Motor Vehicle Litigation: The Ugly The Truth About Motor Vehicle Litigation
Motor Vehicle Legal Terms The laws that govern motor vehicles differ widely from state to state. In general, laws assume that a vehicle was operated with the owner's consent. Laws enhancing penalties, making revocation automatic or targeting social hosts have varying impact on mortality rates. All of these measures, such as mandatory education, alcohol treatment and interlock devices, have only a tiny effect. Legal Definitions State laws regulate the legal terms used by motor vehicles. The various definitions used by the federal government for matters related to national requirements for fuel efficiency and licensing standards for commercial vehicle drivers serve mostly to serve administrative purposes, and are not applicable to states that determine their own registration classifications. The classifications of a vehicle's registration determine if a driver needs to be granted a specific license to operate certain types of vehicles. The state laws define the terms “automobile,” “light truck” and others. For instance the definition of light truck is 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. Also, it does not include any combination of vehicles designed primarily to carry property or passengers wholly within its own structure, including manufactured homes and trailers. A wheel chair conveyance is a device with wheels. It is usually used by persons who, due to physical disability are unable to walk around as pedestrians. A moped is an automobile with not more than three wheels on the ground and that can travel at an maximum speed of 35 miles per hour. A pedicab, also known as pedal-driven vehicle, is driven by a driver sitting on the top of it. The owner of a vehicle is the one who owns the legal title. Traffic Laws Typically, every state has its own set of motor vehicle law that encompass everything from registration process to the insurance requirements. The laws also deal with the kinds of vehicles subject to the law. While some of these laws are fairly similar across states, others differ significantly. For instance there are laws that restrict the number of people that can be transported in a pedicab. There are laws that prohibit reckless driving on certain types of roads, like a parking lots. Someone who operates a motor vehicle that is in violation of these laws can face penalties and fines for violating these laws. The penalties can vary from being able to have your driver's license suspended or being required to attend an traffic school. One of the most important laws a state has regarding vehicles is the one that governs the speed limits set on roadways. In New York for example, the speed limit is the same for commercial vehicles and automobiles. The law also defines the definition of a “motor vehicle.” This covers every description of a carriage or device that is driven by mechanical force and used on a public highway for the transport of people or property, or for other commercial use. motor vehicle accident lawsuit newport beach excludes semitrailers and trailers, coaches or house trailers, vehicles that run only on tracks or rails snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, motorized mobility assistance devices operated by a person with disabilities, and self-propelled corn or hay harvesting machines and tractors. Insurance A motor vehicle insurance policy is a contract that protects the insurer against financial losses in the event of injuries to the body or death or property damage caused by a third-party that results from the running, maintaining, ownership or the use of an insured vehicle. It can also protect against physical damage to the vehicle. It must contain the address and name of the insured named as well as the coverage provided by the policy, the cost that is charged, the period of effectiveness and the limits of liability. It should also contain an agreement or endorsement that the insurance is provided in conformity with the coverage described in the policy, in relation to injuries to the body, property damage, and is subject to all provisions of this chapter. Duncanville law firms frequently suggest that people read the sample motor vehicle policy to comprehend the terms. One of the most common confusions is the definition of “motor vehicle”. This phrase appears in a variety of statutes that regulate the registration of vehicles and financial accountability laws. Examples of the coverages that are covered under the motor policy include commercial auto coverage for vehicles used for commercial or business establishments or other activities, employment or occupations carried out for profit, and automobile liability coverage, which includes PIP MP, MP, as well as uninsured and underinsured driver coverage (UM/UIM). A majority of states require drivers to have this type of insurance. Permissive Use If someone other than a named insured or family member drives your vehicle and gets involved in an accident, it's important to understand the insurance coverage that is available in these instances. This is known as permissive usage. The specifics of your insurance policy might differ, but most large insurance companies offer this type of coverage. However, it is important to note that a person driving your vehicle must have your permission to be held accountable for any damage. Permission can be given in writing or implied, and it is not required to be written down. In determining whether there is implied permission, courts consider the relationship between the parties; their past behavior and use of the vehicle; and circumstances surrounding the particular driving event in question. A court will also look at whether there were any restrictions placed on the scope of permissive usage and whether even minor deviations from the time, place and usage limitations of an initial permission would violate of these limitations. Be aware that adding another driver to your car insurance will cause your premium to go up, as it makes the car more risky to insure. Therefore, you must weigh your options carefully before lending your vehicle to anyone else. If you're unsure whether to add someone to your policy or not, contact Jerry to discuss the specifics of your insurance policy and get a no-cost quote.