Thorough and Cost-Effective Defense Litigation in a Wide Range of Transportation Issues
We have focused intently supporting a wide array of transportation industry clients and their insureds including: taxi, limousine, livery, ride share, bus, rental car, airport/hotel shuttle services, medical transportation, trucking, shipping, cargo, property broker, freight forwarder, third party logistics (3PL), inter-modal, and private fleet.
We understand that often transportation clientele are targeted by Plaintiffs’ lawyers as “deep pocket” parties in order to incite juror passion and foster animosity between various corporate defendants and so-called “common carrier” defendants, and the individuals who use these commercial vehicles. The firm’s wisdom in managing the defense of potential target defendants is unsurpassed. Our experience levels the playing field between these “target” defendants and those that file suit against them. We continue to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of both local and state transportation laws, including the definition, identity, and liability of ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft, the efforts of lobbyists to inflame and inflate transportation liability, and the complexities of underwriting appropriate policies, in Illinois.
Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Property Damage
Over the last several decades, we have exploited extensive experience handling transportation investigations, arbitrations and lawsuits in catastrophic injury, personal injury, wrongful death, property loss and other claims, to secure a successful resolution for our clients. Our attorneys are well versed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act, Carmack Amendment issues, and all other aspects of state and federal law as well as recent important court decisions.
We maintain a national network of key experts in the fields of accident investigation and reconstruction, transportation regulation, biomechanics, bio-medical factors, chemical and intoxication experts, post-mortem medical examination, and other areas of expertise, necessary to understand liability and explain often complicated science to jurors. Our firm consistently aids transportation clients in the formation, interpretation, and reliance upon indemnification clauses in transportation contracts, tenders of defense, insurance coverage, contract law, principal-agency, and punitive damages.
Lawsuits typically involve post-accident analysis about the conduct of drivers or transportation clients. Our experience and know-how analyzing and preventing liability for: future losses, agency issues, safety policies, product issues, and the constant barrage of accusations of legal obligation, are invaluable to provide successful outcomes whether pre-litigation or in the courtroom.
Coordination of Accident Investigation
We are experienced investigating catastrophic accidents and developing major defense strategies and directions — dictated by the facts. Our attorneys often respond within minutes to the scene of serious accidents to supervise, coordinate and assist in investigations when called upon. Similarly, we are available to defend upon any traffic violation incurred by an insured, to lesson the impact of a damning finding of liability in a traffic courtroom. We work in partnership to evaluate the need and authority, to assemble requisite teams of engineers, investigators, and technicians, and physicians, when necessary. We work expeditiously to evaluate potential exposure, preserve evidence, and support the people who come under our care, following an accident.