Feb 14, 2024
Navigating CDL Types and Requirements in Florida: A Comprehensive Guide
For those who drive for a living, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) may be a necessity for their career, but a CDL is not one specific license. There are different CDL types and requirements based upon classifications, loads, all of which carry different concerns for a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver. You may have been in an accident with a CMV being operated by a CDL holder (which is basically a professional who drives all day), and now you feel you need a car accident lawyer to help you navigate the aftermath. By the way, many times someone with a CDL is making an injury claim because of another 18-wheeler that was negligence on the highway.
When navigating CDL types and requirements in Florida, you may feel that you need a comprehensive guide but the main focus for a commercial truck accident victim is focusing on injuries and evidence gathering. Either way, here’s a general idea of what you need to know about a CDL.
What Is a CDL?
A commercial driver’s license is a special type of license that shows the holder to have a certification to drive larger vehicles based mostly upon size and weight. This includes any vehicle larger than a personal vehicle, such as tractor-trailers, dump trucks, garbage trucks, sewage trucks, buses, heavy equipment, and specific types of cargo for 18-wheelers.
These classifications indicate that the professional driver completed the correct training and passed all tests – written and on the roads – necessary to safely drive certain types of commercial vehicles. These may be required depending on the specifics of the job. For example, someone who drives a bus may need a specific license (commonly known as a CLASS B or CLASS C license depending on the amount of passengers and weight of the vehicle), while someone who hauls dangerous cargo such as flammables will have different requirements (likely a CLASS A under Florida nomenclature).
CDL Classifications
Understanding the different CDL classifications is essential for anyone pursuing a career as a commercial driver. Each class—Class A, B, and C—determines the type of vehicle you are legally allowed to operate, as well as the endorsements you may need for specialized vehicles or cargo. Ensuring that you have the correct class of CDL not only keeps you compliant with Florida regulations but also protects you and others on the road.
For the most accurate and detailed information, you can refer directly to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) CDL Classifications page
Personal Injury Laws That May Impact CDL Holders
A CDL can help drivers make an honest and profitable living. However, crashes happen daily, and victims to their negligence can have options to protect their livelihood.
If you are involved in a personal injury claim as a CDL holder, it can impact your CDL even when you are a victim of someone else’s negligence. Because of this, it’s vital you know the state laws that may impact you and what you can do to protect your license when involved in a Florida accident.
Need Help with Commercial Vehicle Crash? Contact Us
The attorneys at AccidentLawFirm.com are dedicated to helping clients who have been injured in accidents involving commercial vehicles. With years of experience and a deep understanding of personal injury law, we provide the guidance and resources necessary to navigate even the most complex cases. Our goal is to help you maximize the compensation you deserve, ensuring that every aspect of your claim is handled with care and attention.
The process begins with a free consultation, either over the phone or through our convenient online contact form, where we evaluate the details of your case and explain your legal options. At AccidentLawFirm.com, our commitment to excellence is reflected in our satisfied clients—our 5-star reviews are no accident. You can trust that we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the justice you deserve.