Large trucks are a common sight on North Carolina’s roads. These vehicles carry goods across the state and country, but they also need skilled, licensed drivers behind the wheel.
Driving a big truck isn’t like driving a regular car. That’s why all commercial truck drivers are required to have a special license called a North Carolina CDL license.
Unfortunately, not all drivers follow the rules. Some truck drivers operate without the proper license, and some companies let it happen. This creates serious dangers for everyone on the road.
Here are eight important things to know about why unlicensed truck drivers are a big problem and what you can do if you’re hurt in a crash caused by one.
A CDL License is Required by Law
A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) proves that a person has been trained to drive large, heavy trucks safely.
In North Carolina, getting this license means passing written tests, a driving exam, and sometimes a health screening. Without a CDL, drivers are not legally allowed to drive big trucks.
Some Companies Let Unlicensed Drivers Work Anyway
Some trucking companies break the rules by letting drivers work without a proper CDL. They may do this to save time or money, but it’s a dangerous shortcut. Allowing untrained or unqualified drivers on the road is illegal and can lead to serious accidents.
Driving Without a CDL Breaks Federal Law
The federal government passed the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act (CMVSA) to stop unsafe drivers from getting behind the wheel. The law says drivers can’t have more than one license and must meet strict safety rules.
If someone drives a truck without a CDL, they are breaking the law and could face big fines or lose their ability to drive commercially.
Unlicensed Drivers Are More Likely to Cause Crashes
Big trucks can weigh as much as 40 tons. They take longer to stop, need more space to turn, and have large blind spots.
A driver without proper training may panic or make poor decisions in tough situations. This makes crashes more likely and often more serious.
Victims Can Take Legal Action
If someone is hurt in a truck accident and the driver didn’t have a valid North Carolina CDL license, the victim has the right to file a legal claim.
The trucking company may be responsible for hiring or keeping a driver who wasn’t qualified. This is called negligence.
Insurance Companies May Try to Avoid Paying
After a crash, trucking companies often have large insurance policies. But these insurance companies don’t always play fair.
They may try to offer small settlements or deny responsibility. That’s why it’s important to talk to a truck driver attorney who knows how to handle these cases.
Victims Can Get Money for More Than Just Medical Bills
A truck crash can cause serious injuries, like brain injuries, broken bones, or permanent damage. A legal claim can help victims recover money for hospital bills, missed work, long-term care, pain, and emotional stress.
If the crash happened because the driver was unlicensed, it may even lead to extra compensation.
A Good Attorney Can Make a Big Difference
Truck accident cases can be complicated. An experienced truck driver attorney can investigate what happened, gather important documents, and prove if the company broke the rules. This helps the victim stand up to big companies and get the support they deserve.
The End Note
Letting unlicensed drivers operate huge trucks is careless and dangerous. The North Carolina CDL license is meant to make sure truck drivers are trained and safe.
When companies ignore these rules, they put lives at risk. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck crash involving an unlicensed driver, talk to a qualified attorney. You may be able to get the help and the justice you need.
