“It’s an unnecessary expense; I rarely get tickets.”
While you might not get tickets often, when you do, especially as a CDL holder, the consequences are far more severe than for a regular driver. Points on your record, increased insurance premiums, and even job loss can quickly outweigh the monthly cost of the CDLP. It’s about protecting your livelihood, not just handling a minor inconvenience. Think of it as insurance for your career.
“I can just hire a local lawyer if I need one.”
You absolutely can, but consider the cost. A single traffic violation defense can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in attorney fees, often upfront. With LegalShield, you pay a low monthly fee, and the covered services are handled by experienced attorneys without additional hourly charges. Plus, finding a reliable lawyer in an unfamiliar jurisdiction while on the road can be a significant hassle and time drain.
“The lawyers won’t be good or invested because they’re part of a network.”
LegalShield partners with dedicated law firms that specialize in commercial driver legal issues. These firms are compensated by LegalShield, so their focus is on serving you, not on billing you by the hour. They have a vested interest in providing quality service to maintain their relationship with LegalShield and its members. Many have years of experience specifically with CDL defense.
“I heard they only cover minor tickets, not serious violations.”
While minor moving violations are a core benefit, LegalShield CDLP also offers coverage for more serious issues like tragic accident defense (e.g., manslaughter, vehicular homicide charges stemming from an accident), license reinstatement assistance, and defense for DOT and non-moving violations (logbook, overweight, hazardous material, etc.). It’s designed to protect against a wide range of legal challenges a commercial driver might face.
“My company offers a similar plan or helps with legal issues.”
It’s great if your company offers some support, but it’s crucial to understand the extent of that coverage. Often, company-provided assistance is limited to specific types of incidents or may only cover you while on duty. LegalShield CDLP covers you in both your commercial and personal vehicle, and for a broader range of legal issues that impact your CDL, giving you more comprehensive and independent protection.
“There’s a waiting period, so it won’t help with my current issue.”
Yes, there’s typically a short waiting period (e.g., 10 days) for new issues to be covered. This is common with many services and products. However, the plan is designed for proactive protection. By having it in place before an incident occurs, you ensure you’re covered when you need it most. And remember, future legal issues are unpredictable.
“I can handle traffic tickets myself in court.”
While you might be able to handle a basic ticket, a CDL holder’s situation is different. Lawyers specializing in traffic law for commercial drivers know the nuances of the laws, how to negotiate with prosecutors, and how to potentially get charges reduced or dismissed, which can significantly impact your CSA scores and MVR. Doing it yourself often results in higher fines and more points.
“It’s just for tickets; I have other legal needs too.”
The CDLP is specifically tailored for commercial drivers, but LegalShield also offers a general personal legal plan that covers a wide array of other common legal issues like wills, contract reviews, landlord-tenant disputes, and more. Some CDLP plans even include limited personal legal benefits or offer discounts on services outside the core CDLP coverage.
“I don’t trust prepaid legal services; I’ve heard negative things.”
Like any service, experiences can vary, and it’s good to be informed. LegalShield has been in business for over 50 years and serves millions of members. While individual experiences can differ, the company aims to connect members with qualified attorneys. It’s important to focus on the specific benefits for CDL holders, which are designed to address the unique challenges of your profession, and consider the potential savings compared to out-of-pocket legal fees.
“I don’t drive enough miles for it to be worth it.”
The number of miles driven doesn’t eliminate the risk of legal issues. Even short hauls or driving your personal vehicle can lead to incidents that impact your CDL. A single roadside inspection or unexpected traffic stop could result in a violation that jeopardizes your career. The cost is a small investment for peace of mind and protection against potentially career-ending legal problems, regardless of your mileage.
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