CDL Licensing

Miami Attorneys Assisting Truck Accident Victims

To operate a large truck and other specified vehicles, drivers in Florida must obtain a commercial driver’s license, or CDL. Licensing requirements stipulate that drivers must undergo certain training and evaluations in order to receive CDLs. This training and testing is important to safety on the roads. Even with proper licensing, commercial drivers can contribute to serious accidents. When license lapse or are fraudulently obtained, the potential for severe injuries increases. The Miami truck accidents at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are dedicated to pursuing proper compensation for victims. We can assist people throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as in other areas of South Florida.

Holding Commercial Drivers Liable for Negligence

If you are injured as a result of a crash involving a truck, a negligent commercial driver can potentially be held responsible for the damages incurred through a personal injury lawsuit. To prevail in this type of case, the plaintiff must show that the driver, or the trucking company employing the driver, was negligent. To establish negligence, the plaintiff must prove that he or she was owed a duty of care and that the duty of care was breached. The plaintiff must also show that the breach was a cause of the plaintiff’s injuries and resulting damages.

Commercial truck operators have a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent driver would behave under similar circumstances. As a result, a commercial driver who is speeding or operating a vehicle without proper training or licensing, leading to a collision, may be held responsible for the injuries that result. In addition, if a trucking company fails to adhere to state laws and hires unlicensed drivers to operate its vehicles, it could be found at fault for negligent hiring or negligent entrustment. If liability is established, a plaintiff may be awarded damages in the form of past and future medical costs, lost income, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering, among other examples.

CDL Licensing Requirements

Vehicles that weigh over 26,000 pounds or that carry more than 15 passengers must generally be operated by an individual with a CDL. The same is true for trucks carrying hazardous materials. In Florida, CDLs are issued based on different “classes,” corresponding to different types, weights, or cargoes of trucks. To obtain a CDL, drivers must be trained and tested in the following areas:

  • General knowledge concerning trucks, road safety, and traffic regulations;
  • Equipment performance and requirements;
  • Basic skills;
  • Air brakes (if applicable);
  • Combinations vehicles; and
  • Other exams applicable for endorsements, or special authorizations.

Drivers must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a CDL, and those under 21 are restricted to intrastate operations only. Drivers issued citations for speeding or other dangerous actions may face suspensions of their CDLs for up to three years, and depending on the infraction, or its frequency, CDLs may be revoked.

Discuss Your Truck Accident Case with a Miami Lawyer

If you have been hurt in an accident involving a commercial truck operator, the Miami truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you pursue your claim against those who may have been responsible. Our firm offers seasoned legal assistance from the initial investigation of the accident until the conclusion of any necessary litigation. We also represent people in Miami, West Palm Beach, and other South Florida cities. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a motor vehicle collision attorney.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Thank you to Robert Dixon & Kristopher Torres for an amazing experience handling with my first injury lawsuit. Very much hassle-free and down to earth experience working with this law firm. I would definitely use them again! My case was settled and I am satisfied with the results! Glad to have them fighting on my behalf." Diamond Epps
★★★★★
"This firm goes out of there way to make sure all of your needs are met. They are wonderful and within a year, my settlement was reached. In addition, I never waited more than a couple hours for someone to get back with me. I highly suggest this firm." Melissa Ellis
★★★★★
"I had the pleasure of working with attorney Torres when I was involved in a car accident last year. He was always checking up on me, always making sure that I was getting the proper treatment that I needed. Whenever I called the office everyone was so nice and willing to help me. I'm glad he was my attorney and thank you for such a wonderful service from you and your firm." Natalie J.
★★★★★
"I'd like to say that the Law Office of Robert Dixon has been great to work with since the inception of my case back in 2016. Robert and team made me feel rest assured that patience would constitute a much larger settlement and that truly was the case. ... I highly recommend this law firm for anyone needing help from a very compassionate team of hard workers. Thanks again everyone for this positive experience as this was my first time ever dealing with the courts or a law firm...." Paul Carlson
★★★★★
"Jodie, Jennifer and the WHOLE Team are AWESOME! Everyone I have spoken to, have been very professional, patient and kind. The ladies take their time to ensure you understand everything that is happening every step of the way. Each time I would have a question, they were available via e-mail or a quick phone call." Nathalie Perez