Every day, we pass dozens of commercial trucks on the roads. From tractor-trailers and flatbed trucks to buses, dump trucks, and tank trucks, there are millions of these vehicles that need drivers.
But did you know that there’s more than one type of commercial driver’s license? Read on to discover the three different types of commercial driver’s licenses and what each one allows you to drive.
Type A commercial driver’s licenses give drivers the broadest scope of driving rights. In fact, drivers who have a Type A CDL can drive most vehicles that require a Type B or Type C license.
Drivers with a Type A license can operate:
You have to have a Type A CDL if you want to drive a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds. Of course, this only applies if the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
Type B CDLs allow drivers to operate slightly smaller vehicles than the Type A license covers. This license also allows you to operate certain types of Class C vehicles.
If you have a Type B license, you can operate:
Type B CDLs allow you to operate any single vehicles that aren’t hitched to a trailer. You can also drive commercial trucks that have a combined weight greater than 26,000 pounds or a detached towed cargo vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds.
Type C CDLs allow you to drive the smallest kinds of commercial vehicles. You have to have one of these licenses to drive any vehicle that holds more than sixteen people, including you. This will enable you to drive small buses and certain full-size vans.
A Type C CDL also allows you to operate double and triple trailers, as well as tank trucks and HazMat vehicles. You can drive vehicles that weigh less than 26,000 pounds or a vehicle towing a trailer that weighs less than 10,000 pounds.
If you want to get a CDL that allows you to drive out of state, you have to be at least 21 years old. You can get a CDL in Illinois at age 18, but you’ll only be able to drive within the state. Once you turn 21, that restriction will automatically be removed.
You can apply for a CDL at your local DMV, but there are several other requirements you’ll have to meet. You’ll have to have a valid non-commercial driver’s license, have one or two years of driving experience, and provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency. You’ll also need to get a DOT physical, take the appropriate driver training, and pass all required background checks.
Illinois also has some additional requirements you’ll need to meet to get your commercial driver’s license.
Different classes of commercial driver’s licenses allow you to drive different sizes of vehicles. Type A gives you the broadest scope, and Type B allows you to drive most mid-size commercial vehicles. A Type C CDL allows you to drive smaller commercial vehicles, such as buses and tank trucks.
If you were injured in an accident with a commercial truck, our lawyers can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to. We’ll take on the insurance and trucking companies to get you a full settlement offer. Schedule a free consultation with us today to discuss the details of your case and your legal options.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, please call the Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid1730 Park St #209, Naperville, IL 60563(630) 428-4040
]]>The National Association of City Transportation reports that there are more than 88 million annual trips by motor scooters. The trajectory skyrocketed in the last few years, with the scooter rental industry expanding to 109 cities by 2019, a 45% increase from the year before.
This trend is expected to grow in the coming years. Motor scooters are now seen as a fun and viable alternative to traditional transportation methods.
However, are they safe? The answer to this question depends on many factors, but if you were hurt in a motor scooter accident, contact an experienced Naperville personal injury lawyer for help.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that e-scooters resulted in about 50,000 emergency department visits and at least 27 user deaths between 2017 and 2019. Some of the concerns regarding these motorized vehicles include:
The popularity of motor scooters has led to the proliferation of rental options without a good set of regulations in place.
Lawmakers have had trouble keeping up with the transportation and safety issues related to these vehicles. Additionally, riders might not know where they are allowed to operate these vehicles. Pedestrians could also be in danger of electric scooter users who ride on the sidewalk.
As regulations continue to evolve, users are left without clear guidelines about where they should ride. Electric scooter users and pedestrians can be injured when scooter users operate on sidewalks, but roads often are not safe for scooter users, either.
A senior policy analyst for Consumer Reports says that a “stunning number” of electronic scooter users are getting hurt, many of whom were not wearing helmets. This is partly due to the lack of rules requiring these users to wear a helmet.
Those who do not wear a helmet are more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries. The analyst insists that safety needs to be the priority.
Like motorcyclists, electric scooter users are more susceptible to injuries due to road conditions than other types of road users.
IIHS research found that electric scooter users were twice as likely as bicyclists to sustain injuries because of:
Smooth surfaces are recommended for scooter use, but many sidewalks and roads do not fit the bill. Electric scooter riders sustain more injuries per mile than bicyclists.
A lack of proper infrastructure also contributes to the greater number of scooter wrecks.
40% of first rides resulted in injuries, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Most cities do not require riders to have any particular training or license. Many users have never operated a motor scooter before renting one, which contributes to many first-time accidents.
Some of the most common causes of motor scooter accidents include:
An experienced Naperville scooter accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible for the collision.
Whether you are a rider, passenger, or pedestrian injured in a motor scooter accident, there are steps you can take to protect your rights after an accident, including:
Finally, reach out to a skilled accident lawyer in Naperville who can help you make a legal claim to pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident, please call the Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid1730 Park St #209, Naperville, IL 60563(630) 349-2433
]]>In the aftermath of a car accident, it can be difficult to know what steps to take. One of the most important decisions you may have to make is when it is time to hire an attorney. After all, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve and protect your rights. Here’s when it may be time to hire a car accident lawyer in Illinois.
If you have suffered serious injuries as a result of a car accident, it is time to call an attorney. An experienced car accident lawyer will know how to build a strong case for maximum compensation. They will also be able to help you navigate the legal system and ensure that all deadlines are met so that your rights are protected.
In Illinois, there are minimum insurance requirements that drivers must meet in order to legally operate motor vehicles on public roads. However, some drivers choose not to purchase the required coverage, or they fail to update their policy when they move out of state.
If this happens and you get into an accident with such a driver, hiring a lawyer can help ensure that you get the coverage you need from other sources – such as your own uninsured motorist insurance policy or by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver.
Hit-and-run accidents can be incredibly traumatic experiences and often leave victims feeling helpless and confused about what steps they should take next. Unfortunately, hit-and-run drivers often never get caught and thus never face the consequences of their actions.
However, hiring an attorney can help victims find the responsible driver and seek justice through civil lawsuits against the responsible parties and potentially recover damages related to medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more. An attorney can also help you file a claim with your own insurance company in some cases.
If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you might be feeling overwhelmed and confused about what to do next. One of the most important steps is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Here’s why it’s essential to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an auto accident.
Although insurance companies may seem like they have your best interests in mind, they are ultimately looking out for their own bottom line. They may try to deny or minimize coverage in order to save money. A knowledgeable lawyer will be able to fight for your rights and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve from the insurance company.
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you may need to take legal action against them. This can be complicated and intimidating, so having an experienced lawyer on your side is essential. Speaking with a lawyer right away means you can get your case started quickly and obtain the compensation you need sooner rather than later.
When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to have as much evidence as possible in order to prove who was at fault. A good lawyer will know exactly what kind of evidence is necessary for your case, such as police reports, witness statements, photos of the scene, medical records, and more. They’ll also be able to advise you on how to properly document any physical or emotional injuries that you may have suffered due to the accident.
No matter what type of car accident you have been involved in, having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference when it comes time to seek compensation for your losses or hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
If you’ve been injured, please call the Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid for a free case evaluation with a car accident lawyer or contact us online.
Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid1730 Park St #209, Naperville, IL 60563(630) 428-4040
]]>If you were recently involved in a personal injury accident, you may be wondering what to do next. Before accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company or filing a lawsuit on your own, consult with a personal injury attorney.
A free consultation with an attorney in Illinois can help you learn more about your legal options and how to pursue damages.
During a consultation in Illinois, you will have the opportunity to learn more about your prospective attorney. You can ask questions about the attorney’s experience and if they have handled cases similar to yours.
The attorney may also ask you questions, including:
During the consultation, you will likely find out if you have a claim and what your next steps should be.
Consulting with an attorney can provide you with understanding regarding:
Many law firms offer potential clients free consultations to learn more about their legal rights without taking on a financial obligation.
You should bring all of the information, documents, and evidence that you have. Tell the truth and provide as much information as possible to the attorney. The more details you are able to provide to your potential lawyer, the more accurate legal advice you will receive.
Take full advantage of your free consultation with an attorney in Illinois by coming prepared with a list of questions, such as:
It is important to know what to expect regarding an attorney’s fee arrangement. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you are not required to pay your attorney’s fees if your case is unsuccessful. However, if your case is won, your attorney will receive a percentage of your compensation.
Personal injury lawyers can specialize in a number of different practice areas. You should choose an attorney who has vast experience in handling the type of accident you were in.
It is important to know who from the legal team will be working on your case and communicating with you when your lawyer is unavailable.
A good attorney will likely not make any guarantees regarding the compensation you will receive. However, you should be able to gain information regarding what types of damages may be available in your case.
It will likely take time for your case to settle and even longer in the rare event you need to go to trial. The attorney may not be able to give you an exact estimate, but they should still be able to provide you with helpful insight.
If you were injured in a personal injury accident, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the process of getting the compensation you deserve.
A lawyer can help you determine which damages are available to pursue, including:
You will need to provide evidence of the harm you suffered to establish that another person is liable for your injuries.
Your lawyer may gather the following evidence to prove you are owed compensation:
It can be difficult to advocate for yourself, even if you have a valid claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer will build a strong case using evidence to negotiate for a fair settlement or go to trial. Begin this process today by contacting a skilled attorney in Illinois for a free consultation.
If you’ve been injured in a personal injury, please call the Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid1730 Park St #209Naperville, IL 60563(630) 428-4040
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