Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | May 20, 2024 | Truck Accidents
The experience of operating a large truck is unlike that of driving a regular car. For this reason, truck drivers need special training and must obtain proper licensing. But is a commercial license required to drive every type of truck? The answer to this question depends on certain details, including the size and weight of the truck.
What Is a CDL?
A commercial driver’s license, also called a CDL, is a special type of license prospective truck drivers must obtain before legally operating large trucks. There are three classes of CDLs, all allowing for the operation of various trucks, including:
- Class A: Allows for driving of trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or greater when the towed vehicle is 10,001 pounds or more
- Class B: Allows driving any one vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and trucks with towed cargo vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less
- Class C: Allows for transport of 16 or more passengers, hazardous materials, and any vehicles not listed under Class A or Class B
Driving large vehicles and commercial trucks requires extensive knowledge and skill, which is why commercial driver’s licenses are necessary. Not only is operating a commercial vehicle without a CDL against the law, but it also increases the chances of accidents, putting drivers and others on the road at risk.
What Is a Box Truck?
A box truck — also called a box van or a cube truck — is given its name due to its box-shaped cargo area, which is separate from the cab. These cube-like trucks are usually bigger than cargo vans but smaller than tractor-trailer trucks.
Box trucks vary in size depending on the type and size of cargo. These trucks are commonly 10 to 26 feet long and weigh 12,500 to 33,000 pounds.
Is a Commercial Driver’s License Required To Operate a Box Truck?
The largest commercial vehicle you can drive without acquiring a special license is 26,000 pounds. Therefore, in most cases, you won’t need a commercial driver’s license to operate a box truck.
It is not uncommon for drivers without CDLs to drive box trucks. For example, if you’re moving, you may have enough stuff that you need a large truck. You can rent a large truck through U-Haul or Budget, which do not require you to first acquire a special license. Truck rental companies rent trucks that fall under the weight needed to get a CDL.
Even though you don’t need a commercial license to drive a box truck, it does not mean just anyone should drive these vehicles. Driving a box truck requires a certain level of comfort and skill, so it’s important to consider whether getting behind the wheel of a box truck would be in everyone’s best interests.
Box Truck Accidents: Who’s at Fault?
Several parties could be liable for a box truck accident, including:
- The truck driver
- The owner of the truck
- The trucking company
- Maintenance and repair companies
- Cargo loaders
- Manufacturers and distributors
Liability is a key component of compensation in collision claims, as it helps decide who is financially responsible for your accident and injuries. An experienced truck accident lawyer can review the details of your case and determine fault.
Getting Legal Assistance for Your Truck Accident Claim
If you’re involved in a truck accident, including box truck crashes, do not wait to obtain legal representation. A skilled truck accident attorney can protect your rights as a collision victim and aggressively pursue financial recovery to cover your injuries and losses.
Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Martin County, St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and its surrounding areas in Florida:
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart
73 SW Flagler Ave
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Port St. Lucie
1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. Ste 202
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 247-3374
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Palm Beach Gardens
300 Avenue of the Champions Ste 220
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 944-4000