Roadmaster Drivers School $400,000 CDL Testing Settlement

Roadmaster Drivers School of Pennsylvania, Inc. has agreed to pay $400,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged violations of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, breach of contracts, and unjust enrichment. This settlement aims to resolve claims related to improperly conducted skills testing for commercial drivers’ licenses (CDLs) at their Bethlehem, Pennsylvania campus. Eligible class members can receive a pro rata payment of approximately $800.

Can I Claim an Award?

If you were a student at Roadmaster Drivers School of Pennsylvania, Inc. who paid tuition, fees, or other related educational expenses for CDL training and testing, and your CDL was later declared improperly issued due to improperly conducted skills testing between October 26, 2016, and May 10, 2024, you are eligible to claim an award. This settlement includes all students who meet these criteria.

To be considered a class member, you must have paid or caused to be paid tuition and/or fees or other related educational expenses in connection with CDL training and testing. Additionally, your CDL must have been declared improperly issued due to improperly conducted skills testing by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

What Can Class Members Claim?

Class members can claim a pro rata payment of approximately $800. The settlement fund of $400,000 will be used to compensate class members, with each member receiving an equal share of the fund. This amount is calculated based on the total settlement fund divided by the number of eligible class members.

In addition to the compensation for class members, the settlement fund will also cover:

• A service award of $7,500 for each class representative
• Notice and administration costs estimated at $20,000
• An award of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of costs amounting to $133,333.33, subject to the Court’s approval

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Proof is not applicable to claim the reward. The settlement administrator will use the records provided by Roadmaster Drivers School of Pennsylvania, Inc. to identify eligible class members.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you do not need to take any action if the settlement administrator has your most up-to-date mailing address. If you need to update your mailing address, you can do so at file a claim online.

If you prefer to exclude yourself from the settlement, you must mail a written request for exclusion to the settlement administrator, postmarked by August 3, 2024. Your request should include your full name, address, and a clear statement that you wish to be excluded from the settlement. You must sign the request personally.

How Do I Get Paid?

If the Court grants final approval of the settlement, settlement checks will be mailed to class members after the judgment in the lawsuit becomes final. If there is an appeal of the settlement, payment may be delayed.

$400,000 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The total settlement amount is $400,000. This fund will be used to compensate class members with a pro rata payment of approximately $800 each. Additionally, the fund will cover:

• A service award of $7,500 for each class representative
• Notice and administration costs estimated at $20,000
• An award of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of costs amounting to $133,333.33, subject to the Court’s approval

The calculation for the pro rata payment is based on the total settlement fund divided by the number of eligible class members. For example, if there are 500 eligible class members, each member would receive $800 ($400,000 / 500).

Important Dates

• Exclusion Deadline/Opt Out Deadline: August 3, 2024
• Objection Deadline: August 3, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: September 18, 2024

Why Is There a Class Action Settlement?

This class action settlement was reached to avoid the time, risk, and expense associated with litigation. The plaintiffs, Bradley Meehan and Cesar E. Corvera Santamaria, alleged that Roadmaster Drivers School of Pennsylvania, Inc. violated the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, breached contracts, and was unjustly enriched by providing educational classes that led to invalid CDLs due to improperly conducted skills testing.

By settling, both parties aim to achieve a final resolution of the disputed claims. Roadmaster Drivers School of Pennsylvania, Inc. denies any wrongdoing or liability but agreed to the settlement to avoid further litigation. The next steps include the final approval hearing scheduled for September 18, 2024, where the Court will consider whether the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate.