If you drive a commercial vehicle in Texas, the type of license you hold determines what you’re legally allowed to operate. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues commercial driver’s licenses in line with federal standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Each CDL class covers a different category of vehicle, and the requirements vary depending on the vehicle’s size, configuration, and purpose. In addition to knowing which license you need, it’s also important to understand your legal rights if you’re ever injured in a truck accident in Houston, TX while driving commercially.
What Are the Different CDL Classes in Texas?
Texas issues three classes of commercial driver’s licenses. The distinctions between them depend on the vehicle’s weight, configuration, and intended use.
The three CDL classes are:
- Class A: Covers combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 10,000 pounds. This license is commonly required for tractor-trailers.
- Class B: Covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, including those towing a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. Common examples include dump trucks and large buses.
- Class C: Covers vehicles that do not meet Class A or B requirements but are designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver, or carry hazardous materials requiring placards.
A higher-class CDL generally allows drivers to operate vehicles in lower classes. However, additional endorsements may be required depending on the vehicle or cargo.
Do I Need Any Special Endorsements?
On top of the base CDL class, certain types of vehicles and cargo require separate endorsements. These are added to your license after you pass additional knowledge or skills tests.
Some of the most common endorsements include:
- H endorsement for transporting hazardous materials
- P endorsement for carrying passengers
- T endorsement for pulling double or triple trailers
- N endorsement for operating tank vehicles
- S endorsement for driving school buses
Each endorsement has its own testing requirements, and the hazmat endorsement also involves a TSA background check.
What Happens if I’m Injured While Driving Commercially?
Commercial driving comes with elevated risks, including tight delivery schedules and long hours behind the wheel. If you are injured on the job, the legal process can look different depending on your employment situation.
If your employer carries Texas workers’ compensation insurance, you may be eligible for benefits covering medical care and a portion of lost wages. Workers’ compensation generally limits lawsuits against subscribing employers for covered workplace injuries, although exceptions may apply.
If your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, you may be able to pursue a negligence lawsuit against the employer, depending on the circumstances.
You may also have a claim against a negligent third party, such as another driver or a company responsible for defective vehicle equipment. These claims can involve different types of compensation than workers’ compensation benefits.
Contact the Houston Truck Accident Attorneys at Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for Help Today
Commercial vehicle accidents can cause serious injuries and raise complicated questions about liability, insurance coverage, and workers’ compensation. If you were injured while operating a commercial vehicle in Texas, understanding your legal options is an important step toward protecting your rights.
At Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP, our Houston truck accident lawyers help injured individuals evaluate potential claims and pursue compensation from responsible parties. Whether your case involves a negligent driver, an employer, or another third party, our team can review the circumstances and explain your options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we may be able to help.
Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP