Commercial trucks and vehicles require additional skills and experience to operate safely than do most passenger vehicles. To help ensure the safety of all motorists, Illinois requires you to obtain a commercial driver’s license before driving a commercial vehicle. If you were injured in a truck accident, make sure to speak with a Chicago truck accident lawyer.
Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) are necessary to operate certain vehicles depending on the vehicle’s weight, the type of material being transported, and the number of people the vehicle is designed to transport.
When drivers lack proper training and experience, they are more likely to cause an accident. Since commercial vehicle crashes frequently result in catastrophic injuries, all commercial drivers must possess a CDL and the proper training for the specific type of vehicle they will be operating.
If you have been injured in a truck or other commercial vehicle accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. You need the assistance of an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer to investigate your accident to identify all possible causes and potentially liable parties, build your strongest case, and help you recover maximum compensation.
What Is a Commercial Driver’s License in Illinois?
The Illinois Secretary of State issues Illinois commercial driver’s licenses, which allow drivers to operate commercial vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and trailers. To obtain an Illinois CDL, a driver must meet certain requirements and complete specific training.
What Are The Requirements For Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License in Illinois?
To be eligible for an Illinois CDL, a driver must:
- Be at least 18 years old for in-state driving and at least 21 years old for interstate driving.
- Possess a valid Illinois driver’s license.
- Pass a physical exam.
- Have proof of their legal presence in the United States.
- Have a clean driving record.
What Are the Illinois CDL Classes?
You need to have a specific class of CDL depending on the type of commercial vehicle you will be operating. The types are broken down into classes, including:
- Class A is required when operating vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, when the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is greater than 10,000 pounds.
- Class B is required when operating a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or any such vehicle towing another vehicle that is not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Class C is necessary when operating a single vehicle that has a GVWR of at least 16,001 pounds but less than 26,001 pounds.
- Class D is required for operating a single commercial vehicle that has a GVWR of less than 16,001 pounds.
You will also need to have an endorsement on your CDL to operate specific types of commercial vehicles. Some of those endorsements include:
- Hazardous materials endorsement, designated by an “H” on your CDL.
- Passenger endorsement, designated by a “P” on your CDL.
- Tanker endorsement, designated by “N” on your CDL.
- School bus endorsement, designated by “S” on your CDL.
- Double or Triple Trailer endorsement, designated by “T” on your CDL.
- Combination vehicles endorsement to operate vehicles with both air brakes and hazardous materials, designated by “X” on your CDL.
Federal Regulations Impacting Commercial Drivers in Illinois
In addition to the Illinois CDL requirement, commercial drivers are also regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
These federal regulations govern the operation of trucking companies and truck drivers, helping to protect all motorists. Some of the areas these regulations impact include the driver’s hours of service, electronic recordkeeping, maintenance and inspection, cargo securing processes, alcohol and drug testing, and speed limits.
When drivers and trucking companies violate federal regulations or Illinois CDL requirements, they increase the chances of a devastating accident occurring. When we prove that such violations have occurred, it can help establish causation and liability in truck accident injury cases.
Contact an Experienced Illinois Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a commercial vehicle accident that was not your fault, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. However, commercial trucking insurance carriers will work hard to deny or devalue your claim. You need the assistance of an experienced Illinois truck accident lawyer to protect your rights and help you recover maximum compensation.
The truck accident injury lawyers at Meyers & Flowers have helped secure billions of dollars for our clients and we want to help you get the justice you deserve. Call (630) 824-3963 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation.