Trucking license fraud happens when a driver gets a commercial driver’s license (CDL) using false information, bribery, or other dishonest methods. Some drivers may use fake identities, lie about their experience, or even pay to pass required tests. This puts other people on the road in danger because it allows unqualified drivers to control large, heavy trucks.
How fake CDLs lead to crashes
A CDL proves that a driver knows how to handle a big truck safely. If someone gets a CDL fraudulently, they may not know how to drive in bad weather, handle heavy loads, or react in emergencies. This increases the chance of accidents like rollovers or jackknifes. Unqualified drivers may also break trucking rules, such as driving too many hours and becoming too tired to drive safely.
Who is responsible in trucking license fraud cases?
When a crash involves a driver with a fake CDL, different people could be at fault. The driver could face criminal charges, including fraud and reckless driving. The trucking company might also be responsible if it did not properly check the driver’s background. If a licensing official helped with the fraud, they could also face legal trouble.
Legal trouble for trucking companies
Companies that skip background checks or ignore warning signs about a driver’s license can be sued for negligence. People hurt in accidents caused by unqualified truck drivers can seek money for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a company knowingly hires an unqualified driver, it may also face fines from the government.
Stopping trucking license fraud helps reduce accidents and makes it easier for those affected to get justice. Stronger licensing checks and background investigations help keep unsafe drivers off the road. Those harmed in fraud-related trucking crashes can take legal action against careless trucking companies.