You Hurt? We Fight!
It's more than just our motto; it's our mission.
Serving Accident & Injury Victims for Over 20 Years
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"Whether it's a whiplash, serious injury or wrongful death case, we pride ourselves on representing you with the personal service and aggressive representation that you expect and deserve!" -Attorney Ron Sholes
In the Community
Back Injury
$3.5 MILLION
After a trial, we obtained a verdict of 3.5 million for our client that sustained low back injuries requiring two surgeries and a lifetime of pain management.
Semi-Truck Accident
$3.50 MILLION
Our client was involved in a commercial vehicle accident which led to spinal fusion surgery requiring a spinal cord stimulator.
Long-Term Injuries
$2.5 MILLION
We obtained a $2.5 million verdict for our client that suffered a fractured arm and leg, necessitating surgery, as well as spinal injuries requiring long-term pain management for spinal injuries.
Auto Accident
$2.16 MILLION
We obtained a verdict for our client who sustained spinal injuries in an accident that required spinal fusion surgery.
Auto Accident
$1.95 MILLION
We obtained a $1.95 million verdict for a client who sustained spinal injuries in an auto accident which required a lifetime of pain management and need for future surgery.
Motorcycle Crash
$1.45 MILLION
Our client was involved in a motorcycle crash and sustained injuries. We were able to recover $1,450,000.
Commercial Vehicle Accident
$1.30 MILLION
Our client was involved in a commercial vehicle accident and sustained injuries. We were able to recover $1,300,000.
Product Liability
$1.0 MILLION
Our client sustained injuries due to a faulty product. We were able to recover $1,000,000
Semi-Truck Accident
$1.0 Million
We recovered for our client injured in an accident resulting in shoulder and spinal injuries.
Slip & Fall Injury
$1.0 Million
We recovered for our client who was injured in a fall at an apartment complex.
DO YOU LOSE YOUR CDL IF YOU GET A DUI?
Driving Under the Influence Charges for Commercial Drivers
It is illegal for anyone—regardless of age or driver’s license status—to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs anywhere in the state of Florida. When it comes to DUI laws, the rules for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders are stricter than they are for Class C and other drivers.
While non-commercial drivers are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, commercial driver’s license holders cannot drive if their BAC is 0.04% or higher. In addition to facing significant jail or even prison time and steep fines, commercial drivers convicted of DUI also face automatic CDL suspension. If there are aggravating factors present, such as a prior DUI conviction, the commercial driver could lose their CDL for up to 10 years or even the rest of their life.
DUI Laws for Commercial Drivers in Florida
Operating a large commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, comes with certain inherent dangers. As such, commercial drivers are held to strict safety standards by both federal and state laws. In addition to hours-of-service rules, truck inspection regulations, and special training requirements, commercial drivers are subject to specific laws when it comes to driving intoxicated or being in possession of a controlled substance.
In Florida, commercial vehicle operators face automatic CDL suspension if they:
- Operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher
- Operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Operate a motor vehicle while in possession of a controlled substance
- Refuse to take a blood alcohol level test, such as a breathalyzer or urine test
- Drive a commercial vehicle 15 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit
- Drive recklessly, including excessive speeding or engaging in road rage behaviors
- Receive citations for two or more serious traffic offenses within a three-year period
Depending on the severity of the infraction, a CDL holder could face automatic driver’s license suspension of one to three years. In many cases, commercial drivers cannot request a hardship license. A commercial driver can only request a hardship license after refusing to take a chemical BAC test after being pulled over and/or arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Is a CDL Automatically Reinstated After the Suspension Period?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV) does not automatically reinstate commercial driver’s licenses at the end of automatic suspension periods. Instead, it may require the original CDL holder to complete a mandatory substance abuse treatment program, pay all related fines, satisfy criminal court requirements, and even retake and pass CDL exams. Additionally, the CDL holder will be required to pay various reinstatement fees, ranging from $60 or $75 to $130.
When Is a CDL Suspended for Longer Than One to Three Years?
The FLHSMV may suspend a commercial driver’s license for more than the standard one to three years when a commercial driver is convicted of a “major” infraction.
Examples of major infractions include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, particularly with a BAC that far exceeds the maximum allowable BAC of 0.04%
- Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping to provide identification and/or render reasonable aid (known as a “hit and run”)
- Driving a commercial vehicle with a suspended or revoked CDL
- Using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony
- Causing the death of another person by negligently operating a commercial vehicle
These major infractions may lead to an immediate, long-term CDL suspension or even complete revocation of the driver’s CDL. In some cases, the commercial driver may have the opportunity to request CDL reinstatement after 10 years; in others, they face a lifetime CDL revocation and cannot seek reinstatement at any time.
Can a Commercial Driver Contest CDL Suspension?
A commercial driver can contest the automatic suspension of their CDL after a DUI arrest or another infraction. The commercial driver must file an appeal with the FLHSMV within 10 days of their CDL being suspended. If they fail to do so, they cannot contest their CDL suspension.
After filing an appeal, the commercial driver must attend an appeal hearing before the FLHSMV. Following the hearing, the FLHSMV may reinstate the driver’s CDL, or it may uphold the suspension.
What Role Does a CDL Suspension Play in a Truck Accident Investigation?
If you or someone you love was involved in a truck accident, determining whether the truck driver’s CDL was suspended can be a critical element of your case. During the truck accident investigation, your attorney will look at the police accident reports, driver’s logs, and other available evidence. If the truck driver’s CDL was suspended or revoked, this can help prove that the driver was driving under the influence and/or committed a major infraction, which likely contributed to the accident.
At The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we conduct exhaustive investigations and gather all available evidence to build powerful cases on behalf of our clients. Reach out to our firm today to learn how we can help you with your potential case.
Schedule a free consultation today; call (855) 933-3881 or contact us online to get started.
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Take the First Step in Your Recovery
Call The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. at 855-WE-FIGHT or fill out and submit our online contact form to request a free initial consultation today. We look forward to hearing your story and sharing how we can help you get back on your feet.
Why Hire Us
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingent basis, which means you do not pay a dime unless we make a recovery.
Maximizing Your Recovery
Navigating a personal injury claim is like a chess match. It's about determination, commitment, and a will to win! We don’t just talk about maximizing claims and delivering results, we do it!.
Personal Service
We have a team of client care specialists and an owner that demands every client be treated like family. This means frequent contact and updates by the legal team to help put your mind at ease.
Legal Advice & Counsel
We understand the importance of providing you sound legal advice and counsel throughout the claims process. Our attorneys and support staff communicate with you about your health and your claim throughout the process.
Experienced Legal Team
Our team includes over 20 attorneys with over 200 years of combined experience, numerous investigators and medical staff, and more than 100 professional support staff.
Convenient Locations
We’re your neighborhood law firm, not a downtown law firm. With fully staffed offices in several Northeast Florida counties and Jacksonville offices in Arlington, Northside, Westside, and Southside, we’re here for you!
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