money, automobile liability coverage, which includes PIP MP, MP, as well as uninsured and underinsured coverage for drivers (UM/UIM). This type of insurance is required in many states.

Permissive Use

If anyone other than an insured or family member drives your car and gets involved in an accident, it's crucial to know the way insurance coverage works in these circumstances. This is referred to as permissive use. The specifics of your policy can vary however, generally speaking, all large car insurance companies provide this type of coverage.

It is important to keep in mind that you are responsible for any damage caused by a driver who has your permission. Permission can be either implied or explicit but does not necessarily need to be in writing.


In determining if there is an implied permission, courts look at the relationship between the two parties; their previous conduct and usage of the vehicle; and the circumstances surrounding the specific driving event in question. A court also will consider if any restrictions were placed on the permissive usage and if a minor deviation from the duration, location and limitations of the permission would violate these limitations.

Remember that adding another driver to your car insurance will likely cause your premium to go up, since it makes the vehicle more risky to insure. Therefore, you must be aware of your options before lending your vehicle out to other people. Contact Jerry for a no-cost insurance quote and to discuss the terms of your policy.